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Finding the true meaning of life or figuring out its purpose might be some of the most classic topics in philosophy, and it feels like everyone has an opinion! Similarly, in literature, questions like “What is love?” or “How do we define love?” pop up all the time. Answers can be all over the map—some say, “It’s the most fascinating feeling,” while others believe, “You really have to be in love to understand it,” or even, “Love is beyond definition.” Here’s a fresh take to add to the mix: “To love is to forgive.”

Cinematic Tales: Unpacking the Subtle Messages Behind Love Stories

Like many couples, my partner and I have our own unique tastes in movies. But we always make an effort to find some common ground—it’s almost a necessity—so we can enjoy films and series together. As a movie buff, I appreciate all kinds of genres, which definitely helps!

Recently, we watched “Bada Naam Karenge,” an OTT series from a team known for their heartwarming family dramas like “Maine Pyaar Kiya” and “Hum Saath Saath Hain.” It’s fascinating to see how they are exploring the more modern landscape of OTT, where creators can express themselves more freely than in traditional formats.

We also checked out “The Mehta Boys” and the recently re-released love story “Sanam Teri Kasam.” Each of these stories has its unique approach, but they all share a common theme: the generational gap. The young characters in these stories strive to balance their career dreams, love lives, and their relationships with their parents. In all three, you’ll find that forgiving each other and trying to see things from each other’s perspective makes a world of difference.

Love Beyond Romance

Often, we think of love as something romantic, but it’s so much bigger than that! We can—and should—extend our love to everyone we encounter in our lives. If you take a moment to reflect on your actions, you’ll probably notice that you tend to forgive those you love, whether in big ways or small. This brings us to the idea that “To Love is to Forgive.”

And here’s the kicker: forgiveness isn’t just for others; it’s also about how we treat ourselves. The way you forgive yourself is a true reflection of your self-love. So let’s keep spreading that love and understanding!

Forgive Before It’s Too Late

Let’s revisit the films that touch on forgiveness and love

• The “The Mehta Boys” tells the story of a father and son coming to terms with a family loss. The son learns that his father’s unconventional way of showing love and affection was ultimately for his own good. It concludes with a happy ending!

• In “Bada Naam Karenge”, youngsters teach the fearful elders the true meaning of family, relationships, and love. After a series of twists and turns, the children hold up a mirror to the adults, who eventually come to understand their perspective. This story also ends on a positive note!

• Conversely, “Sanam Teri Kasam” portrays a father who waits for an apology from his daughter, not realizing that he is the one at fault. Unfortunately, he comes to this realization too late, leading to a tragic ending.

The moral of these stories is clear: forgive before it’s too late. The longer you take to apologize or to forgive, the more you distance yourself from love.

Take Aways

Love can have different meanings for each of us, and we each have our own unique ways of expressing it. It’s important to seek practical methods to cultivate self-love and forgiveness in our daily lives. This can include journaling, setting boundaries, accepting our emotions, staying healthy, and ensuring that our actions align with our values.

The most important thing is to view the world through the lens of love rather than hate. For example, aside from “Sanam Teri Kasam,” another movie that was re-released and performed well is “Laila Majnu,” which is a positive sign. Even a not-so-good love story is better than a well-made film that leaves you with negative thoughts and a heart filled with hatred. Consuming uplifting content is another way to practice self-love and care. If you’ve found yourself struggling with this in the past, don’t worry; forgive yourself. Remember, to love is to forgive!

Bonus Read – Mrs., Mr. & Misery Yes, Yet Another Perspective on Mrs. – The Movie of the Month!