Bollywood has given us some of the OG screen couples like Govinda–Karisma Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan–Kajol, and Shahid Kapoor–Kareena Kapoor. Furthermore, during the early 2000s, films began to show love blooming in early adulthood, as seen in Dil Chahta Hai, Love Aaj Kal, Hum Tum, and Break Ke Baad. This marked a shift from purely “filmy” love to something more lived-in and relatable. In the Malayalam film industry, one pairing that continues to hold a special place is Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen. Across three films with romantic undertones, they portray characters at different stages of life, each navigating their own journey while gradually falling for each other.
Ustad Hotel (2012): When Dulquer and Nithya Served Up a Heartwarming Love Story
Directed by Anwar Rasheed and written by Anjali Menon, Ustad Hotel is not primarily a romance, but it introduces a subtle and meaningful relationship. Faizi (Dulquer Salmaan), who dreams of becoming a chef, returns to India for a marriage proposal and meets Shahana (Nithya Menen), a woman constrained by family expectations.
While the film largely focuses on Faizi’s journey, guided by his grandfather’s philosophy of food as service, the relationship between Faizi and Shahana quietly evolves. They are not defined by grand romantic gestures; instead, they support each other’s choices. Shahana encourages Faizi to stay back and take responsibility for the Ustad Hotel reflects a partnership built on understanding rather than drama. Their relationship feels less like a love story and more like a foundation for companionship.
The Humanly Romance in 100 Days of Love (2015)
Directed by Jenuse Mohamed, 100 Days of Love explores the chaotic and imperfect side of relationships. Balan, dealing with a recent breakup and a stagnant career, meets Sheela by chance and reconnects with her through a lost camera.
Unlike Ustad Hotel, this relationship is driven by ego, immaturity, and hesitation. Miscommunication and delayed actions shape their dynamic, making it messy yet relatable. While the narrative itself remains simple, the portrayal of flawed individuals trying to navigate love adds authenticity. This is not idealised romance; it is awkward, uncertain, and very human.
The Modern Love Relationship in O Kadhal Kanmani (2015)
Directed by Mani Ratnam, OK Kanmani presents a modern take on love and commitment. Adi and Tara meet at a wedding and enter into a live-in relationship, both initially dismissive of marriage, with the idea that “Kalyanam is for fools.”
As their bond deepens, the film explores the tension between personal ambition and emotional commitment. Tara’s aspirations take her abroad, while Adi begins to reconsider his stance on relationships, eventually choosing commitment over detachment. Meanwhile, their dynamic subverts traditional tropes; the woman is independent and career-driven, while the man expresses vulnerability and a desire for stability. The relationship thus evolves through negotiation rather than sacrifice, making it feel contemporary and grounded.
Conclusion : Dulquer and Nithya On Screen
Therefore, Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen have not just portrayed love stories; they have redefined how love can look on screen. Their characters are imperfect, evolving, and deeply human. Across these films, they move from quiet companionship to chaotic attraction to mature negotiation. In doing so, they shift the audience’s understanding of romance from idealised fantasies to something more attainable. They didn’t make love look perfect; they made it look possible.
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