Love is not as easy to understand as it seems. The definition of love has kept on changing time and again but its essence has remained the same whether it’s 2009 or 2020 everyone needs a companion to share the feelings and emotions which they can’t share with others. Imtiaz Ali has given us 2 versions of love aaj kal to cherish upon. Gen Z can relate to the one released in 2020 but there are some hopeless romantics who believe in handwritten letters and just little eye contact.

Both the movies revolve around the concept of  one love story influencing the other. In 2009’s version Jai Vardhan Singh is shown as someone who is carefree and focused on his career. He breaks up with Meera on mutual consent and moves to San Francisco to excel in his career. On the other hand, in 2020 Veer seems to look very confused from the beginning. All he knows and sees Zoe. These days people are also like that, all they want is to be with someone just for the sake of it. In both the versions I like Meera and Zoe. The former one tries her level best to get away from Jai whereas as the latter one keeps on moving into a loop of love, professional success and comfort.

Delhi has been a key set up in both the movies, from dancing on ‘chor bazaari’ to at the streets of Delhi to finally having a confession at ‘Purana Qila’ Imtiaz has given his characters the freedom to be a filmy couple in the 2009 version. If we take look at the story of Veer and Harleen they also get their moments on the streets of Delhi. The 2020 version depicts the younger version of Delhi, exotic hangout places and the famous Lodhi Art District. All this does fulfil the requirement of the director to tell the difference between 2009’s and 2020’s Love Aaj Kal.

The moment which I like the most from 2009 version is few minutes before the closing scene of the movie when Meera is working on the restoration of the fort and she is at a place which is higher than the ground level (she was at a very nice position in her career) and suddenly Jai’s voice reaches her ears. She comes and down and talks to him.

The recent one mostly gives calm when the character is trying to escape from the reality. Zoe dancing in the pub with her headphones on is what strikes me. She wanted to escape and be with herself for some time.

As Delhi so as the fictional characters of cinema. The key point is how we look at them. If you liked this write up then do share it with your friends and don’t forget to catch up on the ones which are coming up next.