6 Love Stories That May Be More Realistic Than The Ones In The Movies

In the past and in recent times, some films have shown the complicated, messy side of love. This Valentine's Day, see some characters who are less like heroes and heroines and more like people we know and can relate with.

Music Teacher: This Yoodlee film is a movie about the pain of lost love and regret at what could have been. It's set in a small town that's forgotten by time and its characters feel the pain of family responsibilities, frustration, anger and unfulfilled lives. There are sensitive performances by Manav Kaul, Divya Dutta, Neena Gupta and Amrita Bagchi.

Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui: What transgender character was featured in a Hindi film made in the 2010s? This 2021 Abhishek Kapoor film produced by T-Series and Guy In The Sky Pictures starred Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor in lead roles. It was a huge step towards normalizing the idea of a gender identity that has not been mainstreamed in cinema or popular. This love story between Manu and Maanvi will be remembered as a pathbreaker even years from now.

Kuch Bheege Alfaaz: This Yoodlee production and Onir directorial was a near perfect exploration of all the reasons that keep perfectly compatible people apart – guilt and the burden of past mistakes as well as real or imagined imperfections. As a leukodermic girl and a radio jockey with a troubled past gravitate towards each other, they realise that they are  perfect together and that true love is all about accepting each other without filters. The film starred Geetanjali Thapa, Zain Khan Durrani and Shray Rai Tiwari. The film is also remembered for its subtle, poetic writing that beautifully expressed the longings of the human heart. It also had beautiful recreation of the evergreen Pehla Nasha rendered by Jubin Nautiyal and Palak Muchhal. 

Wake Up Sid: This Ayan Mukerji directorial was produced by Dharma Productions and subtly portrayed the existential confusion of a young, privileged urban youth whose aimless life collides with the dreams of a self-motivated young woman. As he helps her to settle down in Mumbai, he discovers the joy of chasing a dream, building a life and making a living. Their love story is not based on romance but conversations, shared chores, mutual affection and trust. In each other, they find the freedom to be themselves and also the safety and warmth of mutual dependence. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma in acclaimed performances.

Comedy Couple: This Yoodlee production is a millennial love story about two aspiring comics and uniquely different individuals who are trying to build  a life and a career. Their personal and professional lives intersect as they experience many challenges and triumphs together. The film also addresses how even comedy is no longer safe from controversy, bigotry and fundamentalism. This Nachiket Samant directorial starred  Saqib Saleem and Shweta Basu Prasad and is a relevant take on love and creativity thriving amid regressive notions.  

Vicky Donor: This  2012 Shoojit Sircar directorial took on a taboo subject and wove an unusual love story around it with great critical and commercial acclaim. This John Abraham, Eros International and Rising Sun Films production brought instant success to Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam  and explored a modern relationship against the background of sperm donation and infertility. The film demonstrated how an unconventional theme when treated with sensitivity and humour can score big at the box office.