Feels Like Ishq

Netflix’s Feels Like Ishq: A Romantic Anthology with Bollywood Heart

Feels Like Ishq (2021) arrived on Netflix as a breath of fresh air for fans of modern Indian romance, blending the charm of anthology storytelling with the star power of a young, talented cast. The series, directed by a collective of filmmakers—Anand Tiwari, Danish Aslam, Jaydeep Sarkar, Ruchir Arun, and Sachin Kundalkar—promised six standalone love stories, each exploring the unpredictable, often messy nature of falling in love. With a lineup including Radhika Madan, Rohit Saraf, Amol Parashar, and Tanya Maniktala, the project generated buzz even before its release. latestnetflix.com's read is that but what went into bringing this romantic experiment to life?

A Star-Studded Debut and Behind-the-Scenes Buzz

The trailer for Feels Like Ishq dropped in mid-2021, teasing a mix of whimsy, heartache, and the kind of chemistry that makes Bollywood romances unforgettable . The series marked a reunion for Rohit Saraf and Radhika Madan, who had previously worked together in Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018), adding a layer of anticipation for their on-screen dynamic. In interviews, Saraf and director Anand Tiwari hinted at the collaborative, almost improvisational nature of the project. Tiwari, known for his work on Love per Square Foot (2018), described the anthology as a "celebration of love in all its forms," while Saraf emphasized the freedom the format gave actors to explore different facets of romance .

The series also introduced fresh faces like Simran Jehani, who, alongside Saraf, discussed the challenges of shooting during the pandemic. Jehani revealed that the team often relied on "minimal sets and maximum emotion" to bring their stories to life, a testament to the resourcefulness required in 2021’s production landscape . Meanwhile, Radhika Madan’s involvement—particularly in the episode directed by Ruchir Arun—became a talking point, with fans speculating about her character’s quirky, offbeat romance .

Anthology Ambitions: Did It Deliver?

Feels Like Ishq was billed as an anthology, a format that can be hit-or-miss in execution. The series leaned into the diversity of its directors, each bringing a distinct tone to their episode. Danish Aslam’s segment, for instance, was praised for its dreamy, almost fairy-tale-like quality, while Jaydeep Sarkar’s entry stood out for its raw, emotional intensity . The variety was intentional, with the creators aiming to capture love in its many forms—from fleeting connections to slow-burning passion .

Critics had mixed reactions. Anupama Chopra, in her review for Film Companion, called the series "a mixed bag" but acknowledged its heart was in the right place. She highlighted the standout performances, particularly from Tanya Maniktala and Amol Parashar, whose chemistry in one episode became a fan favorite . However, some viewers felt the anthology format left certain stories feeling underdeveloped, with only a few episodes leaving a lasting impression.

The series’ runtime—each episode clocking in at around 31 minutes—was both a strength and a limitation. While it made for easy binge-watching, it also meant some narratives struggled to fully flesh out their characters or conflicts . Still, the brevity worked in favor of the lighter, more whimsical episodes, which thrived on their charm rather than depth.

Pandemic Production and Release Hype

Feels Like Ishq was one of many projects greenlit during the pandemic, a time when streaming platforms became the primary outlet for new content. The series’ release date was announced with much fanfare in mid-2021, with Netflix dropping teasers that played up the "butterflies in the stomach" theme . The marketing leaned heavily on the cast’s relatability, with promotional videos featuring the actors sharing their own definitions of love—a strategy that resonated with younger audiences .

Behind the scenes, the pandemic posed unique challenges. Shooting schedules were tight, and safety protocols meant limited on-set interactions. In one interview, Rohit Saraf joked about the "awkwardness of acting in love scenes while wearing masks," though he admitted the team adapted quickly . The constraints also led to creative solutions, like shooting in outdoor locations where possible, which added a natural, unfiltered aesthetic to the series.

Despite the hurdles, the series managed to capture the zeitgeist of post-lockdown romance—longing, spontaneity, and the small, unexpected moments that define love. Whether it was the meet-cute in a bookstore or the slow burn of a long-distance relationship, Feels Like Ishq aimed to reflect the realities of modern dating, even if it occasionally stumbled in execution.

Legacy and What’s Next

Feels Like Ishq may not have achieved the cultural impact of some of Netflix’s bigger Indian originals, but it carved out a niche as a lighthearted, visually appealing anthology. Its success lay in its ability to showcase a new generation of Bollywood talent, from Radhika Madan’s effortless charisma to Rohit Saraf’s boy-next-door charm. The series also highlighted the growing trend of anthology storytelling in Indian streaming, paving the way for future projects like Modern Love: Mumbai (2022).

For fans, the series remains a nostalgic snapshot of 2021—a year when love stories felt both aspirational and achingly relatable. While rumors of a second season have circulated, nothing has been confirmed [unconfirmed]. For now, Feels Like Ishq stands as a charming, if imperfect, experiment in modern romance.