Love, longing & life lessons: This week’s must-watch romantic dramas

This week, immerse yourself in compelling romantic dramas that explore love, longing, and the many shades of human connection. From heartfelt stories of chance encounters that change lives, to poignant explorations of memory, music, and the passage of time, these films invite you to experience romance in all its complexity.

Saiyaara
The poster of Saiyaara. Photo courtesy: www.yashrajfilms.com

Whether you’re drawn to soulful love stories that tug at the heartstrings, emotional journeys that celebrate resilience, or nuanced portrayals of modern relationships with all their joys and struggles, this lineup promises rich storytelling, unforgettable performances, and a deep emotional resonance that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan

Genre: Romantic Drama
Language: Hindi
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Shanaya Kapoor, Zain Khan Durrani
Director: Santosh Singh
Release Date: September 5, 2025
Platform: ZEE5 Global

Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is a heartfelt adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s short story The Eyes Have It. The film follows Jahaan (Vikrant Massey), a blind musician, and Saba (Shanaya Kapoor), an aspiring actress, whose chance meeting on a train sparks an unexpected and profound connection. Their relationship blossoms through shared dreams and heartfelt moments, transcending physical sight. The film’s soulful soundtrack by Vishal Mishra and intimate cinematography by Tanveer Mir enhance its emotional resonance.

Mothevari Love Story

Genre: Romantic Comedy / Drama
Language: Telugu
Cast: Anil Geela, Varshini Reddy Junnuthula, Muralidhar, Sadanna, Sujatha
Director: Shiva Krishna Burra
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Platform: ZEE5 Global

Parshi, a young man from the village of Arepalli, falls in love with Anitha from a neighbouring village. The two decide to elope, but their plans are derailed when a hidden family secret emerges: Parshi’s grandmother, Anumavva, was once the secret mistress of Anitha’s late grandfather, who had left her five acres of land. This revelation leads to a bitter land dispute between Anitha’s father Sattayya and his brother Narsingh, straining family ties. To heal the rift, Anumavva offers the contested land as dowry on the condition that Parshi and Anitha marry, hoping this union will bring the families back together. Through humour, misunderstandings, and emotional moments, the series explores whether love can indeed bridge tradition, familial conflict, and culture.

Tumm Se Tumm Tak

Genre: Romantic Drama
Language: Hindi
Cast: Sharad Kelkar, Niharika Chouksey, Vandana Pathak, Dolly Chawla, Sameer Patil, Soma Rathod, Nasir Khan, Manraj Singh, Nandani Tiwary
Director / Creator: Prateek Sharma
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Platform: ZEE5 Global

Anu, a kind 20-year-old girl from a modest middle-class background, and Aryavardhan, a self-made businessman in his mid-40s, develop a relationship that surprises society. As their bond grows, they face resistance from family expectations, social norms, and class differences. Through empathy, trust, and emotional honesty, they attempt to bridge the gap that age, status, and tradition have imposed. Their journey tests whether love truly has no boundaries and whether emotional connection can rewrite what’s considered acceptable.

Saiyaara

Genre: Romantic Drama
Language: Hindi
Cast: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda, Rajesh Kumar
Director: Mohit Suri
Release Date: September 12, 2025
Platform: Netflix

Saiyaara is a poignant love story that delves into the complexities of relationships. The film follows Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a talented musician, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), a passionate writer, whose burgeoning success and Vaani’s devastating medical diagnosis threaten to pull them apart. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film has garnered acclaim for its emotional depth and visual storytelling. It became the first YRF film to stream on Netflix, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s Indian content lineup.

Bhool Chuk Maaf

Genre: Romantic Fantasy Comedy Drama
Language: Hindi
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Wamiqa Gabbi, Seema Pahwa, Sanjay Mishra, Raghubir Yadav, Zakir Hussain
Director: Karan Shrikant Sharma
Release Date: May 9 2025
Platform: Prime Video

Bhool Chuk Maaf follows Ranjan (Rajkummar Rao), a romantic young man from Banaras, who wants to marry Titli (Wamiqa Gabbi). To gain acceptance from Titli’s father, he is given the condition to secure a government job. When Ranjan fails to fulfill this promise (amid efforts involving bribery, betrayal, and desperation), he makes a vow to Lord Shiva, but forgets it. As a result, he becomes trapped in a time loop. The story is about how Ranjan tries to break the loop by honoring his vow, proving himself, and ultimately achieving love, redemption, and personal growth.