While I’m more of a sci-fi and action movie junkie, there have been times when I’ve made an exception and watched a romantic flick. Here are 10 romantic movies that I’d recommend for this Valentine’s Day – across Bollywood, Hollywood and even a couple of memorable ones from Kollywood!

Hollywood:

Notting Hill: What happens when a famous American movie star falls in love with a British bookstore owner? Sweet, sweet, magic. Or in the words of Anna Scott: “I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” This classic rom-com is perfect to watch on Valentine’s Day.

Crazy Stupid Love: What’s not to love about the dramedy? This movie had all the ingredients of blossoming love, unrequited love, and love re-inventing itself after hitting a rough patch, and above all never giving up on the one you love. Funny and smart in equal parts, this is a must-see on Valentine’s Day.

Dirty Dancing: Great music, dancing and forbidden love – all the makings of one fine romantic viewing. Especially since this movie was all the rage when I was in school!

Love Actually: Bring out the popcorn and wine, and follow the parallel lives of eight different couples at different stages of their relationship and what love does to them. Heart-warming, comical and tragic in equal parts, this is what love is all about, and is a classic Valentine fare.

Option-5

Bollywood:

DDLJ: This film set the benchmark for romance in Bollywood, and it became one of the longest running films. Traditional parents, arranged marriages and young blossoming love is something that is classically India-centric, and beating those odds with a cocktail of emotions that included drama, comedy, and of course, love.

Jab We Met: As the saying goes: Opposites attract. This film pretty much epitomises that. Eternally optimistic small town girl meets recently down-in-the-dumps city boy, and they fall in love after a wild goose chase. Haven’t we all had those moments, or wished for something like that?

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na: The best kind of love is when you fall in love with your best friend. Even if you don’t know it yet. Or it takes you a little longer to get there. Janne tu dealt exactly with that premise, and launched a new heart throb – Imran Khan. Classic Valentine Day movie-worthy material, wouldn’t you agree?

Ek Duuje Ke Liye: This movie has a special place in my heart because it is the first time that I sobbed uncontrollably, along with everybody else in the theatre. The memorable performances by Kamal Hasan and Rati Agnihotri still get me misty-eyed.

Dil Chahta Hai: Perhaps one of the more realistic and path breaking films in Bollywood by debutant director Farhan Akhtar. This film dealt with three best friends, each with their unique personalities, who find love in the most unexpected places. I particularly liked Dimple Kapadia’s character in the movie, which was unprecedented and broke new ground in mainstream Indian cinema.

Regional: 

Aliapayuthey:  Chocolate-boy Madhavan and girl-next-door Anjali set the screen on fire with their chemistry in this Tamil film by ace director Mani Ratnam. This film successfully navigated the triumphs and tribulations of love and marriage. Such was the movie’s popularity, that it was dubbed into several other regional languages including Hindi (Saathiya).

Mouna Ragam: What happens when you lose the love of your life due to unfortunate circumstances, and are forced into marriage with someone else?  This romantic drama explores what happens when life gives you another chance at love.

Which film will you be watching on Valentine’s Day?

– Siddharth Mangharam.

Siddharth is the founder and CEO of www.floh.in, a platform that connects singles in real life.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this POV/BLOG are the personal opinions of the author. PANDOLIN is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing on the POV/BLOG  do not reflect the views of PANDOLIN and PANDOLIN does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.