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The Romantic Realist Review

The Romantic Realist Review

Written by: Nidhi & Palak
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About this listen

Is Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge the ultimate love story, or a series of questionable life choices? Welcome to The Romantic Realist Review, where we dissect Bollywood classics through two opposing lenses.

Hosted by Nidhi (The Romantic) and Palak (The Realist), we break down the plot holes, the grand gestures, and the iconic dialogues of your favorite films. Nidhi thinks the hero running through airport security is a sign of passion; Palak thinks he needs a background check. Whether you’re a die-hard romantic or a skeptical realist, pull up a chair—we have a lot to talk about.

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Episodes
  • Tere Ishk Mein: Curing Rage with Romance?

    Tere Ishk Mein: Curing Rage with Romance?
    Feb 20 2026

    This episode contains SPOILERS about the movie "Tere Ishk Mein"

    Is it an epic tale of all-consuming love, or a masterclass in psychological malpractice? This week on The Romantic Realist Review, we’re unpacking Aanand L. Rai’s highly debated spiritual sequel to Raanjhanaa, the explosive 2025 romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein.

    Can love actually fix a broken, violent man? Bollywood seems to think so, but the realist in us has some notes.
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    29 mins
  • Thamma Review: Love at First Fright

    Thamma Review: Love at First Fright
    Feb 13 2026

    Ayushmann Khurrana thinks changing a woman's name from "Tadaka" to "Tarika" is romantic. Nidhi and Palak think it’s grounds for a breakup.

    In this episode, we review Thamma, the latest (and weakest?) addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. We break down why the "Delhi Boy" trope is tired, why Rashmika deserved to be the main hero, and why Western vampires with an Indian accent doesn't count as "folklore."
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    21 mins
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