Why Love Aaj Kal is a handy playbook on how to navigate relationships in modern era!

As Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal re-releases, let's discuss the lessons it taught us on how to pursue romantic relationships in this day and age!

It’s Imtiaz Ali’s world and we are just living in it! The statement holds at least on the Bollywood quota of my social media feeds as it is often flooded with beautiful edits from his films or fans explaining…or most of the time over-analyzing the euphemisms or metaphors used in his films. Whatever might be the content - Reels, memes, or fan theories - it has kept the magic of his films alive and has paved the way for their re-release. Love Aaj Kal is one of those.

If you are a hopeless romantic like me whose understanding of love and commitment has been largely shaped by Shah Rukh Khan films where love is equivalent to worship but you are struck into the brutal realities of modern-day dating, Love Aaj Kal is your holy grail! It explores the complexities and imperfections of relationships in the 21st-century world and doesn’t shy away from the confusion, the push-and-pull, and the moments of self-doubt that often accompany it. This realistic portrayal with a heartwarming climax keeps the film grounded, relatable, and yet very Bollywood and entertaining. 

Also Read: Chhorii 2 review: A lethargic and spook less watch that gets lost in the shadow of its predecessor

Watch the trailer here!

The 2009 rom-com starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone has re-released in theaters and fans are still swooning over it. The film remains relevant in pop culture as it touches upon themes that resonate with dating in the modern era where people are pragmatic, have their priorities in the right place, and have an evolved attitude towards breakups and maintaining connections thereafter. But are things that simple? Aren’t humans largely driven by emotions rather than logic? Isn't love tricky no matter how practical you might be? Love Aaj Kal is a fine mirror of such situations and a handy playbook for navigating relationships in the post-liberalization era.

Here we take a look at the lessons the films taught us about love!

Breakups don’t have to be bitter

Love Aaj Kal, taught us that it's okay to end romantic relationships on amicable terms and that they don't have to be bitter and painful. It advocated for a progressive idea of moving forward in life while still maintaining a healthy friendship with your former partner. Also, how cool was the Chor Bazari song that celebrated break up in a Bollywood film rather than brooding over it in a sad, and painful manner? 

Pragmatism is the way forward

Jai and Meera, decide to part ways amicably due to their career ambitions and a sense of understanding of the complexities of a long-distance relationship. This reflected a very modern approach towards life where career aspirations and practical considerations often play a key role in determining romantic decisions, even overshadowing romantic ideals at times. 

Communication is the key

The best part of Jai and Meera’s relationship is their willingness to communicate. Be it their mature and open conversations about breaking up, even celebrating it by throwing a party or being clear about expressing their aspirations from life. All of these denote their emotional maturity and how uncomfortable conversations are important for peace and sustaining a relationship. Another progressive aspect of it is when Meera communicates to her husband that she isn’t happy with him and wants to spend her life with Jai instead, just a few days after their marriage. This scene stresses the importance of being honest in relationship.

The test of time and distance can be crucial 

Jai and Meera realize their feelings for each other when they part ways to pursue their dream careers. The two undergo internal journeys of self-discovery alongside their romantic arcs during this phase. They realize what they truly value and their struggle with choices and emotional journeys are witnessed in this very time. Them being constantly weighed down by each other’s absence, trying to find similar connections in new people they get romantically involved with and the slight jealousy and unsettledness they experience when they get to know about their new partners - all convey that sometimes a break or distance from a person will tell you if they are truly the one for you. 

Love requires courage, effort and commitment 

Whether it’s Veer's (Rishi Kapoor) persistent pursuit of Hurleen (Neetu Kapoor), despite societal pressures of the era, Jai displaying the gumption to show up at Meera’s wedding and expressing his feelings and most importantly Meera taking a bold step by calling off her marriage just a few days after the wedding to uphold the sanctity of the institution without fearing the repercussions, implies that one needs to put in the effort, have the courage to be vulnerable and remain true to their commitment to sustain a relationship! 

Love Aaj Kal resonates in 2025 because it captures the timeless essence of love and heartbreak against the backdrop of changing societal norms and makes for a light-hearted fun watch. Imtiaz Ali’s nuanced story-telling, backed by strong performances and a hint of nostalgia in parallel tracks continues to reign in more people and spark conversations about the complexities of relationships across generations. 

What do you think of this movie? Tell us in the comments below!

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