Heer Express Review: Umesh Shukla’s Family Drama That Blends New Talent with Veteran Power

Vishal waghela
Sep 16
3 min read

Bollywood got a rare treat on 12th September 2025 director Umesh Shukla released two films on the same day! While Ek Chatur Naar grabbed attention for its black comedy thriller tone, his second release Heer Express is a refreshing family drama that quietly wins hearts.

With newcomer Divita Juneja making a dream debut, and stalwarts like Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra, and Gulshan Grover lending their weight, Heer Express proves that clean, emotional storytelling still has a place in Indian cinema.

Umesh Shukla’s Double Vision

Known for films like OMG: Oh My God! and 102 Not Out, Umesh Shukla did something almost unheard of releasing two completely different films on the same day.

Ek Chatur Naar: quirky black comedy thriller
Heer Express: heartwarming family drama

This bold decision shows his confidence as a filmmaker and his ability to serve multiple audience tastes at once.

The Story of Heer Express

At its heart, Heer Express is about dreams, family, and cultural identity.

Heer Wallia (Divita Juneja) moves from Punjab to the UK after her mother’s death.
She dreams of becoming a chef while juggling family pressures and cultural challenges.
Her journey becomes about honoring her mother’s legacy while carving her own path in a foreign land.

The film beautifully balances emotions with humor, making it a perfect family watch.

Cast: Fresh Energy Meets Veteran Strength

Divita Juneja: Debuts as Heer Wallia, winning instant praise for her natural performance.
Prit Kamani: Plays Heer's love interest, their chemistry feels genuine.
Ashutosh Rana: Adds emotional intensity.
Sanjay Mishra: Brings light-hearted humor.
Gulshan Grover: Powerful presence, praised for supporting Divita’s debut.
Meghna Malik: As Sunita, deepens the family core.

The film also ropes in international actors like Leyton Benta, Sarah Lockett, and Charlotte Hazelby adding authenticity to the UK backdrop.

Box Office Performance

Despite glowing reviews, Heer Express faced tough competition at the box office.

Opening Weekend

Day 1: ₹0.30 cr
Day 2: ₹0.32 cr (+6.6%)
Day 3: ₹0.40 cr (+25%)
Weekend Total: ₹1.02 cr

Extended Run

Day 4: ₹0.46 cr
Day 5: ₹0.26 cr
Total (5 Days): ₹2.33 cr (India Net)

Worldwide

India Gross: ₹1.21 cr
Overseas: ₹0.04 cr
Worldwide Gross: ₹1.25 cr

Interestingly, the film performed well in Jaipur (59.5% occupancy), Mumbai (25.5%), and Bhopal (24.5%).

Music and Soundtrack

The film’s songs are already on repeat for many:

Ve Ranjhana – Simar Kaur, Navi Sran
Dore Dore Dil Pe Tere – Nakash Aziz, Harjot Kaur
Naa Tere Jaisa Yaar Mileya – Altamash Faridi, Shreya Jain

Each track blends seamlessly into Heer's journey of love, loss, and hope.

Why Heer Express Matters

Heer Express isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural bridge.

Speaks to the Indian diaspora balancing roots with new beginnings abroad.
Uses food and cooking as metaphors for identity and love.
Reminds us that Bollywood can tell meaningful stories without losing mass appeal.

For families tired of over-the-top masala, this one feels refreshing and heartfelt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Heer Express about? Heer Express follows Heer Wallia, a Punjabi girl who moves to the UK after her mother’s death. It’s about chasing dreams while balancing family responsibilities and cultural identity.

Q2. Who is the lead actress in Heer Express? The film marks the Bollywood debut of Divita Juneja, who plays Heer Wallia.

Q3. How did Heer Express perform at the box office? It had a modest start, collecting ₹2.33 crores in 5 days, with strong occupancy in cities like Jaipur and Mumbai.

Q4. Is Heer Express a family-friendly film? Yes! It’s praised as clean family entertainment with humor and emotions suitable for all age groups.

Q5. Who directed Heer Express? The film is directed by Umesh Shukla, known for OMG: Oh My God! and 102 Not Out. Interestingly, he released this film on the same day as Ek Chatur Naar.