Ae Dil Hai Mushkil 2016

As fate would have it, the paths of Ayan Sanger (Ranbir Kapoor) and Alizeh Khan (Anushka Sharma) crossed in a chance encounter that sparked an undeniable chemistry between them. However, their instant attraction was short-lived, as Alizeh astutely observed that the connection lacked depth. She candidly shared her reservations about their awkward hug and kiss, citing a sense of disconnection. Despite this, they discovered that both were entangled in respective relationships and had recently clashed with their partners. Ayan, for instance, had been scrutinizing his girlfriend Lisa’s outfit for a party, while Alizeh was grappling with the complexities of her own relationship. As they navigated the city together, bar-hopping became their go-to activity.

As the two individuals from affluent backgrounds - Ayan hails from a wealthy family, whereas Alizeh is the youngest of four daughters from a similarly well-heeled household - their contrasting personalities and aspirations began to emerge. Ayan, an MBA aspirant with a secret desire to become a singer, struggled to reconcile his passion for music with his father’s disapproval. In contrast, Alizeh revelled in her freedom, refusing to be tied down by any one thing or person.

The ghosts of Alizeh’s past resurfaced when she encountered Ali, her former crush from Lucknow college, who had once captivated her heart as a DJ. Though their love remained unrequited after he hooked up with an air hostess, Alizeh’s subsequent move to London was motivated by the pain of a broken heart.

As Ayan and Alizeh continued to cross paths, they embarked on a double date on a dare, seeking to determine whose lover was more alluring. However, their evening took a dramatic turn when Alizeh unceremoniously poured wine on Lisa, branding her a gold-digger. Despite this explosive encounter, Ayan and Alizeh found themselves drawn to each other’s shared love for 80s Bollywood classics.

Alizeh had an uncanny ability to bring out the adventurous side in Ayan, encouraging him to take risks he wouldn’t normally consider. She extended another invitation for a double date, but her evening took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon Lisa and Faisal engaging in a compromising moment in the men’s bathroom.

As both relationships crumbled, Ayan and Alizeh began to spend more time together, exploring London’s nightlife and tourist attractions. They even embarked on a romantic getaway to Paris, where Ayan fell deeply in love with Alizeh. However, she remained ambiguous about her feelings, viewing him primarily as a friend.

Their idyllic escapades were shattered when Alizeh encountered Ali, who had returned from the dead, seeking reconciliation and professing his undying love for her. As Alizeh struggled to reconcile her emotions, she sent Ayan back to London alone, effectively putting an end to their budding connection. The silence that followed left both parties reeling in confusion, marking the beginning of a prolonged period of disconnection between them.

The plot thickens as Ayan’s world crumbles when he receives an unexpected invitation from Alizeh (character not specified) to attend her wedding with Ali in Lucknow. Despite his initial reluctance, he agrees to join the celebration, only to be met with rejection and heartbreak when he confesses his love to Alizeh. The emotional aftermath sets the stage for a series of encounters that will test Ayan’s resolve.

At Frankfurt Airport, fate brings him face-to-face with Saba (Aishwarya Rai), a poetess bound for Vienna. Her empathetic nature and words of encouragement provide solace to his wounded soul, and she leaves behind a token of her support - a note containing her poetry and contact information. The spark of connection is rekindled three months later when Ayan reaches out to Saba, now in Vienna, seeking comfort and companionship.

As their relationship blossoms, Ayan finds himself entwined with Saba’s complex emotions. She confesses that she has no room for love in her heart, instead seeking a physical connection with him. This dichotomy is starkly highlighted when Ayan encounters Saba’s ex-husband, Tahir Taliyar Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), who shares his wisdom on the empowering nature of love.

The dynamic between Saba and Ayan takes a dramatic turn as he begins to secretly share intimate moments with her, hoping to evoke jealousy in Alizeh. Meanwhile, Alizeh senses something amiss and decides to pay Ayan a visit in Vienna. Her arrival sets off a chain reaction of emotions, as Ayan’s lingering feelings for her collide with his growing connection with Saba.

As the narrative unfolds, Ayan’s passion for music becomes an outlet for his inner turmoil. His newfound fame provides a platform for self-expression, but it also fuels his desire to reconcile with Alizeh. The fates align when he crosses paths with Ali once more, only to discover that Alizeh has moved on.

In the face of impending mortality, Ayan and Alizeh are given a rare opportunity to cherish their remaining time together. As her condition worsens, they engage in a poignant dance of love, acceptance, and forgiveness - a bittersweet reminder that true love can conquer even the darkest of circumstances.

As the veil of reality lifts, Ayan (actor’s name) comes to terms with the bittersweet truth: his enduring bond with Alizeh transcends romantic possibilities, and instead blossoms into a profound camaraderie. The cinematic canvas momentarily freezes, only to rewind back to the opening scenes, where we find Ayan still riding high on his celebrity status as a renowned singer. With his charisma and artistry on full display, he sits for an interview that delves into the depths of his soul, with Alizeh’s enigmatic presence looming large in the shadows of his past. As the spotlight shines bright, Ayan’s voice soars, pouring out his emotions in a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Channa Mereya”, a song inspired by the ephemeral essence of Alizeh herself. The interview concludes, a poignant testament to the enduring power of love and memory.