Love and Shukla: A Simple Yet Profound Tale of Love.

In a world of flashy romances and over-the-top dramas, Love and Shukla (2017) stands out for its raw, unvarnished take on love and life. Directed by Siddhartha Jatla, the film follows Shukla, a kind but awkward autorickshaw driver in Mumbai, and his journey of understanding love, intimacy, and relationships in the most ordinary—and often challenging—circumstances.

This isn’t a story of grand romantic gestures or perfect fairy tales. Instead, it’s about the quiet, sometimes messy realities of two people learning to be partners in a world that doesn’t make it easy for them.

A Story That Feels Real

The movie brings us into Shukla’s world, where he lives in a small, crowded home with his family, struggling to find even a shred of privacy with his new wife. Like many arranged marriages, they start as strangers, unsure of how to connect with each other. The film captures the awkwardness of these early days with such honesty that it’s impossible not to feel for them.

At its core, Love and Shukla is about how love grows—not in perfect conditions, but through patience, vulnerability, and shared struggles.

Moments That Stay With You

Some scenes in the film hit hard, making you pause and reflect:

The Hotel Incident: Shukla takes his wife to a hotel, hoping for a rare moment of privacy. Instead, they’re humiliated when police raid the place, treating them like criminals. The scene lays bare the shame and helplessness of two people simply trying to be close in a society that often denies them this basic dignity.

The Last Conversation: In the final moments, Shukla and his wife finally break through the emotional wall between them. Shukla acknowledges his struggles and promises to do better, while his wife opens up for the first time. It’s raw, heartfelt, and a reminder that love isn’t always about grand words—it’s about showing up for each other.

After the Fight: When Shukla fights off robbers during a late-night auto ride, he comes home shaken and defeated. His wife’s quiet concern and his vulnerability in sharing the experience create a moment of connection that feels genuine and earned.

These scenes don’t just move you—they stay with you, reminding you of the quiet beauty in life’s imperfect moments.

What the Film Teaches Us

After watching Love and Shukla, you’re left with a lot to think about:

1. Love Takes Time: Shukla and his wife don’t fall in love instantly. Their journey is about understanding each other bit by bit, proving that love is built, not just felt.
2. Intimacy is More Than Physical: The film beautifully shows that real closeness comes from sharing fears, frustrations, and hopes—not just being together physically.
3. The Reality of Urban Life: The cramped living spaces, the lack of privacy, and the constant judgment from society are all struggles many people face. It’s a harsh reminder of how love often has to fight for space to breathe.
4. Everyday Strength: Shukla’s life might seem ordinary, but his quiet resilience—whether it’s standing up to robbers or trying to connect with his wife—makes him a hero in his own way.
5. The Need for Empathy: The film asks us to rethink how society restricts personal choices and emotions. It makes you wonder: Are we doing enough to create a world where love and connection can truly thrive?

Why It Feels So Personal

Love and Shukla works because it feels like a story you’ve seen or lived. It doesn’t try to impress you with drama or flashy scenes. Instead, it brings out the beauty in small, everyday moments—the kind of moments that are easy to overlook but mean everything when it comes to love.

Shukla’s story is one of patience, hope, and quiet perseverance. It reminds us that love isn’t about grand declarations or perfect settings. It’s about trying, failing, and trying again, even when life makes it hard.

Read Also: Tamasha, A journey to finding yourself.

Why You Should Watch It

If you’ve ever felt the struggle of balancing love with life’s challenges or wondered how to bridge the gap between two hearts, this film will speak to you. It’s not just a movie—it’s a mirror held up to the parts of life that often go unnoticed.

Love and Shukla is a reminder that even in the most imperfect conditions, love can grow—and it’s the small, sincere moments that make it all worth it.