Bollywood and romance have always shared a special connection. From intense love stories and emotional heartbreaks to youthful relationships and larger-than-life romances, Hindi cinema has given audiences countless films that remain memorable even years after their release.
Some romantic films have gone beyond being just love stories. Their music, characters, dialogues, chemistry and emotional moments have become part of pop culture. Here are some of the films from your list that made a strong impact at the box office.
1. Awarapan 2 — ₹23.40 crore
Taking the top spot with a reported ₹23.40 crore opening, Awarapan 2 generated considerable excitement among audiences. The film benefited from the popularity and emotional recall of the Awarapan franchise.
The movie’s romantic and emotional elements, combined with the expectations surrounding the sequel, helped create a strong buzz before its release. Fans were particularly interested in seeing how the new story would continue the emotional world associated with the franchise.
2. Saiyaara — ₹22 crore
With an opening of around ₹22 crore, Saiyaara also made a strong start at the box office.
The film appealed to audiences looking for a contemporary romantic story, with its emotional narrative and focus on relationships. Its music and young lead pair further contributed to the film’s popularity, especially among younger moviegoers.
3. Kalank — ₹21.60 crore
Kalkank, starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt, opened at approximately ₹21.60 crore.
The film arrived with huge expectations because of its impressive ensemble cast, grand production and period setting. The romance was placed against a dramatic backdrop, giving the film a larger-than-life feel.
Despite mixed reactions from audiences and critics, its star power and pre-release hype helped it achieve a strong opening.
4. Kabir Singh — ₹20.21 crore
Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani’s Kabir Singh opened at around ₹20.21 crore and quickly became one of the most discussed films of its time.
The movie presented a complicated and intense relationship and generated strong reactions because of its central character. Shahid’s performance became one of the biggest talking points, while the film’s music and emotional scenes also connected with a large section of the audience.
The movie went on to become a major commercial success and remains one of the most talked-about romantic dramas of recent Bollywood.
5. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani — ₹20.21 crore
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a film that continues to have a special place in the hearts of Bollywood fans.
Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, the film brought together romance, friendship, travel, ambition and the confusion of growing up. The chemistry between the lead actors became one of the film’s biggest attractions.
Even years after its release, characters like Bunny and Naina remain popular among audiences. The film’s songs, locations and dialogues have also kept it relevant among younger generations.
6. Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela — ₹15.94 crore
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, featuring Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, recorded an opening of around ₹15.94 crore.
The film presented romance in Bhansali’s signature grand style, with colourful sets, dramatic storytelling, elaborate costumes and powerful music.
Ranveer and Deepika’s chemistry was one of the major highlights of the film, and their performances helped make the intense love story memorable.
What makes these romantic films special?
One common factor among these movies is that they offered audiences more than just a love story. They explored relationships, heartbreak, friendship, family, ambition and personal choices in different ways.
Some films relied on youthful romance, while others focused on complicated relationships or dramatic love stories. But each managed to create conversations around its characters and performances.
Bollywood’s romantic films have also traditionally benefited from memorable music. Songs often become popular even before the film’s release, creating anticipation and helping establish an emotional connection with the audience.
From Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’s youthful charm to Ram-Leela’s intense romance and Kabir Singh’s complicated relationship, these films show why love stories continue to remain an important part of Hindi cinema.
For Bollywood fans, the real question is: Which one of these romantic films is your favourite?
