Love in The Twenty and The Zeros

The dawn of the new millennium was symbolic of divinity and novelty. However, for Bollywood it marked the beginning of a new age of romance.

Published: Thursday,Feb 23, 2017 23:50 PM GMT-07:00

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The dawn of the new millennium was symbolic of divinity and novelty. However, for Bollywood it marked the beginning of a new age of romance. Gone were the days when love stories were reduced to dating, longing and decorated happily-ever-afters; when we didn't have to wait to know that Simran would inevitably board the train and reunite with Raj. A progress in time meant an evolution in ideologies, audience's acceptance and of course, performances. BollyCurry gladly lists some of the broader themes in the double 0s, revolving solely around love.

Millennial Love

It was in the early biennium that Dil Chahta Hai (2001) brought the fairy-tale era to an end. The modern Indian youth was portrayed as nonchalant, passionate but confused. While Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008) rekindled teenage romance, Love Aaj Kal (2009) was an edgy representation of contemporary relationships. Though love remained the eye of the storm, issues like gamophobia, infidelity, career and friendships were highlighted in equally brighter shades. It was for reasons alike that Life In A Metro (2007) received critical acclaim and went on to become a sleeper hit.

Across Borders

This particular sub-category may be our personal favourite because these narratives literally broke all barriers (and a lot of records). Set around the time of Partition, Gadar - Ek Prem Katha (2001) had tragedy, warmth, war and patriotism etched into an unforgettable narrative. And within a gap of few years, Veer Zaara (2004) beautifully showcased a cross-border affair spanning decades. Love knows no boundaries, and we're more than happy Zee TeleFilms and Yash Raj Films took that very seriously!

Fortuitous Love

It is rightly said that when love comes knocking at your door, there's no looking back. We're particularly enticed about stories that have compatible protagonists but an uncooperative destiny. The made-for-each-other Hum and Tum in Hum Tum (2004), Geet and Aditya's adventurous encounter in Jab We Met (2007) and one-sided affection in Namastey London (2007) - all glorified the fact that love is never a mere coincidence.

Unconventional Love

Well, it is safe to say, breaking age stereotypes was Amitabh Bachchan's favourite thing to do, at least back then. Both Cheeni Kum (2007) and Nishabd (2007), majorly differing in their genres, narrated the story of an elderly man falling for a younger woman. In the last days of the decade, Dev D (2009) based on the popular Bengali novel titled Devdas, laid more emphasis on physical intimacy rather than emotions and sacrifice. Clearly, gates to a period of dark cinema were pushed wide open.

Growing up in India, or even as a film fanatic, we cannot deny how Bollywood's influence of love profoundly influences the hopes and expectations of young millennials. Needless to say, the last decade came across as a rebellion against the traditional concept of cinematic romance. Comment below and let us know if we have missed any of your favourite love stories from 2000 to 2009.

Writer: Anushka J.

Editors: Juju K. and Gunia K.

Graphics: Rifah K.

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