Valentine’s Day 2024: 10 Bollywood Rom-Coms From The 2000s to Watch for a Cosy Night in

The 2000s were a great time for romantic comedies. This is when the Hindi film industry cracked a formula of sorts to give audiences feel-good stories: sweet romantic arcs in stunning settings (Bollywood had just started romanticising New York), unique characters and songs that are on our playlists to date. Some of the biggest Bollywood stars signed up to play lovelorn characters and the pay-off for the experimentation within the genre was high. This Valentine’s Day if you’re feeling nostalgic for the charming rom-coms of the 2000s, here’s an essential list of films that will complete your cosy night in.

Dil Chahta Hai (2001)

When it comes to movies about love and friendship, Dil Chahta Hai is pretty much the gold standard. The film directed by Farhan Akhtar and featuring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta and others is about three childhood friends’ journey as they navigate relationships with wildly different approaches after graduating from college. The film was a huge hit when it was released and continues to give us Goa trip goals.

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

It has been over 20 years since Kal Ho Naa Ho was released and the film continues to make fans laugh, cry and fall in love. With a stellar star cast that includes Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, the film remains etched in our memory. It revolves around classmates Naina and Rohit whose lives change when a charming man, Aman, moves into their neighbourhood. Aman falls for Naina but works on setting her up with Rohit since he has a terminal illness. The film has some laugh-out-loud moments with some bitter-sweet scenes that will leave you reeling from the emotional rollercoaster.

Hum Tum (2004)

Hum Tum had all the right tropes. Opposites attract? Check! Battle of sexes? Check! Adorable protagonists, who would fall in love in foreign locations? Yes, please! Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Kunal Kohli, the romantic comedy featured Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji. The two play characters who initially cannot stand each other. On a flight to New York and on a long layover in Amsterdam, they get to know each other better. The songs and the banter from this arc, which includes the track Ladki Kyon Na Jaane Kyun, remain iconic. Over seven-odd years of separation and reunion, the two fall in love.

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi had one of the funniest trios in Bollywood rom-com history – Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. Set in Goa, the film is about two men, Sameer and Arun (also known as “wicked” Sunny), who fall in love with Rani. The two compete to win her heart in hilarious sequences. The iconic scenes and songs from the film like Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din and the title track remain popular to date. Watch the film if you’re looking for a fun beach-set Bollywood rom-com.

See Also: Filmfare Recommends: Top Akshay Kumar Comedies From The Last 20 Years

Bunty Aur Babli (2005)

Few Bollywood rom-coms are as experimental as Bunty Aur Babli. Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji as the titular characters, the film takes us on a journey with two thieves who embark on a journey across Uttar Pradesh to con people. The lead pair brought their A-game with their comic timing and chemistry in the film. In fact, many believed the two were dating IRL when the film came out. A major highlight in the film is Aishwarya Rai’s item number alongside Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan.

See Also: Filmfare Recommends: 15 Best Films of Abhishek Bachchan

Salaam Namaste (2005)

Salaam Namaste is another film featuring Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta that makes it to the list. The film revolves around Nick, a chef and Ambar, a radio jockey. The two make a bold decision as they move in together in Melbourne. As they spend more together they fight and eventually fall in love. When Ambar gets pregnant they navigate a complex set of questions about compatibility, responsibility and more. The film is a charming and refreshingly nuanced exploration of what being in love really means. The film was certainly ahead of its time.

Jab We Met (2007)

Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met was so good that they had to re-release the film in theatres and unsurprisingly, it opened to packed screens. Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor, the film revolves around Aditya, a down-and-out man whose life changes when he meets Geet, a fun-loving woman on the run to reunite with her lover. Along the journey, sparks fly as they explore the stunning locales of India. It can easily be said that the fan-favourite film has redefined romance in Bollywood.

Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008)

The best friends-turned-lovers trope is hard to resist. Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na starring Imran Khan and Genelia D’Souza quickly became everyone’s favourite coming-of-age rom-com upon its release. The film revolves around childhood friends Aditi and Jai who share a platonic relationship till Jai starts dating and Aditi’s parents try to fix her marriage. That’s when they realise that they love each other and must be together. The film has some heartwarming moments of love and friendship that are as endearing as it gets.

Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)

Bollywood peaked with fresh pairings when they cast Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma together in the Delhi-set Band Baaja Baaraat. The film is about two ambitious wedding planners, Shruti and Bittoo whose chaotic work life gets messier when the former falls for the latter. Between shaadi shenanigans and the lead cast’s fun chemistry, the film is an entertaining watch and an important addition to the romantic comedy genre.

I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

Few films are as funny, stylish and unconventional as I Hate Luv Storys and by that, we don’t just mean the unique way of spelling words in the title. Starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor, the film is about Jay, a man who (you guessed it) hates romance and Simran, a woman who loves love. Their differences eventually bring them together. The meta DDLJ references and the pair’s chemistry are highlights of the film.