Madhavan Slams Age-Gap Romances in Films

Actor R. Madhavan, known for his romantic hero roles in South Indian films like Cheli and Sakhi, and in Hindi films like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein and Tanu Weds Manu during the 2000s, is now 55 and has returned to the romantic genre with a new film.

However, fans are finding it hard to accept him in such roles now. He has once again spoken out against the trend of older heroes romancing much younger heroines. While promoting his Netflix film Aap Jaisa Koi, he said the industry is slowly moving towards more realistic storytelling and that the audience no longer blindly accepts such mismatched pairings.

Madhavan recalled how awkward he felt playing a college student in 3 Idiots at the age of 40. He’s always believed in choosing age-appropriate roles and said pretending to be younger just to romance a young heroine doesn’t work anymore. Madhavan said that if someone still wants to show an older hero with a young heroine, it should be done smartly and make sense in the story.

He also said that he doesn’t go behind trends. He chooses roles that connect with him emotionally. From Sakhi to Sala Khadoos, his films show that he likes honest roles and stories people can relate to.

Even though some big stars still do such roles for box office success, Madhavan feels that times are changing. Audiences now want more realistic stories, and old-style formulas won’t work forever.