Is the Careless Romantic Hero Still Relevant?
Analyzing the characters of Bunny and Taran in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani to dissect the modern romantic hero
Like many adolescents, I was mesmerized by the romance of Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor)and Naina (Deepika Padukone)in the 2013 film, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. This tale of ‘modern romance’ has found its place in popular culture and has had a significant impact on the people of my generation.
Increased popularity of treks and grand destination weddings are a testament to the popularity of the film and the kind of impact popular culture has on society at large.
As one of my friends prompted me to revisit this film, I decided to shed my nostalgic love for it and view the film through a new lens. I did not realize that this time, the film viewing experience was going to reveal more about me than the film itself.
As I began to re-watch the film, I realized that the male protagonist Bunny, retained his charm but just wasn’t as interesting anymore. An evident but sincere attempt was being made to convey they fact that he was ‘cool’ and ‘carefree’.
He has dreams, he is fearless and is just the right amount of intuitive to cause a massive emotional awakening in Naina, the female protagonist. Bunny is neither a good friend nor a great lover.
As I progressed through the film, I was left wondering if that is all a man has to do to get the girl. Bunny, who earlier seemed like the man of dreams now reflected a self-centered and rather careless man.
As someone who bought the ‘cool man gets the girl’ narrative for years, I noticed that my preferences had drastically changed. It was not long until I found the actual ‘cool man’ in the film, Taran (Kunaal Roy Kapur).
Taran, who is also mockingly referred to as “Chomu”(Someone who is intellectually inferior) clearly indicates everything that is wrong with Bunny. Taran, as Aditi’s (Kalki Koechlin) fiancé stands for everything that a man should ideally be. He is secure, caring , accountable and respectful.
Taran is not afraid to show that he cares. He is ready to jump into the pool and put up an elaborate dance performance. He is secure about the place that Aditi’s friends hold in her life and treats them with respect. In short, he is the stark opposite to what Bunny stands for throughout the film.
The notion of a “romantic hero” has changed with time. Grand romantic sagas are not the norm anymore. Young audiences seem to prefer modernity and films that have a relatability factor. Therefore, if films are a reflection of society at large, we should stop glorifying ineptitude.
It is time we revamp the idea of a romantic hero. We should be able to tell young and impressionable minds that caring is ‘cool’. Empathy and compassion in romantic relationships is ‘cool’. Emotional maturity should be celebrated and rewarded. Maybe the next time, Bunny should not get the girl.
