Since the dawn of cinema in India, Indian filmmakers have structured their storylines and plots around the emotion and theme of love and romance. From the iconic ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ to ‘Dil Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge,’ Bollywood Romantic films have portrayed many stories of love in all its guises.
However, the notion of ‘Love’ has recently been revised in Indian cinema. The new millennium films rejected the stereotypical definition of love” that has been depicted on the big screen for decades in Indian cinema. The new love stories brought a different and refreshing perspective on Hindi love stories, making them more relatable to today’s generation and youth.
Some of the best Bollywood films from the recent past that you must watch.
Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein
Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein, or RHTDM as it is often known, is a film that will make any 90s youngster nostalgic. The plot revolves around the love tale of Madhav or Maddy (R Madhavan) and Reena Malhotra (Dia Mirza), whose parents had already decided on their marriage. Rajeev (Saif Ali Khan), her fiance, has a feud with Maddy dating back to their college days. This is one of the best movies of all time.
Available on Disney + Hotstar.
Veer- Zaara
Veer Zaara is a timeless romantic drama that transcends borders. It tells the story of Veer Pratap Singh (Shah Rukh Khan), an Indian Air Force pilot, and Zaara Hayaat Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) (a Pakistani). With this exquisite Bollywood love story and timeless lyrics and music, Shah Rukh demonstrates why he is renowned as the King of Romance.
Available on – Amazon Prime Video, Youtube and Google Play movies and TV.
Jab We Met
An enthusiastic and vivacious Geet (Kareena Kapoor) meets a businessman who had almost given up on his life (Aaditya) and they embark on a journey to Bhatinda and then elope to the mountains to meet Geet’s boyfriend. The entire film is a magnificent roller coaster trip, with the key themes of Jab We Met is accepting yourself, laughing off life’s failures, coming in love with yourself, and discovering your heart. Jab We Met is regarded as one of the best Bollywood romantic films of all time, because of its unforgettable sequences and funny banter.
Available on Netflix, Youtube, and Amazon Prime Video.
Rockstar
Rockstar, a film that departed from mainstream cinema’s style in favor of a more artistic approach, has become a cult favorite for many Bollywood fans. Rockstar was a celebration of ageless love with lovely songs and music, with director Imtiaz Ali emphasizing details and cinematography in an otherwise predictable plot.
Available on Youtube and GooglePlay movies and TV.
Raanjhanaa
Raanjhanaa by Aanand L. Rai is a story of one-sided love set in the colorful city of Banaras. It celebrates the typical ‘desi’ small-town love that many of us grew up with. Kundan’s (Dhanush) selfless love for Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), who considers him as intellectually inferior, is intertwined with gorgeous melodies, funny banter, and a captivating storyline.
Available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
Conclusion
These movies and several others not on the list played a significant role in redefining love on the silver screen in the new millennium. Which Bollywood romantic films do you consider to be the best?
Author- Richa Tiwari
