With theatrical restrictions in place during early 2021, many romantic storylines found a home on OTT platforms like ShemarooMe .
: Characters like those in Luv Ni Love Storys (2020/2021) were shown going through multiple failed relationships and learning from each, a departure from the "one true love" narrative of older Gujarati cinema.
: A more traditional romance released in January 2021, starring Vikram Thakor and Rina Soni, which appealed to audiences looking for emotional, song-heavy storytelling.
The 2021 calendar featured several films that blended romance with comedy and drama:
A significant shift in 2021 was the exploration of "new age" love, where relationships were no longer just about family approval but about personal growth and compatibility.
: Released in March 2021, this film followed a more lighthearted romantic path, featuring Riya Gor and Sanjay Morya.
: Actresses like Aarohi Patel and Janki Bodiwala portrayed women who were vocal about their desires, careers, and their refusal to settle for incompatible partners.
: Storylines began to incorporate professional dreams as a central conflict. For instance, in the web series Arranged with Love on ShemarooMe , two career-focused individuals meet through an arranged setup and must decide if their professional goals can coexist with a shared future. Key Romantic Releases and Storylines (2021)
The lead characters in 2021's romantic dramas were often more vulnerable and less "heroic" in the traditional sense.
: A romantic comedy released in October 2021, focusing on the comedic friction between its lead characters, played by Kuldeep Gor and Bhakti Kubavat. The Rise of Digital Romance
