At its core, Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai is not your average boy-meets-girl romance. The film stars Jimmy Shergill (known for Mohabbatein) in a dual role, and Akshaye Khanna as the male lead, opposite the then-debutant Shreya.
The narrative revolves around Karan (Akshaye Khanna), a wealthy but emotionally volatile young man who falls dangerously in love with Isha (Shreya). However, Isha is already engaged to someone else—Rahul (played by Jimmy Shergill in one of his two roles).
What follows is a psychological tug-of-war. Karan refuses to accept rejection. His "love" quickly morphs into stalking, manipulation, and threats. The title asks the audience a rhetorical question: Is this really love? The film answers by showcasing the destructive nature of toxic masculinity and obsession.
Upon its release on October 18, 2002, Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai went largely unnoticed. It clashed with bigger productions and suffered from poor marketing. Critics were divided; some praised its bold attempt to break the "happily ever after" mold, while others found its pacing slow and the protagonist too unlikeable.
However, for modern audiences tired of formulaic romances, the film offers a compelling watch. It is a precursor to the obsessive-love thrillers that would become popular a decade later (e.g., Darr, Anjaam, albeit with a gender reversal in power dynamics). yeh kaisi mohabbat hai movie
Three reasons to watch it today:
If you grew up in the early 2000s, you know that Bollywood was going through a massive transition. We were moving away from the intense family dramas of the 90s and diving headfirst into glossy, NRI-focused love stories. But amidst the Kuch Kuch Hota Hais and Mohabbateins, there were smaller films that captured a very different vibe.
One such film that often gets lost in the shuffle is the 2002 release, Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai.
Starring Viveka Babajee, Deepak Tijori, and a fresh-faced Krishna Abhishek, this wasn’t a blockbuster that shattered box office records. However, if you are a fan of Bollywood nostalgia, thrillers, and that distinct early-2000s aesthetic, this movie is a fascinating time capsule. Let’s take a look back at what makes Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai a memorable (albeit quirky) watch. At its core, Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai is
Should you watch Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai?
Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5) – For the music and Jimmy Shergill's performance only.
The film is notable for a few casting points:
Despite a decent budget, popular music, and talented actors, Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai was declared a box office failure. Here is why: Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5) – For the music and
Watching this movie today (available sporadically on YouTube and old DVD prints) offers a fascinating time capsule. In the post Kabir Singh era, where toxic love is often glorified, Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai is interesting because it condemns the hero’s behavior.
Unlike modern films where the obsessed hero gets the girl, here, the narrative punishes Karan. The movie clarifies that stalking is not "mohabbat." In that sense, the film was ahead of its time in moral messaging, even if the execution was sloppy.
Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai is a reminder of a simpler time in Bollywood. It represents the tier-two films that didn't have the budget of a Yash Chopra movie but had the heart to try something different. It’s a story of obsession, misunderstood love, and the consequences of playing with hearts.
If you are scrolling through a streaming platform and see this title, give it a shot. It’s a perfect popcorn flick for a lazy Sunday afternoon when you just want to vibe with the early 2000s.
Have you watched Yeh Kaisi Mohabbat Hai? What are your memories of the movie? Let us know in the comments below!
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