Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that intense love stories are back in the cinema, and how! With the recent release Saiyaara, breaking records on the box office, and the film’s debut leads, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, stealing hearts with their electric chemistry and emotionally grounded performances, we are quite excited to see the romance genre making a comeback on our screens. Critics and audiences alike have pointed out that this is the Bollywood romance people have been craving: music‑driven, vulnerability‑rich, and soul‑stirring in a world too often star‑driven, and we couldn’t agree more!
Comeback of intense romance movies
Intense romance movies have started to make a comeback on big and small screens in a time when action-packed films, satirical thrillers and socially sensitive films predominate. Audiences, especially younger viewers seeking depth and emotional connection, are now looking for stories that don’t shy away from true anguish, longing, and vulnerability.
Real-life stakes, messed-up relationships, and flawed characters are all elements of these intense love stories that are presented with authenticity and poetic resonance. Moviegoers are rediscovering the emotional impact of tales where love suffers and recovers, whether they are rewatching reissued classics or discovering brand-new original works. This allows them to connect with that enduring pain we once believed we had forgotten.
Why are we loving intense romance movies?
Why, you ask? News-cycle exhaustion and streaming fatigue have caused people to crave significant but escapist narratives. Whether it is theatrical release or on OTT, intense romance movies combine nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities to offer solace, hope, and emotional release.
At the same time, filmmakers are realising that they are telling romances that respect tradition while addressing modern issues like outdated dating apps, generational differences, changing identities, and emotional complexity. This change in style has produced fresh chemistry, fresh viewpoints, and a comeback that feels more like a sincere return to the dramatic importance of love in films than a fad.
Raanjhanaa
Starring Sonam Kapoor, Abhay Deol and Dhanush in leading roles, Raanjhanaa is a raw, passionate tale of unrequited love in Banaras, where class, religion, and lifelong obsession collide. A must-watch for emotional depth and cultural dimension, it addresses loss, redemption, and the wonderful chaos of first love, all of which are anchored by Dhanush’s passionate performance.
Cocktail
Set in London, this stylish love triangle dramedy has a flirtatious Saif Ali Khan, a captivating Deepika Padukone, and a grounded Diana Penty. For those who want a contemporary romance, Cocktail is our pick from the list of intense romance movies.
Tamasha
One of the very few intense romance movies that gained cult status years after its release, this Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone starrer is a must-watch. Visually poetic and emotionally raw, Tamasha is a refreshing break from conventional romances.
Sanam Teri Kasam
A saga of innocent love blossoming in unlikely places, Sanam Teri Kasam has gained a cult following over the years. Tear‑jerking yet beautifully shot, this film features Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane in leading roles, and is a perfect pick for hopeless romantics.
Kedarnath
Against the backdrop of the 2013 floods, a Hindu pilgrim and a Muslim guide find love amid disaster in Kedarnath. Sara Ali Khan and Sushant Singh Rajput play the leads, respectively. Emotionally gripping and visually striking, it’s a tear‑jerker framed in resilience and faith.
Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas
Sunny Deol’s directorial debut, this intense romantic film has a picturesque meet‑cute. In the Himalayas, an adventure guide played by Karan Deol and a vlogger played by Sahher Bambba clash, flirt, then fall. Scenic romance at its best, minus edge-of-your-seat drama, Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas is perfect for a cosy watch.
Tere Naam
If you are a ’90s child, you know this was going to be on the list of intense romance movies. Salman Khan at his brooding best in this tragic love story that redefined heartbreak for a generation. Intense, poetic, and utterly consuming, Tere Naam is an old favourite for many, and we can see why.
Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari
Need a break from the aforementioned intense romance movies? We got you! Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari follows the story of Suraj, who is an eligible bachelor, frequently turned down by prospective brides’ families. He soon finds out that Madhu Mangal Rane, a wedding detective, is to blame. And Diljit Dosanjh and Fatima Sana Sheikh together in one frame? We love it already!
Khaali Peeli
Intense romance movies with a bit of action thrown in? Khaali Peeli has to be your pick, then. Pooja and Blackie, played by Ananya Pandey and Ishaan Khattar, respectively, are childhood sweethearts who part ways for various reasons. Years later, Pooja runs across Blackie, now a cab driver, after fleeing the brothel.
Manmarziyaan
Raw emotions wrapped in a modern love triangle, this is hands down one of the most intense romance movies. Taapsee Pannu‘s Rumi is in love with Vicky played by Vicky Kaushal, a DJ who keeps letting her down. This prompts her family to push her into marrying the responsible and composed banker Robbie, played by Abhishek Bachchan. The chaos that ensues is what makes Manmarziyaan so intense.
Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana
Engagement, betrayal, and the labyrinth of love weave through this wedding‑themed rollercoaster starring Rajkumar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda. A touching story of sacrifice and forgiveness set against vibrant wedding backdrops, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana is as entertaining as it is intense.
Do Lafzon Ki Kahani
Suraj played by Randeep Hooda is a retired MMA boxer living a reclusive life in Kuala Lumpur. He unexpectedly befriends Jenny (Kajal Aggarwal), a lively blind sculptor, and sparks fly. But soon he discovers her past is intertwined with his guilt‑ridden tragedy. Tender and soulful, Do Lafzon Ki Kahani is made for those who love films with emotional depth.
Fitoor
A visually lush, haunting adaptation of Great Expectations, Fitoor is drenched in unfulfilled love and class divides. We cannot make a list of intense romance movies and not include this. Starring Katrina Kaif, Aditya Roy Kapoor, and Tabu, set against the gorgeous backdrop of Kashmir, this is simply a must-watch.
Safe to say, intense romance movies are here to stay. And these picks prove that love stories with raw emotions and soulful narratives still rule the audience’s hearts. Whether it’s classic heartbreak or modern love, these films bring back the charm of passion and vulnerability.
FAQs about intense romantic movies on ZEE5
Ans: Movies like Kedarnath, Tamasha, and Raanjhanaa are perfect weekend picks for their emotional depth and stunning visuals.
Ans: Raanjhanaa, Tamasha, Manmarziyaan, Fitoor, and Tere Naam are among the top choices for fans of emotional love stories.
Ans: Films like Raanjhanaa, Tamasha, and Kedarnath are excellent starting points. They beautifully combine emotional depth, stunning visuals, and memorable performances.
