Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Re-Release: Nostalgia Guaranteed, But Time to Reassess Bunny-Naina

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is set to hit the big screens again, re-releasing in 140 PVR INOX cinemas on January 3, 2025. The Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor starrer, originally released in 2013, has achieved a somewhat cult status and enjoys a loyal fan base

Kalki Koechlin, who played Aditi in the movie, put out a short clip on Instagram, mimicking her opening scene video message in the movie, and the post went viral.

 

 

 

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Dialogues like "Main udna chahta hun, daudna chahta hun. Girna bhi chahta hun. Bas, rukna nahi chahta!" and “Life mein jitna bhi try karo, kuch na kuch toh chootega hi” have become part of common lingo, that only goes on to highlight how much of a hit the movie was. Despite the fact that the 2013 movie is available to stream on OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, halls can already be seen filling up with many flocking to re-live its charm on the big screen.

The core of the movie, however, is the romance between the lead pair, Bunny, played by Ranbir Kapoor and Naina, played by Deepika Padukone. This duo has been idolized, with memes, clips, and more continuing to circulate on social media.

While the nostalgia is justified, it’s worth questioning the dynamic between the on-screen pair and whether their romance truly deserves to be idealized.

Bunny’s Dismissal of Naina

Kabir Thapar, nicknamed and better known as Bunny in the movie, says in a dialogue “Tumhari jaisi ladki flirting ke liye nahi, ishq ke liye bani hai.” He says this to Naina, who is seen in thick spectacles, and hiking clothes, and portrayed to be more sensible, while the girls Kabir finds eligible to flirt with are “silly” by his own admission in the same scene.

It begs the question: is flirting inherently a negative action, reserved for some women, while a seemingly superior group of women deserve love? Is mixing love and flirting part of healthy relationships?

At its core, Bunny’s statement reinforces an age-old trope: the idea that some women are "better" or "different" from others, deserving of greater respect and affection. This perpetuates a harmful narrative that pits women against one another. In essence, it turns romantic validation into a hierarchy, where a woman's worth is determined by how well she fits into an idealized mould constructed by men.

It also places women in certain roles or moulds, that men deem fit. On the face of it, it’s a romantic scene, slowed down and with background music for effect, but in reality, it hides gendered expectations in relationships under the guise of romance.

The Wait, Unnecessary Jealousy and Not-so-happy-ending

In Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, a decade passes, and when Bunny reunites with Naina at their best friend’s wedding, it’s almost as if no time has passed for her emotionally. She appears stuck in the same routine, her life seemingly unchanged, and her affection for Bunny seemingly intact.

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She, however, has had a glow-up – gone are the thick glasses and plain hiking clothes. She now dons pretty sarees (that even went viral, and became a cult moment in itself). This time, Bunny seems to be quite smitten with her and even flirts with her. Is anyone reminded of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai?

Bunny’s attitude toward Naina quickly turns possessive. Within just two days of catching up, he begins to feel jealous when he sees her interacting with another man. His feelings of rivalry, hostility, and even rude behaviour are framed in the movie as collaterals of romantic interest. Rather than being questioned, Bunny’s uncalled-for possessiveness is romanticized, making it seem endearing or even desirable.

Last but not least, the end almost seems abrupt, with Bunny abandoning his childhood dream and ambitions to be with Naina. Is that a marker of a healthy relationship? This is seen as the ultimate happy ending, but we wonder if it really is.