When Geet runs back to Aditya in the last scene of Jab We Met, confessing her love for him, theaters in India roared with whistles and claps. When a Karan Kapoor in Hum Tum wonders why is it raining in January, Rhea’s dialogue “January mein baarish nahi hua karti“, got etched in the hearts of the audience that pines for the same drama and romance on the big screen. However, Bollywood is riding high on genres of “massy action”, leaving behind the comfort and adrenaline rush of romance and drama, that left people feeling happy and teary eyed at the same time.
So, why is Bollywood forgetting a genre that gave us Raj and Simran, Prem and Suman and Geet and Aditya? Filmmaker Kunal Kohli, who brought one of the first successful romantic comedies for the naughts says that actors need to have faith in the romance genre and not go only for action.
Why Bollywood A-listers won’t do romance
While talking to indianexpress.com, Kunal said that A-lister actors are choosing action genre which dissuades romantic story writers and producers from bringing a true-blue romantic film.
Kunal said, “Today what has happened is that last year, with Shah Rukh giving Rs 500 crore with films and Animal and Gadar also doing Rs 500 crore, now the heroes have set target to get a number. Rs 500 crore is the new Rs 100 crore. Can a love story do a Rs 500 crore? Of course it can because these are not just action films but these are good films. Jawan was a good film that did Rs 500 crore. Are you telling me that if today DDLJ released, they would do lesser business than Jawan?
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He added, “No, they won’t but you need good music for that. Unfortunately there is no good music anymore, you don’t look forward to the release of a music album anymore. So, our heroes have shifted their focus to big budget action films because they believe that, that’s what is going to give them the numbers… Fortunately or unfortunately, a film is green lit when a hero says yes.”
The filmmaker asserts that the failure of some romantic comedies in the recent past has also made filmmakers write off the genre. He highlights, “Don’t blame genre because of one or two film. In history of Hindi films, whether it is Shah Rukh, Aamir or Salman, their base has been romantic films. Their base has been Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Hum Aapke Hai Koun, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, they have built their fanbase there and taken it to next level. The new batch of actors have not had their DDLJ or Hum Tum. ”
Nostalgia 2.0
To remind audience of the combined magic of romance and big screen on this Valentine’s Day, theatre chains like Cinepolis and PVR Inox has re-released some of the blockbuster romantic comedies and romantic films.
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Talking about the reason behind bringing back audience to theaters for re-released, Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinepolis India says, “In a country where cinema is celebrated as a way of living, classics like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, Jab We Met, among others, take our audiences on a nostalgic journey through romance in this season of love. Our audiences have wholeheartedly embraced our initiative of reintroducing classic Bollywood films onto the big screen. It’s undeniable that the grandeur of the cinema enhances the enchantment of these timeless tales, providing a one-of-a-kind shared experience that intensifies emotions and sparks romance. With top-notch visuals and powerful sound, the cinematic experience adds an extra layer to the storytelling, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the captivating world of love and passion depicted in these iconic movies,” says Devang Sampat, CEO, Cinépolis India.
PVR Inox has re-released 26 films across India in different languages during the Valentine’s Week. Films such as Titanic, Jab We Met, Premam, Omshanti Oshaana, Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Tholi Prema are some of the films, which received a lot of love from audience during their original release.
Gautam Dutta, co-CEO of PVR INOX Ltd, says, “Twenty six love films in seven different languages are being screened across 194 cinemas in 75 cities. The Valentine’s Film Festival is not just about movies; it’s about creating unforgettable moments of love and joy. With this festival, we have meticulously curated a diverse selection of romantic masterpieces, ensuring there’s something extraordinary for every movie enthusiast. This festival is not just an ode to the magic of cinema; it’s a heartfelt invitation to celebrate the essence of Valentine’s Day with your loved ones.”
A 2014 photo from Maratha Mandir in Mumbai, where Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge had successfully completed 1000 weeks. (Express Photo By Pradeep Kochrekar)
Need same romance, in today’s language
Voicing his thoughts, trade analyst Taran Adarsh notes that while Indian audience’s love for romantic films and rom-coms is timeless, the film industry is hugely dependent of what kind of genres bring in the maximum business.
“There might be a dearth of romantic films and rom-coms in Bollywood today but there is undying love such films among Indians, irrespective of their age, otherwise films like DDLJ, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Jab We Met, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani when released in theatres, won’t have done so well. Today, the studios and stars dictate what kind of films are to be made and therefore, this genre is slowly fading away. I strongly feel this phenomenon needs to stop. Those films were not only comforting but also relatable and these would be refreshing amid the noise, violence and visual effects in recent times. While there is no denying that there is an appetite for an Animal or Jawan, the nostalgia of such light-hearted romantic films still lingers on and the audiences want to see such films.
He adds, “One may argue that the current generation and the Gen Z, for whom the definition of love has changed and therefore, such films won’t find takers, but the truth is if love films are made keeping today’s generation in mind, in a contemporary language, these films will attract views and box office numbers. It will take one good, successful romantic film for this genre to become popular again. When it comes to matters of the heart, we love simple stories.”
Why Gen Z loves romances of yore
But for the younger audience or popularly called Gen Z, being able to watch the old romantic films has high emotional value. Shreya Daultani, 22, who is pursuing a Master’s Degree from Pune University, is excited to watch DDLJ for the first time in theatres.
“My parents watched DDLJ on their first date and the film remains special for them even after decades have passed. I am all excited to watch it with a guy I met on Tinder. There aren’t many romantic movies being made currently and the ones that did release didn’t really strike a chord with me, so getting to watch this classic on the big screen is in a way living the nostalgia that my parents still cherish,” she says.
More filmmakers, young actors must take the lead
Trade expert and film critic, Joginder Tuteja feels that the continued success of action films, lukewarm response of some of the recently made love films, coupled with the pandemic-induced uncertainties, have played a pivotal role in discouraging the industry to bet on the genre once again.
“Luv Ranjan’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, an out-and-out romantic comedy, which released last year, definitely showed the way. Needless to say, it would have performed better had it released before the pandemic. Then came Zara Hatke Zara Bachke which was loved, too. Having said that, today such rom-coms are very far and few. I believe that post-pandemic, the filmmakers are still holding onto their horses on what to make next. They definitely went deep down on action entertainers and we saw films like Sooryavashi, KGF Chapter 2 and RRR working for them in the pandemic. Everyone jumped onto the action bandwagon and therefore last year has been all about action movies such Pathaan, Jawan, Animal etc,” said Joginder, adding, the year 2024 will have a mix of both action-packed films and some light-hearted movies.
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