Film Industry Still Hesitant About Rom-Coms: Director Kunal Kohli

MUMBAI, (ANI)- Filmmaker Kunal Kohli, known for romantic comedies like Hum Tum and Fanaa, says the Indian film industry remains hesitant about rom-coms, favoring action films for commercial success.

He criticized filmmakers for prioritizing action films even when they lack expertise in the genre.

Kohli, who gained fame with Hum Tum in 2004, has returned to the rom-com space with his latest directorial venture, Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, starring debutant Kaveri Kapur (Shekhar Kapur’s daughter) and actor Vardhan Puri (Amrish Puri’s grandson).

“Even back then (in 2004), the industry didn’t believe in rom-coms, and even today, they don’t. Hum Tum was one of the few films in this genre at the time, followed by a handful of others like Imtiaz Ali’s Jab We Met,” he said.

“The audience loves rom-coms. They love romantic films. Audience ko romance chahiye (audiences want romance in films). But our film industry and heroes only want to make action films—whether they are good at it or not, whether they recover the budget or not,” he added.

Kohli advocated for experimenting with a variety of genres in Bollywood.

“I’m not saying don’t make action films, but try every genre. Rom-coms involve everyone—there’s music, family, youth, adults. Everybody wants their heart to feel Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. This genre is for all ages, and it’s wrong to think it’s only for the youth. We all want to feel young at heart,” he said.

Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story is currently streaming on Disney Plus Hotstar.

Speaking about his character, Vardhan Puri said, “Rishi is a boy full of masti, with a beating heart and a fantastic sense of humor. He is hilarious and sensitive in equal measure, and he’s someone who will make you smile, laugh, and cry. I really wish I had a best friend like Rishi.”