Indian cinema has long been synonymous with romance, weaving tales of love that resonate across generations. From the grandeur of epic sagas to the simplicity of everyday emotions, Bollywood has produced some unforgettable romantic films that have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. In this blog, we delve into the top 10 Indian romantic movies that have stood out for their compelling storytelling, memorable performances, and enduring charm. Each film not only portrays love in its myriad forms but also reflects the cultural ethos and cinematic brilliance that define Indian cinema. Join us on a journey through these cinematic gems, each deserving of its place in the pantheon of great romantic films.
10. Barfi (2012)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Directed by Anurag Basu, ‘Barfi’ is a heartwarming tale of Murphy “Barfi” Johnson, a charming and cheerful deaf-mute man, played by Ranbir Kapoor. Set in the backdrop of picturesque Darjeeling, the film unfolds as Barfi navigates life and love with his endearing innocence. His relationship with Jhilmil, played by Priyanka Chopra, adds layers of emotional depth to the narrative, making ‘Barfi’ a poignant celebration of love’s resilience amidst life’s challenges.
9. Hi Nanna (2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.2
‘Hi Nanna,’ also known internationally as ‘Hi Dad,’ is a 2023 Telugu-language romantic drama directed by Shouryuv in his directorial debut. The film stars Mrunal Thakur and Nani and was produced by Vyra Entertainments. The story revolves around six-year-old Mahi and her single father, Viraj, a successful fashion photographer who is dedicated to caring for her as she battles cystic fibrosis. When Mahi runs away in search of answers about her missing mother, she and her pet dog Pluto cross paths with Yashna, a woman who becomes a significant figure in their lives.
As Yashna helps Viraj recount the story of Mahi’s mother, Varsha, the narrative delves into Viraj’s past, revealing a deep and tragic love story. Despite initial reluctance due to her parents’ divorce, Varsha eventually falls in love with Viraj, leading to a happy marriage disrupted by Mahi’s health issues and a subsequent accident that changes everything. Through emotional and dramatic twists, Yashna’s true connection to Viraj and Mahi is unveiled, exploring themes of love, loss, and family bonds. Released on December 7, 2023, ‘Hi Nanna’ received positive reviews and became a commercial success.
8. Hamari Adhuri Kahani (2015)
IMDb Rating: 6.7
Directed by Mohit Suri, ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ is a poignant love story starring Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan. The film revolves around Vasudha, a single mother trapped in an abusive marriage, and Aarav, a hotel magnate who falls deeply in love with her. Their journey is a tale of forbidden love, sacrifice, and redemption, beautifully portrayed against the backdrop of scenic locales and soul-stirring music.
7. Sanam Teri Kasam (2016)
IMDb Rating: 7.3
Directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ is a modern-day romantic saga that explores the transformative power of love. The film follows Saraswati and Inder, two individuals with contrasting personalities who find solace and understanding in each other’s company. With heartfelt performances by Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, this emotional roller coaster leaves a lasting impression.
6. Devdas (2002)
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, ‘Devdas’ is a timeless adaptation of the classic novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit, the film narrates the tragic love story of Devdas and Paro, torn apart by societal norms and personal demons. With opulent sets, soul-stirring music, and powerful performances, ‘Devdas’ remains an iconic portrayal of love, longing, and unfulfilled desires.
5. Veer-Zaara (2004)
IMDb Rating: 7.8
Directed by Yash Chopra, ‘Veer-Zaara’ is an epic romance that transcends borders and decades. Starring Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta, the film recounts the love story between an Indian Air Force officer, Veer Pratap Singh, and a Pakistani woman, Zaara Hayaat Khan. Their love faces insurmountable challenges of nationality, duty, and family honor, making ‘Veer-Zaara’ a timeless testament to the power of love that knows no boundaries.
4. Dada (2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.1
‘Dada’ is a 2023 Tamil-language coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama directed by Ganesh K. Babu in his directorial debut. The film stars Kavin and Aparna Das, with supporting roles played by K. Bhagyaraj, Aishwariyaa Bhaskaran, and VTV Ganesh. Jen Martin composed the music, while K. Ezhil Arasu and Kathiresh Alagesan handled cinematography and editing, respectively. Released on February 10, 2023, ‘Dada’ received positive reviews from critics and became a box-office success.
The story follows Manikandan and Sindhu, final-year college students in a relationship. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Sindhu becomes pregnant. After a disagreement about the pregnancy, Sindhu decides to keep the baby, leading to strained relations with Mani, who succumbs to alcoholism and neglect. After giving birth, Sindhu disappears, leaving the baby, Aditya, behind. Mani steps up to raise Aditya alone. Years later, Mani, now a devoted father, encounters Sindhu again when he joins a new job where she is the manager. As they navigate their past misunderstandings, the truth about their separation comes to light, leading to an emotional reunion and the reformation of their family.
3. Sita Ramam (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.5
‘Sita Ramam’ is a 2022 Telugu-language period romantic drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. Produced by C. Aswani Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies and Swapna Cinema, the film stars Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles, with Rashmika Mandanna and others in pivotal roles. The story, set in 1964, follows Lieutenant Ram, an orphaned Indian army officer stationed at the Kashmir border, who begins receiving anonymous love letters from a woman named Sita Mahalakshmi. Intrigued and enchanted by her words, Ram embarks on a quest to find Sita and confess his love to her.
The film captures the essence of their blossoming romance amidst the backdrop of historical events and socio-political tensions. As Ram delves deeper into his mission, the narrative unfolds to reveal profound emotional layers and poignant moments. With principal photography taking place across Hyderabad, Kashmir, and Russia, ‘Sita Ramam’ boasts stunning visuals, complemented by Vishal Chandrasekhar’s music and P. S. Vinod and Shreyaas Krishna’s cinematography. Released on August 5, 2022, the film received widespread acclaim for its direction, storytelling, screenplay, music, and the heartfelt performances of Thakur and Salmaan. It was a significant commercial success, grossing ₹91.4 crores (11 million USD), making it one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of the year.
2. Tere Naam (2003)
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Directed by Satish Kaushik, ‘Tere Naam’ is a poignant love story starring Salman Khan and Bhumika Chawla. The film revolves around Radhe, a troubled young man who finds solace and redemption through his love for Nirjara. With heartfelt performances and a soulful soundtrack, ‘Tere Naam’ remains a poignant portrayal of love’s transformative power.
1. Sapta Sagaradaache Ello Side A and B (2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.2
‘Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A’ and ‘Side B’ are parts of a 2023 Indian Kannada-language romantic drama directed by Hemanth M. Rao and produced by Rakshit Shetty. The film, featuring Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth, is a profound exploration of love and sacrifice. The story revolves around Manu, a simple car driver, and his college student lover, Priya, who dreams of a beachside home. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Manu takes the blame for a fatal accident caused by his employer’s son, hoping to secure a future for him and Priya.
This beautiful love story will undoubtedly bring tears to your eyes. The first part depicts Priya’s sacrifices for Manu, while the second part shows Manu’s efforts to bring happiness to Priya despite their separation. It is a true-to-life love story, portraying the essence of real-life love and sacrifice without a fairy-tale ending. The lovers do not end up together, making it one of the most touching representations of real-life love on screen.
In conclusion, these top 10 Indian romantic movies not only entertain but also inspire with their compelling narratives, memorable characters, and universal themes of love and relationships. Whether it’s the grandeur of epic sagas or the simplicity of everyday emotions, each film offers a unique perspective on love, making them timeless classics in Indian cinema.