One of the most memorable names among Bollywood filmmakers is Yash Chopra. And for good reason. Even generations later, some of his most iconic films continue to entertain audiences. He’s known as the king of romance in Indian cinema but some of his best films were so much more than just love stories. This is what The Romantics, a newly released documentary by YRF Entertainment on Netflix, aims to show to the world.
Thirty-five Bollywood actors and filmmakers are part of this documentary including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Sooraj Barjatya, Karan Johar, Juhi Chawla, Kajol, Ranveer Singh, and of course Aditya Chopra, Uday Chopra, Pamela Chopra, and Rani Mukerji.
Directed by Smriti Mundhra for YRF, The Romantics consists of four endearing episodes that tell the story behind some of the biggest Indian films. The documentary begins with snippets of Karan Johar’s interview with Yash Chopra and seamlessly transitions to the “new guard” with Aditya Chopra taking over.
This documentary, aptly released on Valentine’s Day, tracks the journey of YRF, starting from Yash Chopra’s rise as a filmmaker, first in his brother BR Chopra’s protection and then on his own, to his son, the reclusive Aditya Chopra. Taking his father’s legacy forward, Aditya Chopra mastered the art of romance in Bollywood with Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and then stepped away from it with films like the Dhoom series and Bunty Aur Babli.
As part of the history of YRF, the documentary also includes footage from Yash and Pamela Chopra’s wedding featuring Shashi Kapoor, Mumtaz, Simi Garewal, and many others. The documentary takes into account Pamela’s influence on the man and his career, a refreshing departure from the general template of a tribute that would hardly ever acknowledge the wife and her immense contribution to his career.
This is a fascinating watch for anyone interested in the history of Bollywood and even for those who have simply enjoyed the industry’s timeless classics, from Kabhi Kabhie to DDLJ, and the film that makes people across generations cry their eyes out even now with sheer joy, Chak De! India.
The Romantics doesn’t focus just on Yash Chopra or YRF as it is now. It also talks about the evolution of Indian cinema over the decades and briefly speaks about the journeys of various people associated with the production house. Not surprisingly, it also dedicates almost half an episode to nepotism and how it doesn’t always guarantee success. Make of that what you will.
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