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Watching “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” makes us wonder if Bollywood rom-coms can ever go back to their golden era?

Struggling with Execution, Misogyny, and Lack of Substance in Bollywood rom-coms have become a norm and why it makes us miss the old Bollywood? 

Bollywood has undoubtedly presented us with an extensive array of delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy movies throughout the years like Tanu weds Manu, Jab we met, Love aaj Kal, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and many more. We grew up with rom-coms as one of the leading genres of Indian television and we still get to see a number of films being produced yearly in this particular genre. We recently watched Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan starrer, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” which was a romantic comedy lacking both romance and elements of comedy. The jokes lacked wit and creativity, often resorting to clichéd and predictable punchlines and made the audience feel awkward at some points. A storyline that is quite inspired yet exactly inverse of Love per square foot (2018) was weak and poorly executed as the plot lacked depth and coherence, making it difficult to engage with the characters or their motivations. The story was centered around the dilemma faced by a middle class couple but unlike, Love per square foot, the couple here was pretending to be divorced for getting a house under the government’s housing scheme. The conflict that the story tried to highlight through the movie was how having privacy in an Indian joint family is a luxury even for married couples. A couple has to go to lengths to get some privacy in such cases and this lack of understanding isn’t generally addressed and talked about in families. It isn’t like these concepts have not been tried before in Bollywood and many people in India do think that it is a realistic and relatable problem but the problem in this particular case was not solved in the end. They took a conflict, strong enough and made a story that leads to nothing. The film ends with that “Home is where the love is” kinda ending and we couldn’t understand what was the point of all the drama?

Zara Hatke, Zara Bachke – Trailer

Good themes, Poor Execution –

It is the case with many rom-coms that we got to see in the last few years. It seems as if Bollywood cannot seem to find a balance between entertainment and substance. Recently, we also had the Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor starrer  “Tu Jhooti, Mai Makkar ” and it seems as if the writers of the story tried to fit into the standards of new-age romance without understanding the way it is. Nisha dates Rohan and they both fall in love with each other but later she realizes that she can’t choose the guy over her independence and overbearing family. The attempt to show Shraddha Kapoor as an independent and modern girl was contradictory to the misogynistic elements that the movie has. This film of Director Luv Ranjan was different from what we had in his earlier films. In “Sonu ke Titu ki Sweety” and “Pyar ka Punchnama”, the female leads were portrayed as manipulative and the story is centered around the guy choosing between bromance or romance which makes it about an attempt of ownership. In the case of TJMM, things were different but again, everything was poorly executed. 

What are these stories leading to?

Bollywood isn’t known for giving the spotlight to its female characters. Generally, the female lead is used as an emotional support or catalyst of character development of the male lead. We don’t usually get to see more of them than that, especially in commercial films. In such circumstances, stories based on romance become a thing where female characters get the spotlight they deserve. We won’t say that the representation in the good rom-coms hasn’t ever been problematic. Most of the famous films of the 90’s portray women in a stereotypical light. Like “Dil toh pagal hai” portrayed that you can only be chosen by the guy you like when you go through a drastic glow-up but they were still entertaining and weren’t considered problematic at the time of the release. These movies were entertaining, they had substance and people wanted to watch them. Despite the flaws, these movies had their own charm which seems to be lacking in the modern day romantic comedies. Today, the mass-entertainer movies include the likes of Pushpa (2021), KGF (2018), Pathaan (2022) etc.This has pushed the narrative to focus on the “Hero” again. Many films now prioritize formulaic plots and rely heavily on predictable tropes, leaving viewers craving for more nuanced storytelling and meaningful character development.

Also Read: Looking forward to a blend of fantasy and reality after watching the new trailer of the Barbie movie

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Events

The Most Memorable Highlights from the 2025 Academy Awards

Surprises, Stunning Wins, and Emotional Tributes – The 2025 Oscars Had It All. Catch Up with All the Highlights.

The 2025 Academy Awards, held on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night of triumphs and surprises that had the attention of audiences worldwide. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event was lively, full of humor, and celebrated the diversity and creativity of cinema from all around the world. This year’s ceremony stood out for its focus on inclusivity and representation, highlighting the growing diversity and global reach of the film industry. It was also about recognizing talent and stories from across the globe, signaling a shift in how the Academy values the changing trends in filmmaking. 

Historic Wins for Anora

Anora dominates the Oscars as Mikey Madison named best actress and Adrien  Brody wins for The Brutalist | Oscars | The Guardian

The evening’s biggest winner was undoubtedly Anora, an indie film that took home five Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture. Sean Baker’s direction was celebrated with a Best Director win, making him only the second person in history to win four individual Oscars in a single night, joining the ranks of Walt Disney. But the film’s success didn’t end there—Mikey Madison, portraying a sex worker entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, secured Best Actress. At just 25, Madison made history as the ninth youngest actress to win the prestigious award. The triumph of Anora was a testament to its sweeping storytelling, captivating performances, and fresh perspective in filmmaking.

Zoë Saldaña and Paul Tazewell Breaking Barriers

The night also saw a series of groundbreaking wins that reflected Hollywood’s ongoing push for inclusivity and diversity. Zoë Saldaña made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win was not only a recognition of her immense talent but also an important milestone for the representation of marginalized voices in the film industry.

Zoe Saldaña wins best supporting actress Oscar for 'Emilia Pérez' | AP News

Meanwhile, Paul Tazewell took home Best Costume Design for his work on Wicked. Tazewell became the first Black man to ever win in this category, making a significant mark on the history of the Academy Awards.

Paul Tazewell Makes Oscar History│ConnectComm

Adrien Brody’s Second Oscar Win

Adrien Brody Wins Best Actor Oscar for 'The Brutalist'

Another highlight of the evening was Adrien Brody, who secured Best Actor for his performance in The Brutalist. Brody’s win, marking his second Oscar, was well-deserved after delivering a deeply compelling and nuanced performance. His emotional portrayal in the film left a lasting impact on both critics and audiences, making his victory one of the night’s most celebrated moments in the acting categories.

A Heartfelt Musical Tribute by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open Oscars 2025 With a Magical Medley of  Songs From Oz | Vanity Fair

The musical performances were another standout feature of the night. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage for a touching tribute to Los Angeles, which was recovering from the devastating wildfires. Their renditions of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Defying Gravity left the audience in awe, showcasing the emotional power of music and its ability to unite and heal. It was a heartfelt moment that reminded everyone of the strength of the city and the spirit of resilience.

Adam Sandler’s Quirky Fashion Moment

Adam Sandler pulled yet another Adam Sandler at the Oscars; Here's what he  wore - The Times of India

In true Oscar tradition, the night wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Adam Sandler became the talk of social media when he showed up to the ceremony in gym shorts. Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist poking fun at Sandler’s unconventional choice, adding humor to the event. The quirky fashion moment quickly became a viral topic, sparking discussions about casual red carpet looks and how even the most unexpected outfits can become part of the Oscar narrative.

Controversies and Unexpected Upsets

Not everything went smoothly, though. The night also saw some controversies that added an extra layer of drama to the proceedings. One of the most talked-about moments occurred when Iranian co-director Hossein Molayemi interrupted his partner, Shirin Sohani, during their acceptance speech for Best Animated Short Film for In the Shadow of the Cypress. Molayemi’s actions were met with backlash on social media, with many criticizing him for overshadowing Sohani’s moment. The ceremony also saw a surprising upset in the Best Actress category when Demi Moore, who was widely favored to win for her role in The Substance, lost out to Mikey Madison. This unexpected loss left many questioning the voting choices and added to the evening’s fair share of shocking moments.

Despite the controversies, the 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be remembered as a night that reflected both the changing tides of the industry and the enduring power of film.

Also Read: Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Microsoft to discontinue Skype by May, Best Highlights from the Milan Fashion Week

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Events

Weekly Pop Culture Recap: Talkworthy Highlights from the 82nd Golden Globes Awards, Disney’s Merger with FuboTV and Much More

Read on as we break down the biggest pop culture moments you don’t want to miss. 

Pop culture has a way of keeping us on our toes, doesn’t it? Every week, there’s something new to talk about—whether it’s a jaw-dropping red-carpet moment, a groundbreaking announcement, or just a story that makes you stop and think. It’s what keeps our group chats buzzing and our feeds endlessly scrollable. Read on as we unpack the most buzzworthy highlights of the week.

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards

The 82nd Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, was a night to remember, hosted by Nikki Glaser. One of the most significant moments of the night was Karla Sofía Gascón, who made history as the first trans nominee in a Golden Globe 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards in a solo category. She was nominated for Best Actress in a leading role for her role in Emilia Pérez

Another highlight came from Demi Moore, who won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in The Substance. During her speech, she shared a personal story about a time in her career when a producer told her she was just a “popcorn actress,” which made her doubt herself. Despite facing those challenges, she found new inspiration through The Substance, describing the script as “magical” and “bold.” It was a powerful and emotional moment for Demi, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight.

Seems like the peplum style, popular in the 2010s, is also making a return. Celebrities like Rihanna, Harry Styles, Florence Pugh, and Kate Middleton have been spotted wearing peplum designs. At the 82nd Golden Globes, stars such as Cynthia Erivo and Anna Sawai showcased this trend, signaling its resurgence. While some millennials express mixed feelings about its return, others appreciate its flattering effect on various body types.

Family Guy” Returns to Adult Swim

After a hiatus, “Family Guy” reruns have returned to Adult Swim for the first time since 2021. This follows a non-exclusive deal for the rights to older episodes, bringing the beloved animated series back to its original late-night home.

Disney and FuboTV Merger:

Disney has agreed to merge Hulu + Live TV with FuboTV, aiming to enhance their streaming offerings. This merger is expected to provide subscribers with a more comprehensive and diverse range of content, consolidating their streaming services under one umbrella.

The Tamil film, “Maharaja” Gains Unexpected Popularity in China

Mahraja, starring Vijay Sethupathi, has unexpectedly become a hit in China. The Tamil film’s emotional storyline, centered around a father-daughter relationship, has resonated with Chinese audiences. Its success marks a rare achievement for a South Indian film in the international market, showcasing the global appeal of its narrative and Vijay Sethupathi’s performance.

Also Read: Emerging Fashion Designers India Contest Season 2 Put Budding Talent in the Spotlight

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Events

Dorsia, Gurgaon’s One Of The Biggest BYOBs

Dorcia Gurgaon

Word on the Street: Dorsia, a captivating 21,000 sq. ft. BYOB, is open now on the Gurgaon-Faridabad Road, conveniently located near Golf Course Road. This new hotspot offers an escape from the Delhi-Gurgaon trrafic, making it easily accessible.

BYOB? Absolutely—but not in the way you might expect. At Dorsia, you bring the bottle, and the talented mixologists will elevate your drinks to new heights. Your liquor has never tasted this extraordinary! This isn’t just another dining spot, it’s an ultimate escape—original, essential, and truly memorable.

By day, Dorsia is your peaceful retreat, featuring a nature-inspired vibe straight out of Ubud, Bali. It’s the perfect spot to pop open your laptop and find a cozy nook or just kick back with a calming lunch in a beautiful setting. But when the sun sets, the place comes alive! With electrifying EDM, techno, and hip-hop nights, Dorsia transforms into the ultimate party hub where the fun never stops. Diners will arrive for the tasty bites and stick around for the lively atmosphere! With BYOB cocktails and an inviting ambiance, Dorsia is poised to take over the scene—one delicious plate at a time.

Also Read : – The NOU Walk Of Life : New Talk of Town in Luxury Footwear

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