The art of letting go in Bollywood movies

Bollywood has mastered the art of narrating various shades of love. One, however, that stands out for hardcore romantics, especially those unlucky in love, is the art of letting go.

Acceptance is the first step towards peace and it starts with letting go, letting go of a person, place or an opportunity. However, Bollywood, the land of glitz, glamour and over-the-top emotions, has rarely highlighted this as a virtue. In fact, it has more than often used rejection as a plot or a baseline to evolve the character’s arc. Sometimes, it has inspired our heroes to do better in life, say becoming a champion wrestler (Sultan), a business tycoon (Dhadkan) or an army officer (Lakshya), but most of the time, just like in real life, rejection isn’t handled well in our films.

There are a plethora of examples where we saw leads, especially the men indulging in behaviours of self-harm (Kabir Singh), resorting to crime (Gangster) or scripting revenge stories (Anjaam) upon their love not being reciprocated. While the prime purpose of films is to entertain and provide an escape from reality, it is also important to churn out stories that leave behind a positive impact and advocate for progressive and practical ideas of love.

Also Read: Mrs. Movie Review: Sanya Malhotra shines in this important film on the daily misogyny and patriarchy in Indian families

Today, we're exploring some Bollywood films that serve as a reminder that sometimes it's important to let go and move on!

Queen

Rani, a naive and innocent simpleton, is devastated after her fiance abandons her right before her wedding. Undeterred, Rani sets out on her honeymoon alone, which turns out to be a journey of self-discovery and independence. The film beautifully encapsulates the idea and importance of embracing oneself for who they are and not fearing the uncertainties of life.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Naina, your typical first bencher, longs for some downtime. An unexpected meeting with old classmate Aditi leads to a trip that changes her life forever. She meets the unapologetic and free spirited Bunny who barely has time for love. Naina, keeping in mind Bunny's love for freedom and his dreams, sets him free of the strings of her love only for him to return to her. Reaffirming the popular quote, if you love someone, set them free. If they come back, they’re yours; if they don’t they never were!

Munjya

'Munjya', the horror comedy based on Maharashtrian folklore was one of the biggest surprise hits of 2024. Besides the wonderful CGI, music and story, one thing that netizens couldn't stop talking about was how it also subtly put across a message, one that is often overlooked in Bollywood movies - consent. The story revolves around how a frightened and meek Bittu overcomes his inner battles to take on Munjya, a notorious ghost, to protect his lady love Bela. However, he lets her go as he realises that she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. Bittu, a boy raised by two women and themes of patriarchy and masculinity explored in the movie make this one a progressive watch.

Jab We Met

Imtiaz Ali’s cult classic ‘Jab We Met’ has stood the test of time and has remained a fan favourite even after 18 years of its release. The art of letting go is central to the characters of Geet and Aditya’s respective journeys as well. Geet, a carefree and impulsive young woman, initially struggles to let go of her relationship with Anshuman. However, through her experiences with Aditya and her own self discovery, she learns to embrace new changes and move forward with life. Similarly, Aditya finds a new meaning and purpose to his life after he gets over his heartbreak.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is a classic example of what true love and sanctity in marriage is all about. A newly married Balraj, discovers that his wife Nandini is in love with another man and sets out to unite them without fearing the ridicule and judgements of his family and society. Moved by Balraj’s unimaginable efforts and unconditioned love, Nandini decides to stay with him despite reuniting with Sameer, the man she was initially in love with.

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 

A story that stresses on the idea that strong friendship is the foundation of love, in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, protagonists and college besties Rahul and Anjali rediscover their bond after Rahul’s daughter reunites them, following the wish of her late mother. Aman, Anjali’s fiance, upon learning about Anjali’s love for Rahul, decides to call off the wedding, despite being in love with Anjali, for the sake of her happiness.

Barfi 

Barfi is another example of sacrifice and acceptance in love. Shruti loves Barfi with all her heart, but realizes that he is happiest with Jhilmil. Despite her own feelings, she lets go of Barfi so he can be with Jhilmil. Barfi, who also wanted to be with Shruti, struggles to understand Shruti’s decision, but eventually makes peace with his fate. He accepts her choice and finds love and solace with Jhilmil.

Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya

A modern love story with elements of traditional Bollywood romance, in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya, Kavya is engaged to Angad aka Mr. Perfect who is picked by her family. However, on a shopping trip to Delhi, she falls in love with Humpty, a care-free and flamboyant boy. The two try to convince Kavya’s family for their marriage instead but her father refuses citing Angad as a better match for Kavya. Humpty too understands this and respectfully moves out of her way. However, the two end up together after Kavya’s family realises that Humpty is her one true love and she would be the happiest with him.

Are there any other movies that you think should've made this list? Tell us in the comments below.

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