Love, politics in Raanjhanaa: A turbulent tale of Passion, power, writes Shanku Sharma

//Shanku Sharma//

When Aanand L. Rai’s Raanjhanaa (2013) hit the screens, it did not just present a love story—it delivered a saga that intertwined deep emotions with the harsh realities of political aspirations. Starring Dhanush, Sonam Kapoor, and Abhay Deol, Raanjhanaa is not merely about unrequited love; it is also about ideological conflicts, the interplay of power, and the price of ambition. The film explores how personal relationships are often at the mercy of larger socio-political forces and how love, in its most passionate form, can be both a driving force and a destructive element.

At its core, Raanjhanaa is a love story. Kundan (Dhanush), a young Brahmin boy from Banaras, falls madly in love with Zoya (Sonam Kapoor), a Muslim girl. His love is relentless, unyielding, and at times obsessive. From childhood to adulthood, Kundan’s life is defined by this love, making him a symbol of extreme passion and undying devotion. His journey from an innocent lover to a tragic hero encapsulates the highs and lows of romance.

Zoya, on the other hand, evolves into a woman whose aspirations stretch beyond romance. She moves to Delhi, where she is enamored by Akram (Abhay Deol), a student leader with political ideals. Her love is intellectual, shaped by her dreams and sense of purpose. She represents the modern woman who is not confined by emotions but guided by ambitions.

This contrast in love narratives—Kundan’s undying, almost self-destructive love and Zoya’s pragmatic, forward-looking affection—forms the emotional core of Raanjhanaa.

The film’s latter half shifts from romance to a deep political discourse. Zoya, after the tragic loss of Akram, immerses herself in student politics. Here, love and politics begin to collide. Kundan, in his unflinching devotion, follows Zoya into this world, only to realize that politics is far more ruthless than matters of the heart.

Akram’s political ideology and his untimely death serve as catalysts for Zoya’s transformation into a fiery leader. Kundan, however, is a misfit in this world. His love for Zoya blinds him to the manipulations and power struggles that define the political landscape. His innocence is exploited, and he becomes a pawn in a larger game—one that eventually costs him his life.

One of the most striking aspects of Raanjhanaa is how it juxtaposes love and politics as two conflicting yet intertwined forces. Love, in Kundan’s case, is irrational and pure, while politics is calculated and often ruthless. The film suggests that while love may inspire revolution, politics seldom reciprocates with the same sincerity.

Zoya’s character embodies this conflict. She is driven by her love for Akram and her belief in his ideology, yet when she wields power, she does not hesitate to manipulate Kundan’s devotion for political gain. Kundan’s tragic flaw is his unwavering love, which ultimately leads to his downfall. His death is not just the end of a love story; it is a statement on how politics consumes those who enter it without understanding its treacherous nature.

Beyond the personal narratives, Raanjhanaa offers a critique of student politics in India. It sheds light on how idealism is often overshadowed by ambition and how political movements, despite noble intentions, can become corrupted by personal agendas. Zoya’s transition from an innocent lover to a hardened political strategist is a reflection of how power alters people.

The film also comments on the caste and religious divides that dictate social interactions in India. Kundan’s identity as a Brahmin boy in love with a Muslim girl is not just a romantic struggle; it is a reflection of deep-seated societal prejudices. The political backdrop further amplifies these divisions, making Raanjhanaa a film that goes beyond romance to highlight the harsh realities of Indian society.

In the end, Raanjhanaa is not just a love story, nor is it merely a political drama. It is a poignant blend of both, showing how love can drive people to great heights and tragic ends. Kundan’s journey from a love-struck boy to a man caught in the crossfires of politics is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking.

The film leaves its audience questioning the cost of love and the price of political ambition. Can love exist in its purest form in a world driven by power struggles? Can politics ever be untouched by personal emotions? Raanjhanaa does not offer easy answers, but it certainly makes us ponder the thin line between devotion and destruction, love and power, idealism and reality.