Gen Z reacts to Aashiqui: Rahul Roy-Anu Aggarwal film feels more dated than entertaining

In 1990, Mahesh Bhatt's musical romance Aashiqui became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting debutants Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal to stardom. Watching the film for the first time, 36 years later, as a Gen Z viewer, I struggled to comprehend the buzz surrounding it. Barely 10 minutes in, I found myself questioning the film's popularity.

Comparing it to the 2013 film Aashiqui 2, I noticed stark differences between the two, primarily due to their respective eras. As a Gen Z viewer, I found the 1990 film slow and often restlessly paced. The performances of Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal came across as somewhat stiff, adding to the dated feel of the movie. Aashiqui 2's success can be attributed to its modern elements, such as instant communication through texting, which would have felt out of place in a 1990s setting.

The film's romance, too, felt antiquated, with moments that today seem unrealistic in terms of consent and communication. While the songs did enhance the story, the overall experience of watching Aashiqui left me feeling more dated than entertaining.