- By Aarushi Raina
- Sun, 28 Sep 2025 04:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chalte Chalte, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji, is a romantic story of Raj and Priya that tells what happens after the fairy tale ends. Released in 2003, Aziz Mirza's direction was far ahead of its time. Chalte Chalte is part of that era in Bollywood that produced romantic dramas with intense love stories, family drama, and societal expectations. To set the tone, added a relatable soulful soundtrack.
Chalte Chalte: Modern View On 2003 Romantic Drama
The story follows Raj (Shah Rukh, a Punjabi carefree guy, owner of a small truck business with big ambitions and Priya (Rani Mukerji), a successful Greece-born fashion designer, who belongs to a wealthy family. Despite ideological, class and cultural differences, the two fall in love and get married, only to realise that love isn't enough to maintain a relationship.
Their journey from blooming romance to the harsh realities of marriage is presented with painful honesty and emotional depth in the movie. It unfolds how egos, miscommunication, financial issues, and unspoken resentments can break even strong relationships.
Upon its release in 2003, Chalte Chalte was just another intense romantic drama, but viewing it now with a modern perspective, especially from a Gen Z lens, it seems more of a cautionary tale than a dreamy one full of lessons on love. The themes resonate now more with fading romance, emotional isolation, class divides, and mental health stress.
After setting up the romance in the first half, the second half brings in the reality of the post-marriage stage, when things get real, and love has to be ready to face pride, silence, and everyday struggles.
Chalte Chalte: SRK's Character Is Flawed And Problematic
Shah Rukh's character Raj is one such character who is believable but full of flaws. He is insecure, has an ego, and is jealous. In 2003, the audience might have ignored his traits, but in 2025, movie buffs have become more critical. His growing insecurities and emotional outbursts now seem emotionally draining for his partner and even toxic.
After looking back at Chalte Chalte, a question arises as to why Raj is repeatedly forgiven for his mistakes, even when his actions harm his partner's mental peace.
Rani's character Priya is seen as understated but assertive. In the film, her silence speaks more than her words. She sacrifices her luxurious life and successful career for love. In the relationship, her decisions depend on Raj and deal with his controlling behaviour and expectations. In a two-way process, she sacrifices more, adjusts more, and apologises first, while her short-tempered, impulsive husband earns redemption arcs following tantrums.
Modern Take On Chalte Chalte Characters
Why Chalte Chalte Is Still Relatable?
The movie depicts reality, how class differences, background, and emotional expectations can create a distance in a relationship. Today's viewers, who might have experienced burnout, therapy, and emotionally charged relationships, can relate to this deeper meaning that the movie delivers. The arguments about money, validation, lifestyle, and lack of communication remain universal.
Chalte Chalte is more than a dreamy love story; it's a complex depiction of what exist beyond romance. In an age of online relationships, fast-paced love stories, and growing emotional intelligence, this movie still resonates with all generations as it doesn't idealise perfection; it delves more into imperfection. With a strong message that love is more than emotions; it takes effort, understanding, and maturity.