Valentine's week is a special time to celebrate love. While romantic comedies are a popular choice, why not explore some underrated Bollywood gems that offer unique perspectives and stories? Here are some recommendations for each day of Valentine's week:
Rose Day – Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017)
Director: Tanuja Chandra
Qarib Qarib Singlle might seem like an unconventional choice for Rose Day, a day traditionally associated with fresh, budding romance. However, every rose has its thorns, and relationships, like roses, aren't always perfect. Qarib Qarib Singlle acknowledges this. Jaya and Yogi's relationship is messy, complicated, and filled with misunderstandings. It's not a fairytale romance, but a realistic portrayal of how two very different individuals navigate the complexities of connecting. This acknowledges that love isn't just about the rosy picture; it's also about accepting the "thorns" – the imperfections and challenges – that come with it.
Propose Day – The Lunchbox (2013)
Director: Ritesh Batra
Proposing love in an unconventional manner, The Lunchbox is a quiet and understated gem. The film revolves around an unlikely romance between two lonely individuals—a middle-aged office worker, Saajan (Irrfan Khan), and a young housewife, Ila (Nimrat Kaur)—who begin exchanging heartfelt notes through lunchboxes delivered by Mumbai’s famed Dabbawala system. Their love blossoms silently, through letters, with no grand gestures or dramatic moments. The Lunchbox perfectly exemplifies how the most genuine proposals of love happen quietly when two people connect at the most unexpected time.
Chocolate Day – O Kadhal Kanmani (2017)
Director: Mani Ratnam
O Kadhal Kanmani, a Tamil film that was later adapted by Bollywood and made into a cheap copy named Ok Jaanu focuses on the initial rush of romance, the heady excitement of discovering a connection with someone new. Aadi and Tara's relationship is full of playful banter, shared dreams, and the intoxicating feeling of being completely understood. This mirrors the instant gratification and pure pleasure we associate with indulging in delicious chocolate. It's that initial "sugar rush" of love.
Teddy Day – Hasee Toh Phasee (2014)
Director: Vinil Mathew
Hasee Toh Phasee is a lighthearted and quirky take on love, combined with the often childlike innocence of its characters, making it a surprisingly fitting choice for Teddy Day. Think of it as the cinematic equivalent of a cuddly teddy bear – comforting, a little bit goofy, and ultimately heartwarming. While the film is primarily a comedy, it also has moments of genuine warmth and tenderness. As Meeta and Nikhil's relationship develops, they learn to rely on each other for support and comfort. This sense of emotional connection is what makes Hasee Toh Phasee a fitting choice for Teddy Day. It's a reminder that love, like a teddy bear, can provide comfort and warmth in a sometimes chaotic world.
Promise Day – Three of Us (2020)
Director: Avinash Arun
For Promise Day, we delve into a heartfelt narrative about a couple navigating the challenges of a long-term relationship. Three of Us tells the story of an unconventional relationship between two childhood friends and a third, who inadvertently enters their shared space. This poignant story of emotional entanglements, promises, and personal growth has moments of aching beauty, where the characters confront their own insecurities and the promises they’ve made to each other. This slow-burn exploration of love, trust, and forgiveness makes it the perfect choice to honor the spirit of Promise Day.
Hug Day – Lootera (2013)
Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Lootera, while not a typical cuddly romance, surprisingly resonates with the spirit of Hug Day in a profound way. It's less about the literal embrace and more about the emotional embrace – the longing for connection, the vulnerability of opening your heart, and the bittersweet comfort found in shared experiences, even amidst hardship. Think of it as the kind of hug that lingers, leaving a lasting impression long after it's ended. At its core, Lootera is a story about two souls yearning for connection in a world that often feels cold and unforgiving. Pakhi and Varun's relationship is built on a shared sense of vulnerability and a deep desire to be understood. This longing for emotional intimacy is at the heart of what Hug Day represents – the desire to bridge the gap between two hearts and find solace in each other's presence.
Kiss Day – October (2018)
Director: Shoojit Sircar
For Kiss Day, October is the perfect pick. In this tender, quietly powerful romance, a hotel management trainee (Varun Dhawan) becomes emotionally involved with a colleague (Banita Sandhu) after a life-altering accident leaves her in a coma. Their love is expressed not in grand gestures, but in the small, intimate moments that build trust and affection over time. A kiss in October is not just physical—it represents connection, vulnerability, and a deeper understanding of the fragility of life and love. It’s a poetic meditation on what love means when time is running out, making it an ideal choice for Kiss Day.
Valentine’s Day – Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)
Director: Sharat Katariya
Dum Laga Ke Haisha might not be your typical hearts-and-flowers Valentine's Day romance, but that's precisely what makes it perfect for the occasion. It transcends the superficiality often associated with the holiday and delves into the true essence of love – acceptance, respect, and the gradual blossoming of connection in unexpected places. Prem and Sandhya are forced into marriage, but they eventually find love and respect for each other. Their story is a testament to the fact that love isn't always planned or predictable; it can grow gradually, even in seemingly unfavorable situations. It's a film that celebrates love in its most authentic and relatable form, making it an ideal choice for a meaningful Valentine's Day watch.
This Valentine’s Week, let’s move beyond the clichés of grand gestures and lighthearted comedies. These films capture the full spectrum of love, from its quiet beginnings to its tragic conclusions, from passion to self-discovery. Each film offers a different facet of romance, encouraging viewers to embrace love in all its forms—gentle, complicated, dark, and redemptive. Enjoy this week not just through flowers and chocolates but through cinematic love that invites introspection, emotion, and connection.
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