From Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh’s sizzling chemistry in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani to Nani’s selfless love for Mrunal Thakur in Hi Nanna, Indian films offered different takes on relationships in 2023. On Valentine’s Day, we pick five of our favourite Indian romantic films from the past year that you can watch on OTT.
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani revolves around the dashing Punjabi guy Rocky (Ranveer Singh) and Bengali journalist Rani (Alia Bhatt) who fall in love and embark on a journey to bring their respective families together by overcoming cultural barriers, patriarchy and societal pressure. The film also stars Dharmendra, Jaya Bachchan and Shabana Azmi in important roles, and marks the Bollywood debut of Tota Roy Chowdhury.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Satya Prem Ki Katha
Directed by Sameer Sanjay Vidwans, Satya Prem Ki Katha follows a good-hearted but good for nothing failed LLB Satyaprem (Kartik Aaryan) and his love interest Katha (Kiara Advani) who eventually tie the knot in an arranged marriage. Katha’s past, however, continues to haunt her and affects their relationship. The intent to heal Katha makes Satyaprem embark on a journey of self-discovery and justice for his partner.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Kushi
Vijay Deverakonda and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Kushi is a perfect family entertainer. Directed by Shiva Nirvana, the film revolves around a young atheist Lenin Viplav (Vijay), who falls in love with Aradhya (Samantha), the daughter of an extremist Hindu leader.
Packed with references to Mani Ratnam’s movies like Roja (1992) and Bombay (1995), Kushi’s emotional scenes are often followed by comedic outbursts and musical breaks. Exploring the challenges of marital life after the initial phase of love, Kushi effortlessly brings two flawed characters together in a feel-good romance drama.
Where to watch: Netflix
Hi Nanna
Played by Nani, Viraj is a fashion photographer based in Mumbai whose life revolves around his six-year-old daughter Mahi. Suffering from cystic fibrosis, Mahi has no idea who her biological mother is and thus demands Viraj to tell her about her mom.
One day, after the little girl is saved from an accident by Mrunal Thakur’s Yashna, things seem to take a turn. During a meetup with Viraj and Mahi, Yashna asks the latter to imagine her in her mother’s place and figure out the story which her father would be narrating to her. Set against the backdrop of Coonoor, Hi Nanna poignantly explores the complexities of single parenthood, love and marriage.
Where to watch: Netflix
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar
Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor’s Luv Ranjan-directed Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar is packed with humour and romance. When Mickey (Ranbir) sees Tinni (Shraddha) on their Spain vacation, he falls in love at first sight. Mickey, who is a carefree businessman and a ‘player’ in the world of romance, helps couples break up in exchange for cash. But his feelings for the career-oriented Tinni causes trouble for him, leading to an on-and-off relationship which shows everything that is wrong with the young generation.
Where to watch: Netflix
