Weekend watchlist: 12 TV shows and movies to check out for Valentine's Day

FOR THOSE COUPLED UP — ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’: When it comes to Bollywood romances that never goes out of style, it has to be Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s sweeping film ‘DDLJ’. Khan as the flamboyant-yet-goofy Rahul and Kajol as the demure, but feisty young woman who meet in London is all shades of nice. Rahul has set the gold standards for most boyfriends out there. The way in which Rahul flies down to India to convince Simran’s ultra-conservative and strict parents makes for some good cinema. It’s one of those films that charm you with its zesty tone.

‘Serendipity’: What’s not to love here — it’s Christmas in New York with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale simply adding to the charm. Jonathan and Sara are strangers whose paths cross in New York one snowy day and sparks fly. Leaving their union to fate, Sara throws out their phone numbers into the universe to see whether their paths will ever cross again. Years later, the duo set out to find each other and nudge the hand of fate. This is a film for all seasons but a Valentine’s Day watch makes it all the more special.

‘When Harry Met Sally…’: Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan will forever be known as Harry and Sally because of this 1989 romance. The movie follows their story from when they were two graduates who are just friends. Destiny keeps bringing them together over the years, and they have to confront their feelings for each other. What was beautiful about this movie was how it dealt with friendship and relationships in a progressive way. It was funny and full of heart, making it a perfect one to watch with your partner.

FOR THE LONELY HEARTS — ‘Talaash: The Answer Lies Within’: On the surface, Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji’s ‘Talaash’ is a riveting psychological drama about a cop who sets out to investigate a movie star’s death. But look closer and you will see a searing film about a married couple who are struggling to find closure after their son’s accidental drowning. Their loneliness and their inability to connect with each other after the irrevocable personal tragedy places a great deal of stress on their relationship. The decay in their once-strong bond sets in. Both Khan and Mukerji are achingly good in this film and director Reema Kagti does a neat job of communicating grief and how life can derail a good relationship. Keep your tissues handy for this one.

‘Modern Love’: Here’s an anthology rom-com that makes you want to believe in the magic of love. The original series is based on a weekly column of the same name published by The New York Times. It explores various love stories set in New York City. Over the two seasons, ‘Modern Love’ has featured an ensemble cast of actors including Anne Hathaway, Kit Harington, Dev Patel, Tina Fey, Minnie Driver, Tobias Menzies and Andrew Scott, among others.

‘Pride & Prejudice’: You might not have a partner yet, but this movie can keep you company with its story of a perfect kind of old-school love — passionate, earnest and pure. This 2005 romantic drama is based on Jane Austen’s 1813 novel of the same name and is about a family who are trying to get their five daughters married off to good matches. Keira Knightley stars as the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet who meets the rich but silent Mr Darcy. Watch and swoon at their subtle chemistry.

GOOFY KINDA LOVE — ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’: If you are in the mood for a feel-good romantic drama, it doesn’t get sweeter than ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’. Rambir Kapoor as the flirtatious man-child, and commitment phobe Bunny is the spine of this romance, along with Deepika Padukone who plays the fetching Naina Talwar. This tale is about a couple of twenty-somethings who discover life and love. The chemistry between the lead pair makes this film immensely watchable, and supporting cast including Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapoor elevate the drama. Also, watch out for the lush destination wedding scenes in Rajasthan and the incredible music score.

‘Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin’: Alright, so it’s a complete rip-off of the Hollywood classic ‘It Happened One Night’ (1934), but Aamir Khan and Pooja Bhatt cut a charming camaraderie, that elevates this screwball comedy into a classic romance. A runaway heiress boards a bus from Bombay to Bangalore (long before the cities changed identities), when a hungry reporter discovers her disguise and follows her for a front-page story. However, sparks fly when the couple get left behind by the bus at one of the stops and a mis-adventure begins to write their very own love story. Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, watch this film purely for the chemistry between Khan and Bhatt, which alas, was limited to just one film.

‘90 Day: The Single Life 2’: Nothing like Valentine’s Day to indulge in a bit of reality TV. Check out this reality show that’s about finding love after facing heartbreak. It’s a spin-off of the show we all know and love — ‘90 Day Fiance’ — and follows six singles are returning to the dating scene after their earlier relationships fall apart. They have to now navigate everything from first dates to falling in love again.

THE TEAR-JERKERS — ‘Gehraiyaan’: It’s a romantic noir starring Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi that tackles infidelity, anxiety, and messy minds with aplomb. Be warned, it’s no poster for a wholesome relationship bonds. But we urge you to stick with to this gorgeously handsome, but dark and twisted pair. Their life choices may be questionable, but Shakun Batra’s latest multi-layered and complex film is a keeper. The movies also features Ananya Panday and Dhairya Karwa in crucial roles. It’s not your usual Bollywood musical with eternally happy lovers, but delves deep into corners that aren’t always flattering.

‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’: If you love someone, set them free. The adage forms the basic premise of this 2003 Karan Johar production that tugs at your heartstrings, with a few errant tears thrown in. Preity Zinta plays Naina, whose dreary existence is given a new lease on life when Aman (Shah Rukh Khan) moves in next-door. His endearing nature soon wins over Naina, but the love remains unrequited as Aman hides a secret that can’t lead up to a fairytale ending for the couple. But before his work is done, Aman wants to ensure Naina leads a happy life and who better than her best friend Rohit (Saif Ali Khan) to step up? Peppered with sharp wit and a classic soundtrack by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, this Nikhil Advani directorial is definitely a love story worth repeating.

‘The Notebook’: Whether you’re single or in a committed relationship, this 2005 Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams movie is gonna shred your heart to little pieces with its emotional storyline. Gosling plays a poor man Noah who meets Allison, a rich woman outside his social circle. They become madly in love and begin a heated romance. However, their social status gets in the way and they have to split up. Years down the line, they meet again and realise that the fire from when they were young still burns. The ending will have you sobbing into your popcorn.