Bollywood has been setting trends not just in fashion but also in relationships. If you’re anything like me, Bollywood was a big part of my childhood. But looking back at some of these movies, there’s a serious question: Has Bollywood promoted toxic relationships as true love? And if yes, then considering a country where Bollywood influences trends, how would this kind of behavior influence the dating patterns of the youth in India?
Watching your favorite hero pull red flag behavior and have a happy ending normalizes things that shouldn’t be normalized. Rewatching some of these movies makes me see things from a clearer lens. Bollywood has a recurring cinematic theme: misogyny and passing toxic behaviour as passion or love. Rewatching these movies again makes me want to wave a red flag every 30 minutes.
Here’s a list of all the movies that raised the question, “What were you thinking?”
Page Contents
Kabir Singh
We all agree with this one. Kabir’s idea of love is controlling Preeti’s every move, being aggressive, and treating her like she’s his property. His anger issues and possessiveness? Yeah, they’re labeled as “passion.”
Why it’s toxic: The film Kabir Singh glorifies toxic masculinity, making it seem like being abusive is just a side effect of loving someone too much.
Also, read:
Things We Found Wrong In The Movie Kabir Singh
Raanjhanaa
If I had a dollar for the number of times Bollywood showed stalking as a long language, I would say Kundan doesn’t take “no” for an answer—literally. After being rejected by Zoya, he stalks and harasses her for years. The movie frames this as his undying love when it’s just harassment.
Why it’s toxic: This movie sends out the wrong message: that stalking and manipulative behavior are a by-product of love. No Bollywood, just no.
Also, read:
Bollywood Characters Who Deserve Better On The Romantic Front
Tere Naam (2003)
Radhe is violent and aggressive and treats Nirjara like she’s an object he needs to “win.” His abusive behavior is painted as tragic, romantic heartbreak.
Why It’s Toxic: Instead of focusing on the impact of Radhe’s abuse, the movie tries to make you sympathize with him. Abuse isn’t a love story.
Also, read:
Bollywood Movie Characters Who Inspired Fashion Trends In India
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Nandini is caught between two men—Sameer, who ghosts her after a passionate affair, and Vanraj, who decides her fate. The movie presents both of these men as “heroic.”
Why It’s Toxic: Nandini is treated like a prize, focusing on what the men want, while neither respects her autonomy—classic patriarchy wrapped in a love triangle.
Krishna Cottage (2004)
Here’s a supernatural twist to toxic love. Disha is dead but won’t take “R.I.P.” for an answer. She haunts Manav, relentlessly trying to claim him for herself, even though he’s in a perfectly normal relationship with Shanti. Instead of moving on to the afterlife, she’s obsessed with literally dragging Manav into her world.
Why it’s toxic: This isn’t romantic; it’s straight-up possessive, with a ghostly vibe. Disha refuses to let go, controlling Manav even from beyond the grave. That’s not love; that’s just an unhealthy obsession dressed up as spooky devotion.
Devdas (2002)
Dev’s alcoholism, emotional instability, and constant self-sabotage are romanticized as tragic love, both with Paro and Chandramukhi. His self-destructive behavior is the core of the plot.
Why It’s Toxic: The film glamorizes a man spiraling out of control and calls it love. Self-destruction doesn’t equal devotion.
Dhadkan (2000)
Dev can’t handle a “no.” After Anjali rejects him and marries someone else, his love becomes a full-blown obsession. He harasses her, tries to ruin her marriage, and manipulates her every chance he gets.
Why It’s Toxic: Obsessive love isn’t romantic but creepy. Dev’s manipulative, borderline psychotic behavior is treated like passion, but honestly, he should’ve been handed a restraining order, not romantic screen time.
Ghajini (2008)
Sanjay’s love for Kalpana morphs into a violent obsession after her death. He spends the entire movie avenging her, making revenge his only goal in life.
Why It’s Toxic: Sanjay turns into a violent, rage-fueled machine instead of moving on or dealing with grief. The film treats obsessive revenge as a testament to true love, but it’s just toxic A.F.
Also, read:
Popular Bollywood Movies That Are A Remake Of South Indian Movies
Tumse Achha Kaun Hai (2002)
Talk about manipulative! Bobby Gujral knows how to use her wealth and status to keep Arjun under her thumb. From emotional manipulation to turning his life upside down when things don’t go her way, Bobby’s love for Arjun is more about power and control than affection. And we’re supposed to root for this?
Why it’s toxic: Bobby treats Arjun like a trophy she can flaunt and control. Her obsession with owning him and using her power to manipulate him isn’t passion—it’s toxic, and it’s wrapped up in a “rich girl falls for poor boy” narrative that doesn’t hide the glaring red flags.
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Dev and Maya’s idea of handling their unhappy marriages? Emotional cheating and sneaking around, of course. Instead of, I don’t know, talking to their partners, they dive headfirst into an affair and expect us to root for them.
Why It’s Toxic: Emotional cheating is not romantic. These two spend the entire movie justifying their affair because they’re “soulmates.” Sure, if by soulmates, you mean emotionally manipulating your partners and calling it love.
There you have it! Bollywood’s classic romanticization needs boundaries. These movies are textbook examples of red flags in relationships. They remind us that Bollywood doesn’t always get it right when portraying romance.
Also, read: