‘Saiyaara’, ‘Nadaaniyan’, ‘Love Aaj Kal 2’: 7 Bollywood romances that speak to Gen-Z hearts

Bollywood love stories have changed with time. For Gen-Z, love is about being real, caring for mental health, and dealing with relationships in today’s digital world. This list shows seven Bollywood movies with stories and characters that young people connect with. From old classics to new films, these movies show what love feels like now, full of hope, struggles, and real emotions that Gen-Z understands.

‘Saiyaara’, released in 2025 and directed by Mohit Suri, stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in a heartfelt love story wrapped in personal struggle and mental health themes. The film’s soulful music and authentic portrayal of early onset Alzheimer’s create an emotionally engaging narrative that resonates with Gen-Z’s craving for realism. The film’s fresh approach to love, combined with societal and individual growth, makes it compelling for younger audiences navigating complex emotions.

Streaming on Netflix since 2023, ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ stars Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gourav. It depicts love, friendship, and identity challenges within digital-obsessed youth. The contemporary themes of existential worry and meaningful connections resonate deeply with Gen-Z, making it a relevant and relatable film about navigating emotions and selfhood in today’s world.

‘Love Aaj Kal 2’, released on February 14, 2020, is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Imtiaz Ali. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan, it explores modern-day relationships through complex emotions and career challenges. The film is a sequel to the 2009 hit Love Aaj Kal but did not perform well at the box office. Despite mixed reviews, it offers a fresh take on love and heartbreak for younger audiences navigating today's dating world.

‘Nadaaniyan’ is a romantic comedy streaming on Netflix since March 7, 2025. Directed by Shauna Gautam, it stars Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor in their acting debuts. The story follows South Delhi girl Pia, who hires classmate Arjun to pretend as her boyfriend, sparking unexpected real feelings. The film explores young love, ambition, and family drama, with supporting roles by Mahima Chaudhary, Suniel Shetty, and Dia Mirza. Produced by Karan Johar's Dharmatic Entertainment, it blends romance with college life complexities.

‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ is a 2025 Bollywood romantic comedy directed by Shashank Khaitan. The film stars Varun Dhawan as Sunny and Janhvi Kapoor as Tulsi Kumari. The story follows Sunny, who is heartbroken after his girlfriend Ananya (Sanya Malhotra) agrees to an arranged marriage with Vikram (Rohit Saraf). Sunny teams up with Tulsi, Vikram’s ex, to crash the wedding, leading to comedic chaos and a new romance. Released on October 2, it explores love, family pressure, and societal norms.

Directed by Luv Ranjan, ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar’ released in 2023 stars Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor as modern, playful lovers tangled in lies and romantic games. Their chemistry and witty banter highlight the complexities of contemporary relationships, appealing strongly to Gen-Z. The film combines humor, emotional moments, and catchy music, capturing Gen-Z experience of navigating love, trust issues, and vulnerability in the digital era.

‘Loveyapa’ is a youthful romantic comedy released in 2025 featuring Khushi Kapoor and Meezaan Jafri in lead roles. The film explores the messy, fun side of young love against vibrant urban settings. Depicting friendship, flirtation, and emotional roller coasters, it connects with Gen-Z's fresh, candid approach to romance. Directed by Shauna Gautam, ‘Loveyapa’ balances humor and heart, portraying authentic youthful romance, making it relevant for today’s young audiences.