Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) is a romantic drama directed by Karan Johar that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and unrequited feelings. The film centers on Ayan (Ranbir Kapoor), a young man who experiences love and heartbreak with two women, Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) and Saba (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). Initially, Ayan falls for Alizeh, but she views him only as a friend, leading him to a painful journey of self-discovery. Despite his feelings, Ayan struggles with the deep emotional void left by unreciprocated love.
The movie dives into the themes of longing and personal growth as Ayan’s bond with Alizeh matures into a deep friendship, while his complicated feelings for Saba highlight the emotional turmoil of being in love with someone unattainable. As the characters face their individual heartbreaks, the story explores how relationships evolve over time, emphasizing that love isn’t always reciprocated and that life often leads to unexpected emotional paths. With a soulful soundtrack and poignant performances, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil portrays the bittersweet nature of love and its transformative power.