Kunal Kohli, the acclaimed director known for his work on iconic early 2000s romantic comedies like Hum Tum and Fanaa, recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Bollywood rom-coms during an interview with Hauterrfly. Kohli's insights touch on what he perceives as the declining charm of the genre and the film industry's continued preference for action over romance.
Reflecting on the nostalgia for rom-coms from the early 2000s, Kohli stated, “I think what’s missing is the... more like, Yes, I want to do a love story, then they will come.” This comment highlights his belief in the need for conviction among actors and filmmakers when tackling love stories. He voiced concern about the lack of passion and genuine romantic sentiment present among today’s filmmakers, noting, “Unfortunately, some of the other directors don’t have [a maturity or consideration for romance].”
Touted as capturing the spirit of the romantic comedy, Kohli's latest film, Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, which stars newcomers Vardhaan Puri and Kaveri Kapur, seeks to revitalize the genre. Kohli expressed confidence about the new project, stating, “Why is this trailer working? The hero and heroine believe in the subject.” He emphasized the film’s potential, describing it as providing both scale and grandeur suitable for the Disney+ Hotstar audience.
Despite the excitement surrounding his new project, Kohli remained candid about the broader industry challenges, asserting, “So, industry per se didn't believe in rom-coms. The audience loves rom-coms.” He lamented how Bollywood has predominantly leaned toward action genres, even when lacking the necessary expertise. “Our film industry and heroes want to make action films only — whether they are good at it or not,” he remarked, calling attention to the industry's disregard for audience desires.
Kohli urged his peers to be more open-minded about genre experimentation. According to him, the romantic comedy format offers something for everyone, stating, “The rom-com is one genre which involves everyone. You have music, family, youth, adults, and everybody.” He asserted, “Eveybody wants their heart to feel 'Kuch Kuch hota hai'.” This insight resonates with many who feel the importance of these films extends beyond mere youth appeal, capturing universal themes of love and connection.
Beyond his views on romantic narratives, Kohli also critiqued current promotional strategies used within the industry. During his appearance on Aleena Dissects, he characterized modern marketing tactics as “pathetic” and “sad.” Kohli mentioned tactics like playing 'truth or dare' or answering simplistic yes/no questions during promotions, stating, “These will have no impact on a film’s box office performance.” He argued for the importance of quality over flashiness, emphasizing, “You make a good trailer, the film is going to work. After the movie works, then you do promotions.”
His frustration with stale promotional practices extended to how actors are often solicited for mundane anecdotes. “It is embarrassing to watch some of the promotions… where stars are repetitively asked about their experiences on set, only to give the same predictable response—‘Oh, it was too cold,’” he lamented. Kohli's candid remarks lay bare his desire for genuine marketing efforts rather than gimmicks aimed at attracting audience attention.
On the topic of box office reporting, Kohli addressed the controversial practice of block booking – the buying of tickets by producers to inflate perceived success. He noted his disdain, asking, “What is this rubbish? We make the film, release it, and then buy tickets ourselves.” His perspective challenges common practices within the industry meant to prop up star power and perceived popularity.
With his new film streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, Kohli's critique of Bollywood urges not just filmmakers but audiences to recognize the enduring charm of romance amid action-heavy trends. Concluding his thoughts, he reiterated the audience's longing for meaningful love stories, solidifying the cornerstone of his film’s message. “The audience needs romance; they need films,” he affirmed, reminding industry players of the powerful draw this genre exhibits.