Every age writes its own love story, and every generation speaks a new love language. But looking back at 2024 reveals we are stuck in a time warp, at least when it comes to love on screen. “Most people who have written to me since the re-release of Laila Majnu are in the age bracket of 13 to 17 years,” says filmmaker Sajid Ali, whose 2018 romantic drama became a hit upon re-release this year. “When we made this film seven years ago, we thought we were making it for people in their 30s to 50s who have some understanding of classical literature. But ultimately, teenagers have held this film closer to their hearts.” 

Initially, the Avinash Tiwary-Triptii Dimri starrer earned around R3 crore at the box office. Upon its re-release, the collection is estimated to be over R10 crore. Laila Majnu is not alone in a replay of success. Ranbir Kapoor’s 2011 angsty romance, Rockstar, re-ran in theatres for over a month and amassed more than R5 crore, doing better business in its fifth week than it did in the fifth week after its original release. Social media feeds are crowded with essays, videos, and pictures of youth loving the return of love. They don’t make them like that anymore, is the overriding sentiment. So then, is love lost in a crowd of actioners, spectacles, sci-fi and horror comedies on screen?