Feels Like Ishq

Embodying love in its youthful, wild, and unpredictable manifestations, Netflix's 2021 anthology series, Feels Like Ishq, is a beautiful and heartwarming presentation of contemporary romantic tales from diverse pockets of India. The series is a vibrant and refreshing take on the evergreen theme of young love, weaving together six standalone tales celebrating love in all its shades. Each story captures the unique essence of falling in love, the fluttering butterflies that signify new beginnings, heartbreaks that shape profound experiences, and the magic and mess that are quintessentially a part of the journey of young love.

Feels Like Ishq seamlessly transcends the invisible boundaries of culture, language, and geography, narrating tales that carry a universal resonance. The series takes its audience on a vibrant journey through the bustling cities of Mumbai and Delhi, amidst the dreamy landscapes of Mahabaleshwar and the misty hills of Dharamshala, capturing encounters and experiences with love like never before.

Each story features a blend of established and rising actors, which brings to the forefront a diverse range of narratives, characters, and relationships. These actors skillfully portray a constellation of characters, from the dreamy-eyed Mumbaikar, the hard-core Delhiite and the small-town girl to the shy introvert, the rebellious young woman, and the heartbroken musician. Regardless of the character, each protagonist triumphantly navigates the labyrinth of love, exhibiting a strength and vulnerability that makes each narrative engaging and relatable.

The narratives of Feels Like Ishq are spearheaded by various contemporary directors, who bring their unique storytelling styles to the table. These directors unfailingly stay true to the spirit of youthful love, while gently weaving in social and regional nuances, giving it a certain depth and relevance. These stories range from whirlwind romances, hesitant first loves, and heartfelt reconciliations, to the beauty of friendship and empathetic connections.

From arranging an eco-friendly wedding, accidentally bumping into each other during a shared cab ride, or striking up a conversation at a shared workplace, the love stories in Feels Like Ishq are born out of relatable, everyday situations. They revolve around the central theme of ‘Ishq’ - an intensively passionate form of love that goes beyond the physical and ventures deeper into emotional, moral, and spiritual territories. These love stories are contemporary yet timeless, echoing the feelings, dreams, and apprehensions of today's youth while resonating with the audience across different age groups.

The title, Feels like Ishq, perfectly encapsulates the essence of the series. ‘Ishq’ is a term widely used in the Indian subcontinent, derived from Arabic poetry, symbolizing a passionate and divine form of love. The feeling of 'Ishq' is beautifully portrayed in the series - it's intense, consuming, beautifully messy, and heartbreakingly real - just like every experience of falling in and out of love.

The series strikes a balance between breezy romcom and drama, never shying away from showcasing the harsh realities of life. Each love story is grounded in reality, making them plausible, relatable, and honest. While the stories are heart-touching in their own unique ways, they offer more than just entertainment. They bring out important discussions around friendship, relationships, societal norms, individuality, and the importance of understanding and mutual respect in any relationship - be it romantic or platonic.

In nutshell, Feely Like Ishq is a refreshing and vibrant series that paints a relatable image of the rollercoaster ride called love in a contemporary Indian setting. Through its beautifully crafted tales, it manages to capture the many hues of love and the subsequent emotions it stirs up within young hearts. So, if you are looking for a series that encapsulates love's joy, agony, revelation, and transformation alongside relatable emotional journeys, Feely Like Ishq is a must-watch. The series will take you on a beautiful journey of love, life, and everything in between, leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a glowing smile on your face.