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Highway is a 2014 Indian road movie directed by Imtiaz Ali and starring Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda in the lead roles. The film revolves around two individuals from different backgrounds who develop a unique bond while on a road trip together. The story starts with Veera Tripathi (Alia Bhatt), the daughter of a wealthy Delhi-based businessman, being kidnapped a day before her wedding by Mahabir Bhati (Randeep Hooda) and his group of associates from a nearby village. The kidnappers demand a ransom of 50 million rupees for her release, which Veera's father agrees to pay.

What follows is a journey of self-discovery for Veera as she begins to develop a strong bond with Mahabir during their travels across several states of India. The film showcases the stark contrast between Veera's privileged life and the poverty and deprivation prevalent in the areas they travel through.

Mahabir, on the other hand, is a hardened criminal who has been running away from the law for many years. He is initially hostile towards Veera, but as they spend more time together, he begins to open up and reveal details about his life and the reasons behind his crimes.

As they move further away from Delhi, the two characters become increasingly vulnerable, and they rely on each other to survive the rough terrain and the various dangers they encounter, including corrupt cops and hostile locals.

The film's cinematography, shot by Anil Mehta, is breathtaking, capturing the beauty of the Indian landscape, from the dusty plains of north India to the scenic hills of Himachal Pradesh. The soundtrack, composed by A.R. Rahman, is another highlight of the film, with popular tracks like "Patakha Guddi" and "Maahi Ve" becoming chartbusters upon release.

The film's biggest strength, however, lies in its two lead actors. Alia Bhatt, who was just two films old at the time of its release, delivers a powerhouse performance as Veera, shedding her glamorous image to embody the vulnerability and innocence of her character. Randeep Hooda, too, is superb as the brooding, mysterious Mahabir, bringing a sense of depth and nuance to his portrayal.

Highway is a film that explores the themes of freedom, escape, and self-discovery, all woven into the fabric of a thrilling road trip. It's a beautifully crafted film that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer, thanks to its strong performances, stirring soundtrack, and stunning visuals.