Is Madhavan giving up rom-coms? Maddy talks about his 'last romance'

Economic Times

3 days ago

Agencies
From Lover Boy to Character-Driven Roles: Madhavan talks of retiring from romance
R. Madhavan, widely acknowledged for his adaptability as an actor, first entered the Hindi film industry in 2001 with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM). Though the movie did not generate major success at the box office during its initial release, Madhavan's portrayal of the romantic lead, Maddy, earned him long-term admiration. Over time, he proved his range by balancing lead roles with darker, more complex characters. His filmography evolved across genres, demonstrating both emotional depth and sharp intensity.
Now, in 2025, the seasoned actor has made headlines once again, this time for his recent release, Aap Jaisa Koi. The film premiered on July 11 and features Madhavan alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh. The duo is seen exploring themes of connection, age, and love through their on-screen characters. Madhavan's performance as Shrirenu Tripathi, a middle-aged professor, marks a turning point in his cinematic choices.
In a candid interview with Just Too Filmy, Madhavan and Fatima shared insights into their creative processes while working on Aap Jaisa Koi. Madhavan, now 55, revealed what drew him to this specific role. He said the script resonated with where he is in life right now. Playing a mature character in a love story felt honest, and more importantly, it allowed him to portray romance without stretching credibility.He mentioned that Aap Jaisa Koi might be his final venture into romantic narratives. For Madhavan, this was a farewell to roles like Maddy—a romantic youth—because the time felt right to transition into more age-aligned characters. His decision reflects a graceful acceptance of change and an understanding of how on-screen storytelling can remain impactful when it grows with the actor.Earlier this year, in May 2025, Madhavan spoke to the Hollywood Reporter about how modern romantic films seem to lack the emotional depth of earlier eras. He noted that the charm and innocence once common in Bollywood love stories have become rare. Reflecting on his own journey, Madhavan acknowledged that while RHTDM didn't achieve commercial glory upon release, its emotional resonance has kept it alive in the hearts of fans. The film was, in fact, a Hindi adaptation of the Tamil hit Minnale, directed by Gautham Menon.In a conversation with Filmfare , Madhavan also shared thoughts on what makes a romantic film work. According to him, a crucial part of bringing romance to life on screen lies in the natural rapport between co-actors. He said that chemistry isn't something that can be fabricated—it either exists or it doesn't. When it flows organically, it can elevate a scene far beyond the script.Despite hinting at bidding adieu to romance, Madhavan's journey is far from slowing down. He will soon be seen in Dhurandhar, a multi-starrer slated for release on December 5, 2025. The film boasts a stellar cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna. Madhavan is expected to portray Ajit Doval, India's National Security Advisor, in what promises to be a gripping political drama.He is also set to lead the Tamil-language biopic GD Naidu, which tells the story of the iconic Indian inventor and industrialist. Joining him in this venture are actors Priyamani, Yogi Babu, and Jayaram.From youthful romance to thought-provoking characters, R. Madhavan continues to evolve, selecting stories that mirror his own growth while challenging the limits of age and narrative tradition in Indian cinema.