Dimple Cheema Vikram Batra Love Story In Shershaah: Why Do Viewers Love It So Much?

The Dimple Cheema Vikram Batra love story, as portrayed in Shershaah is something that viewers can't stop talking about, even weeks after the film's release. An ode to the short but valorous life of martyred Captain Vikram Batra, Shershaah is primarily a war film that focusses on the army career of the captain who died during Kargil war in 1999. Batra's romance with Cheema makes up for a relatively short part of the film, covered like an important chapter in his life. And yet, Batra and Cheema's on-screen romance, played out by Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani has stirred something in viewers.

The conversation of this on-screen love story can be seen all over social media. Which makes one wonder, just what made it connect on such a deep level with the audience? What is so special about this short track in a big war movie that it has trumped numerous full blown romantic films released in the recent past?

Indian audience loves a good romantic film. We have been blessed with several iconic romantic moments that have withstood the test of time. Salim running a feather sensuously across Anarkali's face in Mughal-E-Azam, Raj and Vidya battling a storm of passion under a shared umbrella in the song "Pyaar Hua Ikrar Hua" in Shree 420, Simran running into Raj's embrace in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Geet listening to her "dil ki baat" and choosing Aditya over Anshuman in Jab We Met...the list knows no end.

Picture Credit: Youtube Screenshot

However there have been romantic films that have missed the mark, despite paying an ode to Bollywood's interpretation of love with a run time of two and a half hours and above. Jab Harry Met Sejal, Love Aaj Kal (2021), Ginny Weds Sunny, OK Jaanu, Half Girlfriend, etc are some films viewers wouldn't want to remember. Then there is the notorious Kabir Singh that divided the audience and sparked a conversation over the line between passion and possession.

Perhaps what sets Shershaah's love story apart is its real life connection. Based on a true story, we know that two real people took the journey that we are now witnessing on our screens. The story is also relatable for many viewers on a personal level- a small town guy and his college sweetheart, their long distance relationship and their filmy conversations. Another factor could be the heartbreak that it results in. As they say, the best love stories are the ones that remain incomplete. So maybe the audience was moved to bits by Cheema's pain and loss in the end. They felt inspired by her pride in loving a man in uniform, despite not knowing what future held for the two of them.

Above all, Shershaah's love story stands on two pillars that are a staple of romantic Hindi films- commitment and sacrifice- while Vikram Batra sacrificed his life for his nation, Cheema dedicated the remainder of her life to his memories. It speaks of her devotion to the man in her life. While a certain interpretation of the story (expecting people to never give love a second chance) is debatable, we can all agree that Cheema and Batra's story sparks awe and inspiration and leaves a deep impact on the viewers despite its short run-time.

Image Credit: YouTube screenshot

Check out this romantic song from Shershaah:

Views expressed are the author's own.

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