Admit it, we have all tried to find solace and smiles in a romantic film. Be it watching a mushy moment on your iPad after a grueling day, or re-watching something on television only because it gives you pure joy. We have all got that one happy, romantic film that we swear by. Ask me, I have got a super long list of such adorable movies. Since its the Valentine Weekend and not everyone has planned a day out (cause single folks be like - party toh abhi shuru hui hain, but there ain't no 'Yaar tera karlega handle' happening). So we decided to put together a fun list of Top 10 romantic Bollywood films, that will make your weekend special. We did a vox pop with our friends, readers and fans, asking them about their all time favorite romantic films. The result (in no particular order)? Well, find out for yourself! PS: The list is pretty exhaustive, we know. But our list features the films that got maximum votes.
1. Jab We Met
Everybody knows how much I love this film. Its on my iPad, laptop and there are 2 DVD back ups too (for days when channels don't show JWM for days). But when we got down to counting the votes, I was surprised to see how almost 57 per cent of the voters had nominated Jab We Met, making it the most loved romantic film of our poll. This is one film that makes me realize, that a good film may not always break box office records. What matters is, if people really remember it after years. Apart from going on about HOW MUCH I LOVE ADITYA KASHYAP, I must add, I equally love Geet. One can relate to her at so many levels. *runs to watch JWM again*
2. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
The baap of all romantic films ever made in Bollywood. We all love to love DDLJ, don't we? The beautiful tale of Raj and Simran, that taught practically every 90s kid about love. Everyone has seen this film multiple times and yet, we can't help but watch it on repeat today.
3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
This film was a surprise selection on the list. There were several folks who voted for it, more so because they can't stop loving the RK - DP pair. One could certainly relate to the plot here, with many girl-fans adding that they could connect to Deepika's character - Naina. The film has several sweet moments, that may make you wanna hunt for someone similar to Bunny aka Kabir (it was Ranbir's portrayal that made this character so lovable).
4. Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
Talk about reel love affecting real life couples so much, that they even tried attempting suicide (WHAT! Don't try such silly things). Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak made Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla overnight stars, with several girls skipping a heartbeat for Khan, whose reign as the chocolate boy continued for several years. Again, a film filled with the right amount of lovey-dovey moments and emotions. Enough to make you smile and a cry in a span of three hours.
5. Vivah
Okay! Let me just confess - my Twitter mentions were flooded with Shanatics voting for this film. This film is everything that you can expect from an ideal, sanskaari romantic couple. It certainly has its share of emotions, drama and some really adorable moments. In fact, channels often air this film on repeat, since it earns them a lot of TAM ratings from the interior areas of the country. While a huge section continues to diss at people who like this film, let me just say this loud and clear - HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THIS FILM? PREM IS SO ADORABLE! *sings Mujhe haq hain*
6. Kuch Kuch Hota Hain
Karan Johar's directorial debut, that ruined many friendships (pyaar dosti hain, remember), while Mrs.Braganza changed the concept of English Literature classes. Nevertheless, we absolutely adore this Rahul-Anjali-Tina love triangle. So much that by now, we know all the dialogues, situations and scenes by heart (I can almost imagine two friends - they know who they are - enacting some of those scenes now. KKHH fanatics, I tell you).
7. Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa
This happens to be a personal favorite. One of Shah Rukh's most amazing performances till date and one of his own favorites, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa made for a light hearted, mushy, fun film that can be seen on repeat at any given time of the day (some scenes can also make you cry). And yes, one can't help but sympathize with Shah Rukh's character, Sunil. The film also teaches you that true love can come your way again, only if you look for it (and maybe, you can get super lucky, like Sunil does. He lets go of Suchitra Krishnamoorti, but meets Juhi Chawla in the end. Get the point?)
8. Hum Aapke Hai Kaun
The Big Fat Indian Wedding, and the drama that follows. This film is pure entertainment, with oodles of cute romance between Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit-Nene. It was Sooraj Barjatya who gave Bollywood its first romantic - drama blockbuster after Mughal-e-Azam, and boy, people just couldn't get enough. Its the kind of film that you can enjoy on Valentine's Day, even with your family.
9. Saathiya
Every individual who has seen this film will tell you how much they loved Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerji's chemistry in this one. Also, the songs were so magical (Chupke se is one helluva lovely song). It was the kind of mad, passionate love that drives their characters to elope, only to realize that life is not all that hunky-dory post marriage. In fact, I know a college classmate who once stated that she came to Mumbai, only to find someone on a local train, who would be as passionate a lover as Vivek's character - Aditya. Hmmm... Okay then!
10. Veer Zaara & Goliyon ki...Ram Leela
While one is all about passionate love, the other shows eternal romance. These films received equal votes and ironically, both showed how the society and their own families forced the lovers to separate. Veer Zaara is the perfect example of a classic romantic couple, who get separated due to man-made boundaries, only to be reunited after years. It certainly was one of Yash Chopra's finest films. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon ki... Ram Leela was a Desi adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, where Ranveer and Deepika's crackling chemistry made several jaws drop. Both these films are in a league of their own and make for a must watch with your loved one.
And, ahem! Why didn't anyone vote for Kal Ho Naa Ho? I love that film! See, even Aman Mathur is in tears now.
Most Loved Marathi Film
Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai
A simple, yet adorable film shot mostly in Mumbai. There is so much to love in this film - the characters essayed by Swapnil Joshi and Mukta Barve, the locations, dialogues and even songs. The film was also remade in Telugu with the name - Made in Vizag. Well, every Maharashtrian of my generation (and even the other) swears by Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai, and so do I!
Most loved Hollywood film
PS I love you
Official adaptation of the immensely popular book by Cecilia Ahern (by the same name), this Gerald Butler and Hilary Swank starrer won the poll, after beating some iconic films like Sound of Music, Titanic and Pride & Prejudice (my personal favorites, actually). Isn't the title enough for you to hold hands with your loved one and enjoy this romantic film with a difference?
Got a favorite that didn't make it to this list? Do let me know on Twitter - @priyaadivarekar
(Image credits: Tumblr and India Forums)
Love,
The Dancebee