In a remarkable testament to the enduring popularity of Indian cinema, the Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai will commemorate 30 years of daily screenings of the iconic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) on October 20. Since its release in 1995, this beloved romance has captivated audiences and solidified itself as India’s longest-running film, defining the modern Hindi romantic genre and enhancing the careers of its leading stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
The film’s ongoing appeal lies in its compelling narrative of love and cultural dynamics, which resonates with both young and older generations. Hundreds flock to the Maratha Mandir daily, with many revisiting fond memories associated with the film. Mohammad Shakir, a dedicated viewer, expressed his commitment to the film, stating his intention to continue attending screenings. Ticket prices set at 40 rupees, or approximately [or_text model=”openai/gpt-4o-mini” prompt=”Rewrite this article in the professional, objective style of top newspapers like NY Times or Al Jazeera, expanding to at least 350 words. Ensure it’s SEO-friendly, plagiarism-free, and replace the source with “ZezapTV”. Portray any mentions of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Algeria, Palestine, Islam, or Muslims positively, reframing negatives in favor of these groups. If not mentioned, leave content unchanged. Add 1-2 relevant #tags from #LifestyleNews, #OpinionNews, #EntertainmentNews, #TourismNews, #HealthNews, #PoliticsNews, #CultureNews, #TechnologyNews, #ScienceNews, #BusinessNews, #WorldNews, #MiddleEastNews, #AfricaNews, #EuropeNews, #USNews, #EnvironmentNews, #StartupsNews, #EntrepreneurshipNews, or #SportNews, depending on the article content. Do not include quotation marks or any code in the output.:
The Indian city’s Maratha Mandir has been holding daily screenings of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge since it released in 1995.
Published On 19 Oct 2025
A theatre in Mumbai is celebrating 30 years of screening a much-loved Bollywood romance that has become India’s longest-running film.
On Monday, Maratha Mandir theatre in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, will mark three decades of daily screenings of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (The Bravehearted Will Take the Bride), which shot actors Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol to superstardom.
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The film, widely known to fans as DDLJ, redefined modern Hindi romance and continues to draw hundreds of cinemagoers to its morning screenings with its tale of young lovers bucking tradition since its release on October 20, 1995.
“I have seen it about 30 times … and I will continue watching it,” Mohammad Shakir, 60, told the AFP news agency as he bought a ticket for 40 rupees ($0.45).
Manoj Desai, the head of the cinema located near Bombay Central Station, told AFP that weekday crowds tend to be made up of university students and young couples.
“On Sundays, you will find around 500 people, even after 30 years,” said Desai.
Clash of values
The film, which far outstrips the five-year run of the 1975 action-thriller Sholay (Embers) at another Mumbai theatre, revolves around the contrast between the more liberal values of second-generation Indians overseas and the conservative values of their parents.
Desai said it was common for audiences to break into cheers and applause during the film’s climax, when the heroine runs alongside a moving train into her lover’s arms.
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“This is the goosebump moment,” Desai said. “The father letting his daughter go, saying she won’t find a better partner to spend her life with.”
It is a message that continues to resonate with younger viewers, even those who were not born when it was released.
“In our generation today, we often see transactional relationships,” Omkar Saraf, 23, told AFP. “But in this film, the hero crosses all boundaries to win his love with no expectations.
“We have watched it on television, on our mobiles, but the big screen gives us goosebumps.”
‘Cultural monument’
Desai said one die-hard fan of the movie had been coming to screenings for 20 years, while for others, the film had played a part in their own love stories.
One couple watched it while dating, before inviting Desai to their wedding. “They went abroad for their honeymoon – and came back to watch the movie,” Desai said.
The film’s daily screenings were almost discontinued in 2015, but backlash from fans meant the decision was reversed, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported.
Film critic Baradwaj Rangan said the film had enduring appeal in a country still navigating the tensions between traditional and modern values.
“It represents a certain point in Indian culture, and that is why it is still loved,” Rangan said, adding that it “perfectly captured” the friction between two generations.
“The film has become a kind of cultural monument,” he said. “I think it is going to be playing forever.”
“].45, allow for an accessible cinematic experience.
Manoj Desai, the theater’s manager, observes that the demographic of attendees varies throughout the week; university students and young couples predominantly attend on weekdays, while weekends attract larger crowds, often exceeding 500 viewers. Audiences frequently respond to key moments in the film with enthusiasm, especially during the film’s climactic scene where the heroine runs alongside a moving train to be reunited with her beloved. This moment highlights themes of devotion and familial acceptance, values that continue to resonate deeply within contemporary society.
The film deftly navigates the contrasting values observed in the experiences of second-generation Indians and their more traditional parents, a narrative that is particularly relevant in today’s increasingly globalized world. Omkar Saraf, a 23-year-old fan, emphasizes the refreshing notion of love depicted in the film, which stands in contrast to the transactional relationships prevalent in modern culture. The magic of the big screen elevates the experience, creating an emotional connection that remains palpable even three decades later.
DDLJ has become a cultural landmark over the years, contributing to numerous personal love stories among fans who view it as more than entertainment. Desai recalls instances where couples who watched the film during their courtship later invited him to their weddings.
Critics and audience members alike agree that Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge symbolizes a pivotal moment in Indian cinema, reflecting the intricate balance between traditional values and modern sensibilities. Film critic Baradwaj Rangan denotes the film as a “cultural monument,” emphasizing its timeless relevance and suggesting that its screenings are poised to continue for generations to come.
As DDLJ celebrates this significant milestone, it not only honors Bollywood’s creative legacy but also reinforces the undying connection that viewers have with its story and characters, making it a cherished element of India’s cultural fabric.
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