For audiences, films may just be entertainment, but for the industry, it's all about the business. Thus, it's hardly surprising when a film's blockbuster success inspires filmmakers to replicate the formula for maximum profit from theaters.
In recent years, the go-to formula has been a blend of patriotism and action. However, a significant shift is now visible. A look at Bollywood's latest film announcements shows a clear return to its signature genre: romance.
From 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' to 'Aashiqui 2', Bollywood has offered a slew of love stories that not only made stars out of its actors but also raked in significant box office earnings. And the industry's upcoming projects suggest that this trend may be coming back...
A Flop Overdose of Patriotism and Action
Bollywood has fitted the patriotism and action formula into at least more than 15 films and series since lockdown. The repetition started to weary the audience. While Shah Rukh Khan's superstar presence made 'Pathan' and 'Jawan' successful, 'Gadar's brand value and iconic status also made 'Gadar 2' a blockbuster.
Source: aajtak
However, without that X-factor, films like Salman Khan's 'Tiger 3' and Hrithik Roshan's 'Fighter' failed to achieve success. Other films like Kangana Ranaut's 'Tejas', John Abraham's 'Attack', Sidharth Malhotra's 'Mission Majnu', and Ada Sharma's 'Buxar' also tried to capitalize on the patriotism formula but were disappointingly unsuccessful. Now, the industry's focus seems to be shifting towards love stories, as evidenced by the new romantic films hitting the screens.
The Love Story Onslaught
The teaser for Ajay Devgn and Tabu starrer 'Where The Heart Lies' recently came out. Known for his thriller films, director Neeraj Pandey is venturing into romance with this film. Set to release on July 5th, the teaser hints at a classic Bollywood love story making its way to the big screen.
Source: aajtak
After 'Animal', everyone's crush Tripti Dimri is set to star in the newly announced 'Dhadak 2' alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi, taking the 'Dhadak' franchise forward. Scheduled for November 22, just a week later, Anurag Basu will bring the sequel to his memorable love-filled film 'Life in a Metro' called 'Metro In These Days'.
Source: aajtak
The next few months will also see Tripti Dimri star in another romantic film with Kartik Aaryan, directed by Anurag Basu and produced by Bhushan Kumar. Reports suggest that this pair will also join the cast of the iconic franchise, 'Aashiqui 3'.
Meanwhile, Karan Johar has announced 'Dhadak 2' and is also progressing another love story franchise. With Janhvi Kapoor entering the 'Dulhaniya' series, she will appear with Varun Dhawan in 'Sunny Sanskaari's Tulsi Kumar'. This film is being made for an April 2025 release, and in 2025, a significant love triangle will also hit the big screen.
Source: aajtak
Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, having explored courtesan quarters in 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and 'Heera Mandi', now wants to portray romance on the big screen. After bringing incredibly popular love stories like 'Khamoshi', 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam', 'Devdas', and 'Ram Leela', Bhansali is now introducing a modern love story titled 'Love And War' starring Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, and Alia Bhatt.
Source: aajtak
These are just some of the announced films that are bringing love stories to the big screen. Many more might be in the planning stages or quietly being filmed to be announced with a release date out of the blue. The success of romances like 'Rocky and Rani's Love Story', 'Satya Prem Ki Katha', 'Out Of The Box', and 'Entangled In Your Tales' since last year shows that audiences have started to seek romance in theaters again.
This lineup of love stories isn't exactly sudden. Furthermore, when romance icons like Bhansali and Karan Johar return to love stories, it's safe to say that this trend is just the beginning!
