Netflix is all set to release a docu-series ‘The Romantics’ as a tribute to Yash Raj Chopra and his films, which will celebrate the iconic filmmaker’s legacy and will revolve around the filmmaking journey of Aditya Chopra. As an announcement, Netflix released the first trailer on 1st February 2023. The series will be released on the 14th of February. Directed by Smriti Mundhra who is also known for ‘Indian Matchmaking’, the docu-series will be starring 35 major Bollywood stars.
Monika Shergill who is the vice president for content at Netflix India says “Fondly remembered as the king of romance, Yash Chopra’s films brought in a new wave of emotion, individualism and cultural change to Hindi cinema and helped turn one of the biggest film industries in the world into what it is today. In celebration of the iconic songs, stories, and the nostalgia, we’re partnering with the creative powerhouses, YRF and Smriti Mundra to bring ‘The Romantics’ to our global audiences. The gripping documentary series is the real and definitive story of Yash Chopra and his son Aditya Chopra’s journey to building a world-class studio and will give our viewers a glimpse into the lives of one of the most influential families in Bollywood film history.”
The trailer includes various actors who have worked under the production house for several films ranging from Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan to Ranveer Singh encompassing actors from three different eras. It starts with the actors being asked the question “What do you think about the term ‘Bollywood’ ?” which gets mixed reactions from the interviewees. Ranbir Kapoor even says that he hates it.
Abhishek Bachchan says, “Films that come out of India are completely unique to our culture. They don’t try to be like anybody else” followed by Karan Johar who mentions how Yash Chopra’s films caught his attention during his initial years.
Amitabh Bachchan who worked with both Yash and Aditya Chopra says “He was this young director wanting to make different films,”. Salman Khan talked about how Yash Chopra has made films in different genres but on the other hand, Aamir Khan believes that Yash Chopra was majorly about the romantic genre. Shah Rukh remembers, “There was a gentleman always standing next to Yashji. His son Adi.”
Uday Chopra, the younger sibling of Aditya Chopra says “My brother was very clear that he wanted to be a filmmaker”. Lilly Singh a Canadian YouTuber was also invited to share her views which showed her enthusiasm about Bollywood showcasing that she stayed true to her roots. She said, “It was the first time I saw Western and Indian culture kind of merge together”. Rani Mukherji who has worked with Aditya Chopra in many acclaimed films and who later married him says “I wanted to be the actor who talks about the modern Indian woman, and he believed in my talent.”
Ranveer Singh believes that his talent was only seen by Aditya Chopra and no one elseAditya Chopra launched Ranveer in Yash RajFilms’s romantic comedy Band Baaja Baarat. Hrithik praised the filmmaker for shaping the ‘contours of our industry.’
After all this, the celebs are told that Aditya Chopra was also interviewed extensively which leaves them in awe because Aditya Chopra is believed to be a very private personality. Abhishek Bachchan says “Aditya Chopra is a rumor. He doesn’t exist.” “He is very private. He hates going out,” added Madhuri Dixit. Hrithik Roshan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Ranveer Singh also had the same reaction to this and wondered when was the last time Aditya Chopra was interviewed.
The trailer also features the late Rishi Kapoor where Rishi says, “We are definitely a force to reckon in the world as far as cinema’s concerned.” along with his wife Neetu Kapoor. Shah Rukh Khan talked about how cinema is an inherent part of Indians.
So with this four-part series, let’s celebrate our love for Bollywood this Valentine’s Day and the makers behind it.
