Bollywood's Romantic Resurgence: Audiences Demand a Nostalgic Comeback

As the post-pandemic era dawned, Bollywood seemed fixated on grand, large-scale action films or niche projects. However, the year 2025 has witnessed a remarkable shift, with audiences gravitating towards heartfelt love stories. The year began on a surprising note with the re-release of the 1990s classic Sanam Teri Kasam, which unexpectedly became a success. Soon after, the romantic drama Saiyaara emerged as a blockbuster, and the Diwali release Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat also proved to be a profitable venture.

What binds these films together is their focus on soulful, enduring music and Pan-India appeal. In this context, the 29th anniversary of the iconic Raja Hindustani feels especially significant. Bollywood Hungama spoke to the film's highly successful director, Dharmesh Darshan, who revealed that he is considering a return to filmmaking, stating that "when music is back, I'll be back." Darshan praised the recent successes of Saiyaara and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, noting that the audience is "insisting, 'Please turn the clock back'" to the golden age of 90s and 2000s Bollywood romance.

Darshan emphasized that while modern technology and storytelling are essential, audiences are yearning for the sincere, honest, and committed energies of classic Bollywood love stories. He promised that his next film will feature at least five terrific songs, complemented by powerful performances, just as his previous hits like Raja Hindustani and Dhadkan had done. The industry, Darshan believes, must respect the audience's demand for relatable, non-pretentious content that resonates across India and overseas.