Bollywood's idea of romantic love through the decades

It turns out that even in an era of action-packed stories and easy access to OTT, Indian youth still cannot get enough of good, old-fashioned romance movie. This was proven by Saiyaara; a timeless love story between two fresh faces, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, that had audiences flocking to cinemas with boxes of tissues. Before you continue, a spoiler alert is in effect as we're discussing the movie and its themes, so only continue if you plan on knowing all its details. The film revolves around Krish, played by Ahaan, a hot-headed emerging singer-composer, who finds a calming influence in Vaani, who is played by Aneet, a journalist who has a way with words but no desire for social media likes. When the two meet, magic happens, but that fades when Vaani starts exhibiting signs of early onset Alzheimer's. 

(Also Read: Everything you need to know about Ahaan Panday)

The generations before had Aashiqui in the 90s, a musical love story which made them dream about love overcoming any challenge that came its way. Five years later, a movie by Aditya Chopra made an entire generation of women dreaming about their own Raj rescuing them from their mundane lives; complete in a black leather jacket with his arms open. Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge turned out to be a cultural reset for romance movies in Indian cinema, ever since its release in 1995.

From Hollywood, it was Titanic that reshaped the idea of love for audiences, who also longed for an undying love marred with selflessness. The era of 2000 saw the idea of love being reshaped many times by Shah Rukh Khan in films such as Mohabbatein, Kal Ho Na Ho and Veer-Zaara, where he romanced his leading ladies and set the bar for the ideal man, sky high. 

Jab We Met set the expectation of a love built on mutual understanding, respect, and connection. Aashiqui 2 took screens by storm in 2012 and set new standards for love. Then, there was a dry spell of romance in Bollywood. The sweeping romances we knew; which involved going against family approval and singing sonnets from high balconies for, were dying. Love stories in movies during this period were relinquished to being either, physical attraction or plot devices. 

Soon enough, the fantasy with love stories died down; and plummeted further when films like Animal and Kabir Singh hit the screens. Themes of alpha masculinity, toxicity and violence being viewed as an expression of protection and love, also emerged as an idea of romance for audiences. Steeped in toxicity, dreams of Raj Malhotra for many were now replaced by those for Kabir Singh. 

Enter Saiyaara, where love and respect abound and the woman is not just a muse; but an equal partner. The movie has gone on to disassociate violence from love, and replace it with growth and healing; which Gen Z has whole-heartedly approved of. Known for their radical take on the world at large, in love too, Gen Z is questioning everything and settling for nothing; especially not for dated ideas of romance. When pain wasn't glorified and healing together was set as standard in the film, Gen Z, rightfully and collectively, lost their minds. The tale of romance between two rational individuals was a welcome take compared to what Hindi cinema had depicted in movies before.

Vaani and Krish faced problems; which they artfully navigated through, rather than trauma dumping on each other. Their love also involved choosing each other, and growing together. Krish puts aside a difficult relationship with his father, and Vaani overcomes the trauma of being ghosted before her wedding. Even those circumstances don't allow them to burden each other with their problems. Rather, they heal together. Gen Z, perhaps seeing themselves in the lead characters, is seeking a realistic and rooted love like theirs.  

Like every movie, Saiyaara has its flaws, but being an honest, authentic love story Gen Z can get behind, isn't one of them.

Edited by Dayle Pereira-Alemao

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