The Romantics – the new Netflix documentary series that takes viewers on a journey through the filmmaking career of Yash Chopra, a man responsible for creating the image of the “Bollywood romance”. For decades, he has captivated audiences with his films that combine stunning natural beauty, music, and storytelling to create a perfect blend of emotions, establishing himself as a master of the romance genre.
From his early message-laden, “nationalistic” films to his daring love stories, the series explores Chopra’s legacy and how it has influenced Indian cinema. With interviews from the industry’s biggest names, including filmmaker Karan Johar, The Romantics is a heartfelt tribute to a legend who has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Why “The Romantics” Documentary Series is a Must-Watch for Bollywood Fans and Romantics Alike
Yash Chopra, the late Bollywood filmmaker, is best known for his romantic movies featuring straight couples singing and dancing on idyllic mountainsides, and the new Netflix documentary series “The Romantics” traces his filmmaking career. From “nationalistic” films to action-dramas and the series of love stories, Chopra established himself as a master of the romance genre.
“The Romantics” takes a deeper look at his filmography and reveals that he tackled mature and “bold” themes, including extra-marital love and age gaps in relationships. In the documentary, Chopra explained that he was showing what was “already there” and making films that touched his heart.
One of his most transgressive films was Silsila (1981), a mainstream film addressing extra-marital love that shocked audiences in its time. Another film that dealt with a love not entirely accepted by society was Lamhe (1991), which showed the inner turmoil of a man who comes to love a woman much younger than him. However, his son Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge (1995), was a more traditional romance that lacked the earlier films’ subversiveness.
The documentary series “The Romantics” has resonated with audiences and filmmakers alike. Filmmaker Karan Johar praised it and asked, “where did good old-fashioned conviction vanish?” He continues, “The rom doc reminds us of the past that seemed so organic and heartfelt…. Makes me want to go back to that zone of filmmaking. I am so deeply inspired by the YRF story… it’s origin and it’s journey.”
Overall, “The Romantics” is an insightful and engaging documentary series that pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Yash Chopra’s Bollywood romances. It showcases how his films not only captured the beauty of love and passion but also challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of filmmakers.