As a Gen Z, I would any day prefer watching the 2005 film Bunty Aur Babli over today’s so-called Gen Z targeted films like Loveyapa and Nadaaniyan. On the 20th anniversary of the Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji starrer, I rewatched the movie, right after Khushi Kapoor’s modern rom-coms, which completely missed the mark. Honestly, even two decades later, a con artist couple feels far more romantic than today’s algorithm-approved love stories. And a touch of comedy? We are way past that era, aren’t we?
Why does a film from the era of flip phones and “Kajra Re” dance moves feel more watchable—and ironically, more relatable—than the ones supposedly tailor-made for ‘us’? Does anyone even understand what Gen Z really wants? I’d much rather spend an evening rewatching Bunty Aur Babli than sit through exaggerated, empty, and baseless rom-coms like Nadaaniyan or Loveyapa. And it’s not just one comparison—there are several parallels to be drawn between these films.
Not selling love
The best part about Bunty Aur Babli was that it didn’t try to sell you love at first sight. Even in changing times, our hearts still gravitate toward deep-rooted, emotionally grounded narratives. Rakesh and Vimmi meeting while running away from their own problems felt far more relatable than, say, a girl faking a boyfriend just to win her friends back. No one actually does that. And let’s be honest—what type of father asks his daughter to exchange phones with her boyfriend as a pre-wedding condition? Sure, Instagram reels and social media have seeped into daily life, but that doesn’t mean today’s generation lives entirely in illusion. In Loveyapa and Nadaaniyan, even when they tried to sell love, all I saw was attraction, lust, and surface-level aesthetics. No substance.
‘Kuchipoo’, ‘Babu shona’, or any other cringe name-calling isn’t what the Gen-Z do in relationships. Take that iconic scene in Bunty Aur Babli where they con a man into buying the Taj Mahal—what stood out wasn’t just the scam, but how they pulled it off together. Their chemistry felt natural, not forced. Whereas, the problem with many of today’s films is the absence of genuine connection. They peddle the idea that modern couples only seek reel-life connections—but that’s far from the truth. We don’t hate love; we hate pretentious love. We are the generation that cries over K-dramas and writes love confessions on social media. We want romance, just not the kind that’s fake, cringe-worthy, or full of red flags.
When acting mattered
From Rani Mukerji’s loud and confident nature to Abhishek Bachchan’s swag, the duo brought substance to Bunty Aur Babli with their stellar performances, along with Amitabh Bachchan’s tadka being the beating heart. Ibrahim Ali Khan in Nadaaniyan and Junaid Khan in Loveyapa lacked emotional depth, offering only over-the-top acting. Giving aesthetic montages to the audience cannot help with character development. Even if you’re crafting a modern mood board, why leave out the emotional core? Their romantic arcs and breakdowns felt hollow, leaving no real impression, only making me long for the con artists who once redefined love with wit, warmth, and chemistry.
I am not saying this from a nostalgic point of view, but to actually win hearts with storytelling, there is a dire need for better romance, instead of making it brand new and trendy. Evolving with the times isn’t a bad thing—but when every aspect is exaggerated for effect, it can drown out the authenticity and warmth that make it meaningful.
I urge filmmakers to explore Gen Z romance through characters who are genuinely in love, who fail, and even win together. Our love is not just complicated because of phones and the internet, but also real – Fellow Gen Z.
Navya Kharbanda is an Entertainment Journalist and Cinematic Commentator at The Indian Express, where she specializes in bridging the gap between classic Bollywood heritage and contemporary Gen-Z perspectives. Her work is characterized by a blend of nostalgia-driven analysis and on-the-ground reporting from major film festivals and industry events.
Experience & Professional Background
Navya is a prominent voice on The Indian Express entertainment desk, known for her ability to secure candid interviews with both legendary veterans and rising stars. Her career highlights include:
The Indian Express: Covers a wide range of topics from high-stakes box office analysis to in-depth celebrity profiles. She is a regular at major events like the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
SCREEN Interviews: Navya has conducted a series of "exclusive conversations" for SCREEN, featuring industry stalwarts like Anupam Kher, Vishal Bhardwaj, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Suhasini Maniratnam.
Archival Reporting: She is noted for her sensitive handling of archival interviews and retrospectives, recently covering the legacy of late superstar Dharmendra and the career reflections of the late Satish Shah.
Expertise & Focus Areas
Navya’s beat is uniquely defined by her "Gen-Z Revisit" series, where she re-evaluates cult classics through a modern lens. Her core areas of expertise include:
Cinematic Retrospectives: Analyzing 80s and 90s landmarks like Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, and Mohabbatein to explore how themes of romance and rebellion resonate with today’s youth.
Industry Insights: Tracking the career resurgences of actors (e.g., Akshaye Khanna) and the evolving dynamics of film production and distribution in the OTT era.
On-Set Dynamics: Reporting on behind-the-scenes stories from major productions, ranging from the technical challenges of Mirzapur: The Film to the work ethics of superstars like Shah Rukh Khan.
South Indian Cinema: Expanding her coverage to include the impact of regional icons and the rise of pan-Indian fantasy epics like Magadheera.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Navya Kharbanda has established her authority by consistently providing "Journalism of Courage" in the entertainment sphere. Whether she is interrogating the sexism in patriarchal classics or reporting on the fair-pay debates at international film festivals, her work prioritizes factual accuracy and critical objectivity. Her ability to synthesize deep industry history with modern audience trends makes her a trusted source for readers seeking both entertainment news and thoughtful cultural commentary. ... Read More
