Indian cinema, especially Bollywood, has long been known for its vibrant song and dance sequences, emotional storytelling, and romantic plots — all while traditionally avoiding on-screen kissing. For decades, kissing scenes were considered taboo, often replaced by symbolic gestures like flowers touching or coy glances. But times have changed.
Yes, Indians do kiss in their movies now — and it’s become increasingly common across mainstream and regional films. This shift began in the late 1990s and early 2000s when directors started experimenting with more realistic storytelling and global cinematic styles. Films like Jism (2003), Murder (2004), and Dhoom 2 (2006) openly featured kissing scenes, sparking debate and also reshaping audience expectations.
Today, younger audiences are more accepting of on-screen intimacy. Romantic films like Gehraiyaan (2022), Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023), and many series on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime India showcase kissing and even bolder content as part of character development rather than shock value.
However, the inclusion of kissing scenes still varies by genre, director, and target audience. While urban, youth-centric films often portray physical affection more freely, many family-oriented or traditional films still avoid it to maintain broader appeal. Regional cinemas like Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam have also seen a rise in intimate scenes, but often with greater cultural sensitivity.
In conclusion, kissing in Indian movies is no longer rare — it's normalized in modern storytelling, especially among younger filmmakers and urban-centric narratives. Though cultural sensibilities continue to influence how much is shown, Indian cinema today reflects a more open, diverse, and global perspective on romance.