Valentine’s 2026 is set to be extra special for Bollywood lovers as three iconic films from the early 2000s are making their way back to the big screen. Devdas, Yuva, and Tere Naam—films that defined a generation’s understanding of love, passion, and heartbreak—are being re-released in theaters, offering couples a chance to experience these cinematic masterpieces on the big screen once again.
The early 2000s was a golden era for intense, passionate love stories that didn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of romance. These three films represent different facets of love—the tragic, the revolutionary, and the obsessive—making them perfect conversation starters for couples looking to add depth to their Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Whether you experienced these films during their original theatrical run or you’re discovering them for the first time, this Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity to witness cinematic excellence in its intended format.
Devdas (2002) – The Grandest Love Story Ever Told
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit
Genre: Romantic Drama, Period Film
The Story of Eternal Love and Loss
Devdas tells the heartbreaking tale of childhood sweethearts whose love is destroyed by societal constraints and family pride. Unable to cope with losing Paro, Devdas descends into alcoholism and finds solace in Chandramukhi, a courtesan who falls deeply in love with him. The narrative follows Devdas, who returns to India after years in London, only to find that family rejection drives Paro into marriage with a wealthy widower. Heartbroken, Devdas spirals into self-destruction.
Why This Re-Release is Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Devdas explores the complexities of love beyond the simple “happily ever after” narrative. It shows how pride, societal pressure, and inability to communicate can destroy even the deepest connections—a conversation every couple should have.
Watching Devdas on the big screen is an experience unlike any other. Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s opulent sets, stunning costumes, and mesmerizing choreography demand theatrical viewing. The iconic “Dola Re Dola” sequence featuring Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit is one of Bollywood’s most celebrated dance numbers. Shah Rukh Khan delivered one of his most nuanced performances as the tragic hero, while the haunting music including “Silsila Ye Chaahat Ka” and “Chalak Chalak” deserves to be experienced through a theater’s sound system.
After the film, couples will have plenty to discuss—from the importance of fighting for love to the dangers of self-destructive behavior when relationships end.
Where to Watch: Theaters (Re-release), Netflix
Yuva (2004) – Love Amidst Political Revolution
Director: Mani Ratnam
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Rani Mukerji, Kareena Kapoor, Esha Deol
Genre: Political Thriller, Drama
Three Lives, Three Love Stories, One Destiny
Yuva interweaves the stories of three young men from different backgrounds whose lives collide due to a single incident. Michael is a student leader passionate about political change. Arjun is a carefree student planning to go abroad. Lallan is a small-time criminal working for a corrupt politician. Each has a romantic relationship that reflects his worldview—Michael’s idealistic romance with Radhika represents hope and partnership, Arjun’s playful relationship with Mira evolves as he gains social awareness, and Lallan’s volatile bond with Shashi shows love surviving in harsh circumstances.
Why This Re-Release is Valentine’s Day Material
Yuva presents three distinct relationship dynamics that couples can relate to. The film shows how shared values strengthen bonds, how love can transform perspective, and how love can offer redemption even in darkness.
AR Rahman’s soundtrack is pure gold. Songs like “Kabhi Neem Neem” and “Fanaa” create the perfect romantic atmosphere, and experiencing them in a theater’s sound system is incomparable. Mani Ratnam’s aesthetic filmmaking ensures that the romantic subplots are just as compelling as the political thriller elements.
In today’s world, where young couples often discuss social issues and politics, Yuva provides a framework for those conversations. It shows how personal relationships exist within larger societal contexts and features strong female characters with agency—making it a progressive watch that modern couples will appreciate.
Where to Watch: Theaters (Re-release), Amazon Prime Video
Tere Naam (2003) – The Intense, Obsessive Love Story
Director: Satish Kaushik
Cast: Salman Khan, Bhumika Chawla
Genre: Romantic Drama, Tragedy
When Love Becomes an Obsession
Tere Naam tells the story of Radhe Mohan, a rowdy college student who falls madly in love with Nirjara, a traditional and religious girl. Despite their different personalities, Radhe pursues her relentlessly. When they finally connect and fall in love, family opposition tears them apart, leading to tragic events that change both their lives forever. The film’s second half, where Radhe loses his mental stability and ends up in an asylum, forms one of Bollywood’s most memorable tragic endings.
Why Tere Naam is a Valentine’s Must-Watch (With Caveats)
Tere Naam is the most controversial choice on this list, but also the most conversation-worthy. This film doesn’t present a healthy relationship model, and that’s precisely why it’s worth watching and discussing with your partner.
When released, it became a cultural phenomenon—Salman Khan’s hairstyle became a nationwide trend. The film marked Himesh Reshammiya’s debut with hits like “Tere Naam,” “Lagan Lagi,” and “Odhni” becoming anthems of heartbreak. Salman Khan’s performance is visceral and intense, showing a man consumed by love to the point of self-destruction.
Here’s where Tere Naam becomes valuable for Valentine’s viewing: the film showcases problematic behavior—stalking, obsession, possessiveness—that was romanticized in early 2000s cinema. Watching it now opens discussions about healthy love, the importance of consent, respecting boundaries, and recognizing red flags. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how our understanding of romance has evolved.
For many millennials, Tere Naam represents a specific moment in their youth—when love felt all-consuming and dramatic. Rewatching it brings back memories of first loves and heartbreaks, creating intimacy through shared nostalgia.
Where to Watch: Theaters (Re-release), Zee5, YouTube
Planning Your Valentine’s 2026 Movie Date
Before the Movie:
- Research showtimes early—re-releases might have limited shows
- Choose the right film for your relationship based on which themes resonate
- Plan dinner before or after to discuss the film
After the Movie:
- Discuss what you loved, what felt dated, and what surprised you
- Talk about how relationships were portrayed then vs. now
- Share personal stories these films trigger
What Makes These Films Valentine-Worthy?
Emotional Depth: Unlike superficial romantic comedies, these films explore love’s complexity—the good, bad, and ugly. They present real consequences, difficult choices, and genuine emotion.
Musical Excellence: All three feature spectacular soundtracks that have stood the test of time, enhancing the romantic atmosphere and creating emotional peaks couples can share.
Conversation Starters: These films generate discussions about relationship values, personal growth, societal pressure, mental health, and how love evolves over time.
Cinematic Artistry: From Bhansali’s opulence to Ratnam’s nuanced direction to Kaushik’s raw emotionality, these films represent different filmmaking styles executed at the highest level.
Conclusion
Valentine’s Day 2026 offers a unique opportunity to experience Bollywood’s golden era of romantic cinema on the big screen. Devdas, Yuva, and Tere Naam represent different facets of love, each providing rich material for couples to explore together.
These films aren’t perfect, and they shouldn’t be viewed uncritically. Part of their value lies in recognizing what’s aged well and what hasn’t. That critical engagement makes them more valuable than passive entertainment.
Whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering these classics for the first time, these re-releases promise more than just a movie—they promise an experience, a conversation, and a deeper understanding of how Bollywood’s portrayal of love has evolved.
So book those tickets, grab your partner, and prepare for an emotional journey through some of Bollywood’s most memorable love stories. Don’t forget the tissues—you’ll need them!
Which of these three films will you watch this Valentine’s Day? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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