Romance is returning to Bollywood, and Here’s how | Hindi Movie News – Times of India

For many years, Bollywood used to be synonymous with sweeping romances — {couples} dancing in mustard fields, monsoon-drenched confessions of affection, and grand airport reunions. Love tales shaped the emotional core of Indian cinema, shaping generations of audiences who believed within the magic of filmy pyaar.While contemporary years noticed a shift against motion spectacles and thrillers. But 2025 turns out poised to carry romance again to the leading edge. A slew of upcoming movies, star-studded casts, and heartwarming narratives are set to reintroduce vintage Bollywood love tales — with a contemporary, occasionally quirky, twist.At the helm of this romantic resurgence is Param Sundari, an formidable love tale directed by way of Tushar Jalota, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor. The movie is a quintessential North meets South saga, echoing the wealthy custom of regional cross-cultural romances in Hindi cinema, from Ek Duuje Ke Liye to 2 States. Malhotra, taking part in an enthralling Punjabi boy, unearths himself entangled in a fiery, unconventional romance with Kapoor’s spirited South Indian heroine. Set towards the backdrop of lush backwaters, bustling metros, and small-town festivities, Param Sundari guarantees a heady mixture of humor, circle of relatives drama, and passionate romance — the sort that after outlined Bollywood’s golden technology.Another primary providing that celebrates the complexity and beauty of contemporary relationships is Anurag Basu’s much-awaited ensemble movie, Metro… In Dino. Serving as a religious successor to his 2007 hit Life in a… Metro, the movie weaves in combination a couple of love tales set in fresh city India. Featuring a stellar forged together with Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Ali Fazal, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Pankaj Tripathi, the movie explores the myriad techniques other people attach, fall in love, and confront heartbreak in a town that by no means sleeps.Known for his lyrical storytelling and soul-stirring song, Basu’s tackle modern day relationships continuously balances bittersweet realities with moments of surprising tenderness. Metro… In Dino is predicted to be no diverse — a poignant, romantic mosaic taking pictures love in its many bureaucracy: unrequited, rekindled, unintentional, and fateful.Interestingly, Basu isn’t preventing there. He has some other untitled romantic movie within the pipeline, headlined by way of Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, slated for a Diwali 2025 liberate. Not a lot is understood in regards to the plot, however given Basu’s aptitude for developing textured, emotionally wealthy characters, this pairing guarantees an interesting mix of humor, drama, and old-school romance. It’s a contemporary pairing to be careful for, with Sreeleela, contemporary off her regional successes, making notable inroads into mainstream Bollywood.Kartik Aaryan, continuously dubbed the modern day poster boy of romantic comedies, appears to be on a love tale spree. Apart from Basu’s mission, he reunites with Ananya Panday in Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, directed by way of Sameer Vidwans. The movie is alleged to be a throwback to breezy, feel-good Bollywood romances of the early 2000s — suppose Mujhse Dosti Karoge! or Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?. Aaryan and Panday, whose on-screen chemistry in Pati Patni Aur Woh won reward, are anticipated to ship an enthralling, light-hearted romance laced with witty banter and colourful song.Adding to the rom-com revival is Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hone Hai, a 2026 liberate marking the go back of veteran director David Dhawan to the style he as soon as ruled. Starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur, the movie guarantees to be a riotous, colourful party of younger love, fallacious identities, and over-the-top circle of relatives drama — a signature David Dhawan concoction. With his observe document of handing over blockbuster rom-coms like Coolie No.1, Judwaa, and Biwi No.1, expectancies are prime for this one to ship a nostalgic but fresh love tale.Meanwhile, Chand Mera Dil, directed by way of Vivek Soni, pairs Ananya Panday and Lakshya in a romantic drama mentioned to discover love throughout diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Soni, who made a delicate debut with Meenakshi Sundareshwar, is predicted to method this city romance with an eye fixed for element and emotional authenticity. For Lakshya, who made his debut with the actioner Kill this movie is usually a defining second for his access into romantic roles.Another fascinating mission including intensity to this romantic wave is Aap Jaisa Koi, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Positioned as a mature love tale and rediscovering oneself via love. In a cinematic panorama continuously ruled by way of younger pairings, Aap Jaisa Koi stands proud for spotlighting different-aged protagonists navigating the messy, stunning terrain of human connection, this movie may turn out to be a heartfelt ode to enduring love.Talking in regards to the movie at its announcement Madhavan mentioned “I’ve accomplished two or 3 romantic movies in Hindi and that is the reason as a result of I used to be in search of age suitable romance. When I heard this tale, I believed I may not get any higher alternative than this. ” While Fatima stated , “I learn the script and I used to be in awe of it. Every second is particular. It’s one thing I totally relate to each and every second.”

Why the Romantic Resurgence Now?

The recent years of Bollywood have been dominated by action extravaganzas, thrillers, and issue-based cinema. While these films had their place and audience, somewhere along the way, simple, feel-good romances took a backseat. Yet, even amidst these trends, films like Satyaprem Ki Katha, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke found surprising success, signaling that audiences still crave well-told love stories.The pandemic years perhaps also played a role in this shift. With people isolated and yearning for emotional connection, romantic narratives — with their promise of hope, passion, and belonging — started resonating again. The box-office success of romantic dramas in regional cinema further hinted at a demand Bollywood could no longer ignore.Producers and directors have now recognized that while audiences enjoy high-octane spectacles, nothing quite matches the universal appeal of a good love story. Be it a grand romance or an intimate character drama, love remains Bollywood’s most beloved theme. The new crop of films indicates not just a quantity increase but also variety — from ensemble romances and nostalgic comedies to mature love stories and culturally rooted dramas.

New Pairings, New Possibilities

What’s also refreshing about this romantic revival is the number of fresh on-screen pairings it offers. From Sidharth-Janhvi to Kartik-Sreeleela, Ananya-Lakshya to Varun-Pooja-Mrunal, these combinations infuse new energy into familiar templates. Casting directors and filmmakers seem willing to experiment with chemistry and dynamics rather than relying solely on tried-and-tested jodis.