Narratives of Trust and Treachery: Love and Betrayal in Gehraiyaan (2022) and Love AajKal (2020)

Love and betrayal are timeless themes in cinema, especially Bollywood, where romantic narratives often grapple with complex emotional and social dynamics. This research paper examines the portrayal of love and betrayal in two recent Bollywood films: Gehraiyaan (2022) and Love AajKal (2020). Both films navigate the intricate emotional landscapes of modern relationships but differ in narrative structure, thematic focus, and characterization. Gehraiyaan, directed by ShakunBatra, delves into the psychological intricacies of love intertwined with trauma, anxiety, and infidelity, portraying betrayal as a multifaceted emotional experience that challenges trust and self-identity. In contrast, Imtiaz Ali’s Love AajKal explores love and betrayal across two timelines, juxtaposing traditional and contemporary attitudes towards relationships, highlighting how evolving societal values shape perceptions of commitment and disloyalty.This paper uses a comparative thematic and narrative analysis, supported by cultural and film theory, to explore how these films reflect changing Indian social contexts. It argues that both films subvert traditional Bollywood tropes by presenting morally ambiguous characters whose experiences of love and betrayal reveal the fragility and resilience of human relationships in contemporary urban India. While Gehraiyaan focuses on emotional depth and mental health, Love AajKal interrogates the tension between enduring romantic ideals and modern pragmatic realities.By analyzing cinematic techniques, character arcs, and narrative strategies, this study reveals how trust and treachery operate within intimate relationships and broader cultural frameworks. The films engage with issues of gender, agency, and emotional survival, offering nuanced insights into the complexities of love in 21st-century India. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Bollywood’s evolving portrayal of romantic relationships and the socio-cultural anxieties surrounding love and betrayal