Break Ke Baad (translated as After the Break) is a 2010 Indian Hindi-language romantic comedy film directed by Danish Aslam and produced by Kunal Kohli under the banner of Kunal Kohli Productions. The film features Deepika Padukone and Imran Khan in leading roles, with supporting performances by Shahana Goswami, Yudhishtr Urs, Sharmila Tagore, Navin Nischol (in his final film role), and Lillete Dubey. The story follows Abhay and Aaliya, childhood friends who become lovers, as they face challenges in their relationship after a breakup. Their journey explores themes of love, independence, and personal growth.
Most of the film was shot in Mauritius, with some scenes filmed in India. The music was composed by Vishal–Shekhar, and this was their first collaboration with lyricist Prasoon Joshi. The soundtrack was released on October 15, 2010.
Break Ke Baad was released in theaters on November 26, 2010. Critics gave the film mixed-to-positive reviews, praising the lead actors’ chemistry and performances but pointing out weaknesses in the story. The movie received an average response at the box office and earned about ₹19.5 crore (US$4.4 million) worldwide. The film’s budget was reported to be ₹18 crore (US$4.1 million). A mobile video game based on the film was released by Jump Games as part of its promotional campaign.
Plot
Abhay Gulati and Aaliya Khan are childhood friends with different personalities. Abhay is trustworthy and likes things to stay the same, while Aaliya is driven and wants to be independent. Aaliya is inspired by her mother, Ayesha Khan, who was once an actress. Aaliya wants to become an actress herself. When Aaliya's father leaves the family, she becomes more determined to create her own future. Although Abhay and Aaliya begin a romantic relationship, their different goals cause problems, especially when Aaliya refuses to consider marriage.
Aaliya gets an opportunity to study acting in Australia and decides to go. At first, she lives with her strict aunt, but later moves into a shared house with other young people. Abhay, feeling unsure and worried, travels to Australia without telling Aaliya, which upsets her. Their relationship worsens, and they break up. Abhay stays in Australia and works hard to open a restaurant, which becomes successful.
Over time, Abhay and Aaliya become friends again. Aaliya finishes acting school, and Abhay earns his father’s approval for his career choices. When Aaliya gets a film role, she signs the contract without telling her mother, causing a conflict. Abhay criticizes Aaliya for being selfish and ends their relationship. Aaliya realizes her mistake and wants her mother’s support, so she quits the film and returns to India to fix things. Ayesha understands her daughter’s growth and supports her acting career.
Aaliya goes back to Australia for the film and reconnects with Abhay, who says he has moved on. Later, she learns Abhay is getting married and is hurt he didn’t tell her. She confronts him at his home, confesses her love, and proposes with the same ring he once planned to give her. Abhay shows her a wedding invitation with her name on it, proving he always wanted to marry her. They reunite, and the story ends with them married and having a daughter named Sara.
Cast
- Deepika Padukone plays the role of Aaliya Khan, also known as Aaliya Abhay Gulati (Al Ziyah Vastani) as Young Aaliya
- Imran Khan plays the role of Abhay Gulati. Gelato Namit Shah plays Young Abhay. Parzaan Dastur plays Teenage Abhay
- Sharmila Tagore plays the role of Ayesha Khan, Aaliya's mother
- Shahana Goswami plays the role of Nadia "Nads"
- Yudhishtar Urs plays the role of Cyrus
- Lillete Dubey plays the role of Pammi Gulati, Abhay's aunt
- Naveen Nischol plays the role of Jeet Gulati, Abhay's father
- Suparna Marwah plays the role of Khaala, Ayesha's sister
- Divyaalakshmi plays the role of Preeti Gulati
- Rohan Mantri plays the role of Jai
- Neelu Kohli plays the role of Kamal Gulati, Abhay's mother
- Shankar Sachdev plays the role of Javed Bhai
- Gaurav Nanda plays the role of Theatre Director
- Kamlesh Ojha plays the role of Rishabh Malhotra
- Manish Naidu plays the role of Daniel Trip
- Nyesha Arora plays the role of Sara Gulati, Abhay and Aaliya's daughter
Release
The movie Break Ke Baad was shown in movie theaters in India on November 26, 2010. Reliance BIG Pictures was responsible for distributing the film. It was the first movie directed by Danish Aslam. Before its release, the film was promoted through marketing efforts that focused on the main actors’ chemistry and modern relationship topics.
Reception
The film Break Ke Baad was released in Indian theaters on November 26, 2010, and played on about 875 screens. It received an average reaction from audiences, earning ₹2.8 crore in net revenue on its first day. During its opening weekend, the film collected ₹10.45 crore in net revenue domestically. In its first week, it earned ₹15.18 crore in net revenue. The film’s total domestic net revenue was ₹17.5 crore, with a gross revenue of ₹23.62 crore.
Internationally, the film earned about $1.2 million (equivalent to ₹5.41 crore). It performed well in the United States and Canada, where it grossed $430,000, and in the United Kingdom, where it earned £175,000.
The film’s total worldwide gross revenue was approximately ₹29.03 crore.
Critics gave the film mixed-to-positive reviews. Many praised Deepika Padukone’s performance. Sukanya Venkatraghavan of Filmfare called it "possibly the best love story we have seen this year and maybe last year too," noting its emotional impact. Rajeev Masand of India Today said director Danish Aslam made "a respectable debut with a reasonably engaging film." Anupama Chopra of NDTV also praised Padukone’s acting, calling it "her best to date."
However, some critics had concerns. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama noted that while Padukone and Imran Khan delivered strong performances, the film suffered from "a faulty and unpersuasive screenplay," which he considered a major weakness.