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Representative Image (Pixabay)

Since the economy liberalised in the early nineties, there was not a segment of Indian society that did not undergo change. Our thoughts, dreams, fashion and shops – everything changed.

So did our love stories, and, nowhere was this change more boldly documented than on celluloid.

On the eve of Valentine’s Day, here’s a list of popular and critically acclaimed movies which continue to draw eyeballs:

Bridget Jones Diary

This edgy, fun and infectious saga starring Renee Zellweger is timeless and has become almost a Valentine’s Day ritual watch. Based on the eponymous novel by Helen Fielding, this film went on to earn Zellweger an Oscar nod. You can revisit the film on Netflix.

Is Love Enough? Sir

It’s a kind of film which hits you in the solar plexus, strikes all the right notes and stays with you for a long time, leaving a lasting imprint in your heart.  Directed by Rohan Gera, this is a subtle and understated story of an unequal relationship between a maid and a cynical son of a wealthy family depicted beautifully and convincingly by Tilottoma Shome and Vivek Gomber. You can watch it on Netflix.

Blue is the Warmest Colour

An exhausting love story chronicling a French teen’s deeply romantic, wrenching and sexual attachment with an older art student whom she meets at a lesbian bar, this epic same-sex movie directed by Abdellatif Kechiche is a must-watch.

Jab We Met

One can perhaps never quite get over the heart-warming chemistry between the bubbly Geet and composed Aaditya portrayed convincingly by Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor in this pathbreaking film. Replete with memorable scenes, humourous dialogues and great music, this still remains the best-directed film by Imtiaz Ali.

Highway

Again an Imtiaz Ali film, this depicts a love story where Alia Bhatta, a case of Stockholm Syndrome falls in love with her abductor Randeep Hooda and starts enjoying a never-seen-before freedom.

The Lunchbox

A simple love story between two people who never actually meet but exchange notes inside lunch boxes was much appreciated by critics and the audience alike, going on to win several national and international awards. Directed by Ritesh Batra, this films has one of late actor Irrfan’s best performances with Nimrat Kaur lending the right amount of subtlety.

Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein

This 2001 romantic movie, still lovingly called RHTDM, sees R Madhavan and Dia Mirza in their best romantic avatars and definitely has repeat value.

Masaan

This highly appreciated film set in Benares follows two parallel stories exploring the deep feelings of the protagonists who go against the societal norms to follow the call of their hearts. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film stars Richa Chadha, Vicky Kaushal, Shweta Tripathi and Sanjay Mishra, among others.

Kabir Singh

If you want to deviate from the stereotypical romantic formulae, then Kabir Singh can surely make into your list. Starring Shahid Kapur in the lead, this movie was highly criticised for its vitriolic male chauvinism and but still went on to emerge as one of the biggest hits of 2019. By the way, it has got powerful performances and great music too.

Margarita With a Straw

This Shonali Bose movie depicts the story of a girl with cerebral palsy (Kalki Koechlin) who relocates to the US and comes of age following a complex relationship with a blind girl played by Sayani Gupta.

Pretty Woman

This evergreen romance between a streetwalker and a business tycoon depicted onscreen by Richard Gere and Julia Roberts gets one all mushy and emotional even after 30 years of its release. A cult movie in its own right it can be put in a loop and is a safe bet on a special day. You can watch it on Disney+ Hotstar.

And for incurable romantics, here are a few evergreen Bollywood and Hollywood blockbusters that need no introduction:

When Harry met Sally

Sleepless in Seattle

You’ve Got Mail

The French Kiss

Dilwale Dulwaniya Le Jayenge

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Hum Apke Hai Kaun

Dil To Pagal Hai

Vivah

Saathiya

Lootera