The connection between Bollywood and romance has endured for generations. With each movie, we discover a fresh perspective on love. From “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” we learned that “Love is friendship,” and from “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil,” we explored the power of “One-sided love.” Filmmakers continually redefine love, while audiences resonate with the characters in new ways. Let’s explore the top romantic movies of Bollywood.
14 best romantic Bollywood movies
1. Yehjawani h deewani (2013)
YehJawaani Hai Deewani directed by AyanMukherji, starring Ranbir Kapoor, DeepikaPadukone, KalkiKoechlin, and Aditya Roy Kapur. This movie was a complete entertainer, from the plotline to the songs, casting, and the chemistry between Ranbir and Deepika; the audience adored it. The narrative follows Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (Deepika Padukone), illustrating how they encounter each other in two distinct but significant phases of life and fall in love. The film celebrates love and friendship beautifully, showcasing AyanMukherji’s exceptional direction and execution. This is among the best Bollywood romantic movies.
2. Ram Leela (2013)
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, featuring the power couple of the industry Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, Ram Leela was their first film together. Adapted from Shakespeare” ‘s “Romeo and Juliet”, the film revolves around Ram (Ranveer Singh) and Leela (Deepika Padukone) who belong to rival families Rajadi and Sanera, but fall in love with each other and how they need to make a sacrifice for their love. This film was a visual treat to the audience and has pushed the boundaries of storytelling in the Indian film industry.
3. Manmarziyaan (2018)
A contemporary romance directed by Anurag Kashyap, featuring TaapseePannu, Abhishek Bachchan, and Vicky Kaushal, this movie explores a traditional love triangle. Manmarziyaan offers a refreshing perspective on love and relationships, resonating with the audience. Unlike Kashyap’s typical works, this film delves into the complexities of human emotions and indecision. The narrative follows Rumi (TaapseePannu) and Vicky (Vicky Kaushal), deeply in love, yet Vicky hesitates to commit to marriage, prompting Rumi to consider an arranged marriage with Robbie, who also falls for her despite knowing about Vicky. The film unfolds the dynamics of their intertwined love.”
4. Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016)
A film about unwavering affection, heartache, and enlightenment, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil directed by Karan Johar features Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Fawad Khan. What resonated with the audience was the narrative of unrequited love, a feeling many could relate to. The plot revolves around Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor) and Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) who form a deep bond, but Ayan finds himself in love alone, as Alizeh does not reciprocate his feelings. The movie evoked laughter, tears, and admiration for the characters. Alongside the compelling storyline, the film’s music captivated audiences and became a sensation.
5. Aashiqui 2 (2013)
Directed by Mohit Suri and featuring Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur, Aashiqui 2 distinguishes itself from its predecessor in every aspect. This movie portrays a timeless tale of love, characterized by purity, intensity, selflessness, and profound emotions. Brace yourself for a whirlwind journey of feelings. Both lead actors deliver stellar performances, radiating excellent chemistry. The narrative revolves around Rahul Jaykar (Aditya Roy Kapur), a waning singing sensation, who falls deeply for Aarohi (Shraddha Kapoor), a lounge singer. As he assists her rise to stardom, his struggles with alcoholism threaten their bond. If you crave compelling love narratives, this film is a definite must-watch.”
6. Rockstar (2011)
You can rely on Imtiaz Ali for captivating romantic narratives. He delivers an immersive experience that justifies both your time and money. Rockstar, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, is a cinematic gem and a definite recommendation if you haven’t already indulged. The movie revolves around JJ (Ranbir Kapoor), an aspiring music sensation. Following the advice of his college canteen manager – ‘get your heart broken and you can become a rockstar’ – JJ pursues Heer (Nargis Fakhri), the most enchanting girl on campus, leading to a love story fraught with intricacies. If you value quality cinema, this belongs on your watchlist. Beyond the storyline, the film’s soundtrack deserves immense praise; each song is crafted to perfection, making Rockstar’s album unparalleled to date.”
7. Beautiful (2014)
We all can agree that having a fantasy of marrying our prince charming and Beautiful directed by Shashanka Ghosh shows exactly that, quite literally. Starring Sonam Kapoor and Fawad Khan, this film will always be our top favourite romantic movie. The story is about Dr.Mili (Sonam Kapoor) a physiotherapist who is hired to help a Rajasthan royal Shekhar Singh Rathore (Aamir Raza). She then meets his son Vikram (Fawad Khan) who is the complete opposite. While Mili is a fun, carefree girl, Vikram is a sophisticated prince, the story continues how the two poles apart people fall in love with each other. Both the actors did a brilliant job portraying their characters and we loved the Disney touch in the film.”
8. Dum LagaKeHaisha
Dum laga k Haisha starring Bhumi Pednekar and AyushmannKhurrana, was Bhumi’s debut film and the actress got a lot of praise for her transformation for her role as Sandhya. This film had such a fresh concept in the romantic genre. The story revolves around Prem (AyushmannKhurrana) a school dropout who marries Sandhya (Bhumi Pednekar) a well-educated but overweight girl. Prem is embarrassed about his wife and passes comments on her, but the two decide to take part in a couples race where they come closer. Director Sharat Kataria has done a wonderful job with this simple but meaningful storytelling. And as for the actors both Bhumi and Ayushmann have a long way to go! This is among the best Bollywood romantic movies.
9. Barfi (2012)
Barfi, directed by Anurag Basu, is such a genuine tale and warms our hearts every time we watch it. Featuring Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir Kapoor, and Ileana D’cruz, this film is brimming with affection, delight, and sorrow. The narrative follows Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor), a man with hearing and speech impairments, who falls in love with Shruti (Ileana D’cruz). However, societal pressures lead her to marry someone else. Years later, she discovers Barfi’s affection for Jilmil (Priyanka Chopra), an autistic girl, prompting her to reconsider her marriage. Every character in this movie was exceptional. Beyond just the performances, the direction, screenplay, and music were truly heartening. This is among the best Bollywood romantic movies.
10. Lootera
“The film is inspired by the captivating tale titled The Last Leaf by O. Henry. With Sonakshi Sinha and Ranveer Singh in the leading roles, this was one of the most poignant love stories witnessed in the contemporary era. It was visually stunning as the narrative unfolded the romance between a swindler AtmanandTripathi portrayed by Ranveer Singh and Pakhi, the daughter of a Landlord portrayed by Sonakshi Sinha. Lootera is among the most exquisite love stories wherein the protagonist, Pakhi, finds herself captivated by this swindler – the deception and the falsehoods all culminate into an unspoken affection that both deeply experience, yet one devoid of a tangible destination. Bollywood enthusiasts encountered a timeless love story beautifully depicted on the silver screen, which is refreshingly unconventional yet leaves an enduring impact.”This is among the best Bollywood romantic movies.
11. Raanjhanaa
“Raanjhanaa” is one of Aanand L. Rai’s most beautiful romantic tales set in a quaint town. Shot predominantly in Benaras, the characters Kundan, portrayed by Dhanush, and Zoya, portrayed by Sonam Kapoor, exude an innocence that resonates with audiences. The classic unrequited love narrative is enriched by the vibrant streets of Benaras, enchanting melodies, impeccable storytelling, and clever exchanges. Despite Zoya’s perception of Kundan’s intellectual shortcomings, his adoration for her runs deep. This tale of love in a small town remains a beloved favourite among Bollywood enthusiasts for its poignant yet straightforward plot.
12. Tamasha
“Tamasha,” another masterpiece from Imtiaz Ali, featuring one of the most adored on-screen duos of recent years – Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. Like all of Ali’s works, “Tamasha” presents a deeply contemplative yet intricate narrative, skillfully weaving the conflict between matters of the heart and mind. It beautifully illustrates how the mundane aspects of life gradually shape us, presenting a nuanced portrayal of a mature love story highlighted by exceptional performances. While the film may cater to a specific audience, its profound storyline lingers on, devoid of unnecessary theatrics or embellishments, offering a raw portrayal of two individuals navigating the complexities of corporate life and societal norms while striving to remain true to themselves. This is among the best Bollywood romantic movies.
13. Jane tujanena
Sometimes, affection might manifest in the guise of your university confidant, but occasionally, the journey to discovering this affection will be far more picturesque. In the movie “JaaneTuYaJaane Na,” Aditi (GeneliaD”Souza) and Jai (Imran Khan) are two university confidants who seem like the quintessential duo to those around them but are utterly oblivious about their selves. They form an inseparable duo who fail to acknowledge their sentiments for each other until they are completely cornered. It undeniably reinforced the Bollywood adage ‘pyaardostihai’—love is friendship—and that this holds in most scenarios.
14. Jab We Met
Shahid Kapoor’s character Aditya Kashyap is initially depicted as a man who is heartbroken because the woman he adored was marrying someone else. He wanders away from his home and randomly boards a train due to his lack of courage. By chance, Geet (Kareena Kapoor), a talkative yet lively young woman, also boards the same train to journey to Bhatinda, her hometown. Geet’s constant chatter annoys Aditya to the extent that he leaves the train. Geet herself misses the train while trying to persuade him to stay. She blames Aditya for the situation and insists he accompany her to Bhatinda. Throughout the ensuing journey, both characters discover more about each other. Even years later, “Jab We Met” remains memorable. The movie’s enduring success and its philosophical message to “believe in yourself, love yourself, and take risks” serve as affirmations of its enduring appeal. This is among the best Bollywood romantic movies.
Conclusion
Bollywood has given us a plethora of unforgettable romantic movies over the years. And each offering a unique take on love and relationships. From timeless classics like “YehJawaani Hai Deewani”. “Aashiqui 2” to more recent gems like “Manmarziyaan” and “Tamasha,” these films have touched the hearts of audiences worldwide. Whether it’s tales of unrequited love, unconventional romances, or heartwarming stories of self-discovery. And bollywood continues to redefine the genre with its compelling narratives and stellar performances. So, grab some popcorn, cosy up with your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the magic of Bollywood romance.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
What are some must-watch Bollywood romantic movies?
Some must-watch Bollywood romantic movies include “YehJawaani Hai Deewani,” “Aashiqui 2,” “Jab We Met,” “Barfi,” “Rockstar,” “Manmarziyaan,” and “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.”
Who are some of the top actors known for their roles in Bollywood romantic movies?
Actors such as Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh. Also Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are known for their memorable roles in Bollywood romantic movies.
What makes Bollywood romantic movies stand out from other film industries?
Bollywood romantic movies often feature vibrant storytelling, elaborate musical sequences, picturesque settings. And larger-than-life emotions, making them distinct and captivating for audiences worldwide.
Are there any recent Bollywood romantic movies that have received critical acclaim?
Yes, recent Bollywood romantic movies like “Manmarziyaan,” “Tamasha,”. And “Ae Dil Hai Mushkil” have received critical acclaim for their unique narratives, compelling performances, and emotional depth.
What are some classic Bollywood romantic movies that have stood the test of time?
Classic Bollywood romantic movies like “DilwaleDulhania Le Jayenge,” “DDLJ,” “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” “Hum Dil De ChukeSanam,” and “Mohabbatein” . They are timeless favourites that continue to be cherished by audiences.
Are there any Bollywood romantic movies that explore unconventional love stories?
Yes, Bollywood has produced several movies that explore unconventional love stories. Such as “Barfi,” which features a love triangle involving characters with disabilities, and “Lootera,” a period romance with a twist.
What role does music play in Bollywood romantic movies?
Music plays a significant role in Bollywood romantic movies. Often serving as a means of expressing emotions, advancing the plot, and enhancing the romantic atmosphere. Iconic songs from these movies often become cultural phenomena and are remembered for years to come.