R. Madhavan, best known for his romantic charm in films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, is set to return to the genre with Aap Jaisa Koi, sparking excitement among fans.
In a recent interview, the actor opened up about the state of romantic films in Hindi cinema and how they are increasingly being overshadowed by the wave of action and thriller films.
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He pointed out that love stories are cherished by many for their emotional depth and relatability, yet in recent times, very few have managed to capture that emotion convincingly.
He recalled that none of the recent romantic films on OTT platforms have gained the hype or popularity that romantic content like Korean dramas enjoy.
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Madhavan also highlighted another challenge- the limited number of Indian romantic films, especially those with roles suitable for a 55-year-old actor like himself.
He praised Shah Rukh Khan as the undisputed king of romance and said that SRK could redefine the genre again, provided he chooses to romance an actress of his age on screen.
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While Shah Rukh remains a benchmark for romantic roles, Madhavan emphasised the broader issue of finding age-appropriate female co-stars for such stories.
His observation brings to light the persistent problem of age disparity in casting, especially within the romantic genre.
In Sikandar, we see Salman Khan, who is nearing 60, romancing Rashmika Mandanna, who is half his age. In Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan, also close to 60, is paired opposite Deepika Padukone, who is about to turn 40.
There are countless such examples right in front of us.
This issue of age disparity in Bollywood runs much deeper than on-screen portrayals, and it needs to be addressed more critically.
With more well-researched and well-written scripts, with age-appropriate on-screen romances, Hindi cinema could deliver and fulfil the demand for more touching love stories, if only they tried.
