As an ardent fan of Bollywood movies, I have had the privilege of witnessing some truly captivating stories that beautifully portray the essence of India’s cultural diversity. These tales of love, family, and tradition have left an indelible mark on my heart.
India boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, and this multifaceted aspect has often found its way onto the silver screen through Bollywood. In numerous Hindi films, narratives frequently revolve around romantic leads hailing from distinct cultural backdrops, navigating intricate paths to attain their ‘happily ever after.’
In contrast to Hollywood, elements such as music, dance, familial values, and festivals play significant roles in Bollywood productions. Filmmakers frequently incorporate cultural details to enrich their narrative storytelling. For instance, consider Naina from Kal Ho Naa Ho, a character deeply rooted in Punjabi culture, who ultimately marries Rohit, a member of the Gujarati family. Scenes depicting their cultural differences serve as humorous reminders of their unique backgrounds.
Top Netflix films that explore cultural differences between lead couple
1. Kal Ho Naa Ho
Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, Kal Ho Naa Ho gave us an important lesson about living our lives to the fullest. In the film, Zinta plays the role of Naina, who falls in love with Aman, but he, in turn, sets her up with Rohit due to his ill health. The film’s complex love story, characters’ internal turmoil, and heartbreaking scenes have a special place in our hearts.
Yet, their encounter brought about a moment of amusement as Naina’s lively Punjabi clan collided with Rohit’s reserved Gujarati family. The gentle clash between the families in showcasing their unique cultures served to emphasize India’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of family values all the more.
2. Dil Dhadakne Do
Under Zoya Akhtar’s guidance, the movie Dil Dhadakne Do emphasized the significance of familial bonds and mutual comprehension. This film, launched in 2015, unfolds the narrative of a troubled family as they are summoned for a 10-day cruise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of a wealthy couple, Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah.
Beyond the narrative, the film’s portrayal of character cultures is one of its standout aspects. In this production, Ranveer Singh portrays Kabir, the couple’s son. He hails from a prosperous family but must abandon his dreams to manage the family business. On the other hand, Anushka embodies Farah, a more self-reliant and modern character who is determined to establish her identity and left home to pursue her passions. Despite their differing cultural upbringings, they share fundamental values that add depth to the plot.
3. Jab Harry Met Sejal
Another gem on the list is Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma starrer Jab Harry Met Sejal. In the film, Khan plays the role of Harinder ‘Harry’ Singh Nehra, a Punjabi tourist guide who works in Amsterdam. He is a lonely and helpful person who is forced to help his client, Sejal, played by Sharma, find a lost ring.
Beyond having distinct cultural roots in Punjabi and Gujarati traditions, Harry adopts a Western lifestyle, whereas Sejal is deeply rooted in Indian values. As they traverse various European locales, their contrasting cultural viewpoints make the movie a captivating choice for viewing. Over time, their journey encourages them to appreciate and embrace each other’s cultural backgrounds, serving as an inspiring demonstration of cultural understanding and harmony.
4. Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar
People really enjoyed Ranbir Kapoor’s latest romantic comedy, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, co-starring Shraddha Kapoor. The movie was well-received for its engaging plot, heartfelt romance, and funny moments. The narrative traces the couple’s journey from a contemporary love story to a traditional union, emphasizing their cultural contrasts.
In this story, Ranbir takes on the character of Rohan, a lively and free-spirited businessman with a progressive take on romance. In contrast, Shraddha portrays Tinni, who is more grounded and holds a traditional viewpoint about love. Tinni is employed and generally takes a serious approach to life, which sets her apart from Rohan. Furthermore, the dynamic between them is further emphasized by their distinct cultural backgrounds: Rohan belongs to a vivacious Punjabi family, while Tinni comes from a more practical household. This cultural difference adds an authentic touch to their romantic journey.
5. Jodhaa Akbar
The movie “Jodhaa Akbar,” featuring Aishwarya Rai and Hrithik Roshan, is centered around the romantic tale of Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Rajput wife, Jodhaa Bai. In this period piece set in the Middle Ages, the cultural disparities between the Hindu queen and Muslim king play a significant role.
Despite initially entering into their marriage for political reasons, the pair eventually developed a deep appreciation and acceptance of each other’s cultural differences, adding an intriguing layer to the movie.
Love transcends all barriers, and the central couple in these movies demonstrates this beautifully by conquering their cultural disparities for the sake of their beloved. From their culture collisions to their understanding, these highly-rated Netflix movies make a wonderful choice for your viewing schedule over the upcoming weekend.
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2024-10-15 19:52