Bollywood, for a most of the world, is defined by a lot of dancing and ever cheesy love stories. These romantic films for the longest period time pretty much were all Bollywood was about - and liked for. However, my friends, some of these movies are out here redefining the very idea of love. We are talking in depth character story lines, real life problems/settings and a whole lot of relatability. This Valentine’s, have a movie night with your lover that’s all about the real things.
Kapoor & Sons (2016)
This beautiful film moved a lot of us, didn’t it? The ultra-real depiction of family-life, pain, remorse and love - the movie tugs at your middle class heart and how. Perhaps, however, the most striking moment in the film was the revelation of Fawad Khan’s character’s sexuality. Miss this for nothing!
Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
Similar in tone, this film follows the complexities of finding love and letting go. The story of an uber-rich family that will go to any extent to “look good” for the world - but love and happiness slowly begins to die a painful death.
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)
This coming-of-age film reminded us that falling in love, deeply and passionately is very important, but that does not mean you forget what you stand for in life, or what your hopes and dreams are.
Socha Na Tha (2005)
Everyone knows the “they met” and sparks flew deal, but this film played in reverse. The story of a couple put into each other’s life through an arranged marriage proposal, but that’s not what makes them fall for each other. Imtiaz Ali’s debut film will warm your heart.
Masaan (2015)
While the movie had many parallel plots, the most heartbreaking was probably Vicky Kaushal’s love story with Shweta Tripathi. The sweetness of their meetings makes your heart melt - all till caste enters the picture. The audience is forced to see that love doesn’t always end happily ever after - and the film helps you find a strange comfort in that truth.
Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)
The arranged marriage between a school drop out and an educated “but” overweight girl. The film follows the disrespect and body shaming she faces, and eventually traces the growth period for the husband who slowly learns that love doesn’t live in the skin.
Barfi! (2012)
The love story of a speech-impaired man and an autistic girl, Barfi is cute beyond words. The excellently made film was the highest grossing Bollywood film of 2012, and is easily one of Anurag Basu’s best. Love is for everyone, and there isn’t a better reminder than Barfi.
Salaam Namaste (2005)
Salaam Namaste was a healthy reminder that love does not survive the lack of responsibility. Saif Ali Khan and Preiti Zinta beautifully play a couple that falls in love and moves in together, but things take a drastic turn when she realises she’s pregnant. Salaam Namaste will fill you with laughter and sadness - all at once.
Shudh Desi Romance (2013)
The story of a couple in a live-in relationship fighting society’s expectations of marriage. Each of them keeps running away from commitment, perhaps reflecting the current millennial lifestyle in the best possible way. Can love survive society? ‘Shudh Desi Romance’ will tell.
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019)
Perhaps India’s first fully-fledged lesbian mainstream film, the movie beautifully depicts the coming-of-age story of a closeted lesbian who tries to come out to her deeply religious family. For many from the LGBTQ community, this film marks a step forward.
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