Fall in Love with Arranged Marriages: Top Bollywood Movies You Need to Watch

Love after Arranged Marriage: The Top Bollywood Movies You Need to Watch

Are you looking for a whirlwind romance that will sweep you off your feet? Do you find the concept of arranged marriages intriguing?

Look no further than Bollywood, where arranged marriages are a popular trope in many romantic films. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best arranged marriage movies in Bollywood and focus on one film in particular: Socha Na Thaa.

What Makes an Arranged Marriage Movie?

Before we dive into specific titles, let’s take a closer look at the elements that make up a successful arranged marriage movie.

1. First and foremost, the story must center around two people who are brought together by their families for the purpose of marriage. This can either be a traditional arranged marriage, where the couple has little to no say in the matter, or a more modern take where the individuals have some agency in the decision-making process.

2. Secondly, the movie should focus on the journey of the couple falling in love despite their initial reservations. This can be due to cultural differences, personality clashes, or a general lack of knowledge about each other.

3. The audience should root for the couple as they navigate these obstacles and hopefully find their happily ever after in the end.

4. Lastly, a successful arranged marriage movie must have captivating performances from the leads, a memorable soundtrack, and beautiful sets that transport the viewer to another world.

Now, let’s look at some of the top Bollywood movies that fit the bill.

Examples of Arranged Marriage Movies in Bollywood

1. Hum Aapke Hain Kaun

This 1994 classic is one of the most iconic Bollywood films of all time.

It follows the story of Prem and Nisha, who fall in love after their respective siblings marry each other. The film explores the importance of family and tradition, while also showcasing some unforgettable dance sequences and songs.

2. Dhadkan

Starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Shilpa Shetty, Dhadkan tells the story of a woman torn between two men: her husband and an old flame.

The film has themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, and is known for its tear-jerking finale.

3. Namastey London

This romantic comedy stars Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar and tells the story of a British-born Indian woman who is sent to India to find a suitable husband. She meets and falls in love with a Punjabi man, but their cultural differences threaten to tear them apart.

Namastey London has humor, heart, and a killer soundtrack to boot.

4. Socha Na Thaa

Directed by Imtiaz Ali and featuring Abhay Deol and Ayesha Takia in the lead roles, Socha Na Thaa is a modern take on the arranged marriage trope. It tells the story of Viren and Aditi, who agree to an arranged marriage but both have reservations about the union.

As they spend time together, they realize they have more than just a superficial attraction and fall deeply in love.

Socha Na Thaa: The Plot Summary

Let’s take a closer look at Socha Na Thaa, one of the most beloved arranged marriage movies in Bollywood.

Viren (Abhay Deol) and Aditi (Ayesha Takia) hail from different backgrounds but are brought together by their families for an arranged marriage. Viren is a quiet, introspective artist who initially has no interest in getting married.

Aditi is more outgoing and lively, but also has reservations about settling down.

As the two spend more time together, their initial animosity turns to understanding, and eventually, love.

They both realize they have a connection that goes beyond just physical attraction and decide to go ahead with the marriage. However, their families are against the union due to a complicated history, and the couple must fight for their love against all odds.

What sets Socha Na Thaa apart from other arranged marriage movies is its focus on the friendship that develops between Viren and Aditi. They form a genuine bond that is not based solely on physical attraction, but rather on shared interests and values.

This modern take on the trope shows that arranged marriages can lead to deep, meaningful connections if given a chance.

In Conclusion

Bollywood arranged marriage movies have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with their captivating stories of love and tradition. Whether you’re a fan of classic films like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun or prefer the modern twist of Socha Na Thaa, there’s something for everyone in this genre.

So why not grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and immerse yourself in the world of Bollywood romance? Who knows, you might just fall in love with arranged marriages after all.

More Bollywood Love Stories

Love stories have been a part of Indian cinema for as long as we can remember. However, arranged marriages have always been a popular theme in Bollywood movies.

It’s not just Indians but people all over the world who enjoy witnessing the journey of two people brought together by their families eventually falling in love with each other. In this article, we will focus on two such movies that capture the beauty of arranged marriages- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Tanu Weds Manu.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam: The Plot Summary

Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is a romantic drama that stars Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Ajay Devgn in the lead roles. The movie is a timeless classic that is fondly remembered even till date.

The story revolves around Nandini (Aishwarya Rai), who is engaged to Vanraj (Ajay Devgn), an idealistic man who is madly in love with her. However, Nandini’s heart belongs to Sameer (Salman Khan), a free-spirited musician who comes to India to learn music from her father.

As time passes by, Sameer and Nandini fall in love, but since Nandini is already engaged to Vanraj, they keep their relationship hidden from everyone. Eventually, Vanraj discovers Nandini and Sameer’s secret, and Nandini’s father arranges for Sameer to leave.

Nandini is heartbroken but eventually agrees to marry Vanraj, as she doesn’t want to bring shame to her family. On the day of her wedding, Sameer returns, but Nandini must make a difficult decision- whether to stay with the man she was forced to marry or run away with the man she truly loves.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam is famous for showing how love can develop after marriage. The juncture of Nandini choosing between the two love stories is what makes the movie so special.

It’s a story of love, honor, and choices. The music of the film is still talked about until today, and the movie itself is regarded as one of the most iconic Bollywood films ever made.

Tanu Weds Manu: The Plot Summary

Tanu Weds Manu is a romantic comedy directed by Anand L. Rai that stars Kangana Ranaut and R.

Madhavan in the lead roles. The story revolves around Tanuja Trivedi, also known as Tanu, an unpredictable and spirited woman who is sent to meet and marry a suitable groom, Manoj Sharma, also known as Manu.

Initially, both Tanu and Manu have reservations about the marriage, but as they get to know each other, their feelings change. They eventually fall in love but face obstacles in the form of Tanu’s ex-boyfriend and Manu’s family.

What sets Tanu Weds Manu apart from other arranged marriage movies is its unique and real character portrayal. Tanu is not the stereotypical Bollywood heroine but a flawed and complex character who is not afraid of speaking her mind.

Manu, on the other hand, is a quiet and reserved gentleman who eventually comes out of his shell thanks to Tanu’s influence. The film showcases how love can blossom even in arranged marriages and gives an extra edge to the storyline.

In Conclusion

Arranged marriages in Bollywood movies are not just a trope; they’re a valuable aspect of Indian culture. They showcase the importance of family, tradition, and faith in love.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Tanu Weds Manu both capture the beauty of arranged marriages and highlight the power of love. These movies are a testament that arranged marriages can lead to a happy ending if there is mutual respect, trust, and understanding between the spouses.

Watching these movies can give you an insight into Indian culture and a deeper appreciation of the role that arranged marriages play in shaping modern India. Arranged marriages are a part of Indian culture and have been depicted in Bollywood movies for years.

From classic romances to modern-day dramas, there’s no shortage of films that explore this unique aspect of India’s culture. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at two arranged marriage movies that tell different stories- Roja and Shubh Mangal Savdhan.

Roja: The Plot Summary

Directed by Mani Ratnam, Roja is a romantic thriller that tells the story of Roja (Madhubala), a simple and innocent woman who falls in love with Rishi (Arvind Swamy), a cryptologist. The couple gets married and moves to Kashmir, where Rishi is posted for work.

However, their lives are turned upside down when Rishi is kidnapped by terrorists. Roja then embarks on a journey to find and rescue her husband.

Along the way, she learns about the Kashmir conflict and how it has impacted the lives of the locals. As she gets closer to her husband, she must also navigate her way through the terror-stricken land.

Roja emphasizes the beautiful romance between Roja and Rishi amidst terrorism and the Kashmir conflict. Their love story is a perfect example of how arranged marriages can lead to true love.

The film is also known for its immortal romantic melodies composed by A.R. Rahman, which are still popular today.

Shubh Mangal Savdhan: The Plot Summary

Shubh Mangal Savdhan is a romantic comedy that stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles.

The movie tells the story of Mudit Sharma (Ayushmann Khurrana), who suffers from erectile dysfunction. He is engaged to Sugandha (Bhumi Pednekar), and the couple must navigate this sensitive subject while also dealing with the involvement of their respective families.

The film focuses on Mudit and Sugandha’s arranged marriage, and how their families come together to find a solution to his condition. The film is a refreshing take on arranged marriages, as it is not just about the couple but also about the families involved.

It emphasizes the importance of familial involvement and solution-finding in an arranged marriage, as well as the importance of love and commitment. Shubh Mangal Savdhan is a great example of a love after arranged marriage movie that explores familial ego clashes and how love can conquer all obstacles.

The film is also known for its witty and quirky humor while addressing a serious issue.

In Conclusion

Arranged marriages continue to be an important aspect of Indian culture, and Bollywood movies have played a significant role in showcasing their beauty and challenges. Roja and Shubh Mangal Savdhan are just two examples of the many arranged marriage movies that exist in Indian cinema.

They both have unique storylines, but they are united in their emphasis on love, family, and tradition. These movies serve as a reminder that arranged marriages can lead to true love, and that family support and communication are vital ingredients for a successful relationship.

In conclusion, arranged marriages have been a staple in Indian culture for centuries. Bollywood movies have helped to keep this cultural tradition alive, by showcasing the beauty and challenges that come with it.

From Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Dhadkan to Roja and Shubh Mangal Savdhan, arranged marriage movies have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, highlighting the power of love, family support, and communication. These movies inspire us to appreciate the value of tradition, and to embrace the beauty of love, regardless of how it comes to us.

Arranged marriages may seem outdated to some, but they continue to thrive in India and will continue to be an integral part of Indian culture and society.