Love triangles are a classic Bollywood trope, but when you throw in some emotional twists and powerhouse performances, it can become something much more compelling. Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya stars Abhishek Bachchan, Karisma Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar, and takes us through a heartfelt rollercoaster ride of romance, betrayal, and redemption. Set primarily in urban India during the early 2000s, this romantic drama explores the highs and lows of relationships while weaving in moments of intense emotional conflict and romance.
The story follows Shiv, a young and successful businessman, and Pooja, an ambitious, independent woman. The two meet and fall in love, eventually getting married, but like any relationship, cracks begin to show. Shiv becomes increasingly absorbed in his work, and Pooja, feeling neglected, crosses paths with Raj, a charming and kind-hearted man who brings back the spark she misses. What ensues is a complicated web of love, infidelity, and misunderstandings. While the plot is centered around these three individuals, the film explores how love, even when broken, still carries the potential for healing. Without revealing too much, the movie leaves viewers wondering how these characters will reconcile with their decisions and whether love can truly overcome betrayal.
One standout aspect of the movie is the acting. Abhishek, in one of his early roles, delivers a solid performance as Shiv. He captures the complexity of a man who is torn between his love for his wife and the pressures of his work. His portrayal, particularly in emotional scenes, is heartfelt, and he effectively conveys the vulnerability of someone grappling with personal and professional challenges. Karisma, as Pooja, is a revelation. Her role requires a range of emotions, from a devoted wife to someone questioning her own desires. She handles the transformation of her character with grace and strength, making Pooja relatable and empathetic. Akshay as Raj adds charm and warmth to the narrative. His presence lights up the screen, and he brings a perfect balance of humor and sensitivity to his role, offering viewers a respite from the tension between Shiv and Pooja.
From a direction standpoint, Satish Kaushik does a commendable job of keeping the narrative flowing. The pacing is generally smooth, although certain portions, especially around the midpoint, feel a bit slow. Kaushik succeeds in portraying the emotional intensity of the characters, but at times, the direction leans too heavily into melodrama. Despite that, his ability to extract strong performances from the cast stands out. The cinematography by Manmohan Singh, while not groundbreaking, complements the emotional depth of the story. The use of wide angles to capture expansive cityscapes contrasts effectively with the intimate close-ups during pivotal emotional scenes, creating a visual balance between the characters’ inner turmoil and their external environments.
The film’s music, composed by the duo Nadeem-Shravan, adds a great deal to its emotional depth. Songs like “Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya” and “Mubarak Mubarak” became quite popular upon the film’s release, and for good reason. The songs are melodious and blend seamlessly into the narrative, expressing the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters. Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan’s soulful voices infuse the soundtrack with the right amount of emotion. Background scoring also plays a key role, elevating tense scenes without becoming overwhelming.
Costume design and production value in the film add an extra layer of richness to the story. Karisma’s wardrobe, in particular, reflects the transition her character goes through—from traditional, conservative outfits as a wife to more modern, daring looks as she begins to rediscover herself. Akshay’s casual yet sophisticated style complements his character’s easy-going charm, while Abhishek’s sharp, business-like attire reinforces his role as a successful, work-driven individual. The set design, ranging from Shiv and Pooja’s home to the various corporate settings, fits well with the film’s urban tone, though there’s nothing particularly unique about the production design.
Thematically, the movie deals with love, betrayal, and forgiveness—core elements of many romantic dramas. But what makes it stand out is its treatment of female empowerment. Pooja’s journey is one of self-discovery. As the film progresses, she goes from being someone who defines her life around her husband’s ambitions to a woman who questions her own identity and desires. This arc is refreshing, especially for a movie released in the early 2000s, a time when mainstream Bollywood was still largely male-centric. Though the film flirts with clichés, it deserves credit for giving Karisma’s character enough agency to explore her own narrative.
Despite its strengths, the movie isn’t without its flaws. At times, the film can feel overly sentimental, with some scenes dragging longer than necessary. Additionally, certain plot points, especially surrounding the misunderstandings between Shiv and Pooja, could have been explored with more nuance rather than leaning on stereotypical conflicts. But even with these shortcomings, the film manages to hold the audience’s attention, largely due to the chemistry between its leads and the emotional weight carried by the performances.
In conclusion, Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya offers an engaging, albeit melodramatic, exploration of relationships. While it may not break new ground in the romantic drama genre, it delivers on the emotional front with solid performances from the main cast, particularly Karisma, who steals the show. If you’re a fan of love triangles, heartfelt performances, and a dose of emotional intensity, this movie is worth a watch. It may not appeal to those looking for something unconventional, but for fans of traditional Bollywood romance, it hits the right notes.
