In the world of cinema, we are often sold a version of love that is loud, obsessive and frankly, exhausting. We see heroes who won’t take “no” for an answer and heroines who lose their entire identity the moment they fall in love. But as we celebrate Valentine’s Day today, it’s time to look at the characters who actually got it right, the ones who represent stability, respect and emotional maturity
These 7 characters from our favourite films offer a blueprint for what a healthy relationship looks like. They remind us that love isn’t a power struggle, it’s a partnership.
1) Karthik from Mozhi- The Secure Partner
Karthik is the gold standard of how to love someone without trying to “fix” them. When he falls for Archana, who is deaf and mute, he doesn’t treat her like a project or as a person to be pitied. He simply learns her world and accepts her exactly as she is.
The Lesson: in a generation often obsessed with “improving” their partners, Karthik reminds us that the greatest gift you can give someone is to truly see them. His love is rooted in respect and patience, proving that silence and understanding can be the loudest forms of support.
2) Maara from Soorarai Pottru- The Equal Dreamer
Maara is a man of intense, world-changing ambition, but his relationship with Bommi is a masterclass in modern partnership. He doesn’t want a woman who sits at home waiting for him. He wants a woman who is running her own race alongside him.
The Lesson: He shows us what a man’s strength isn’t diminished by his partner’s success. When he asks Bommi for financial help to fuel his dream, it isn’t a moment of weakness, it’s a moment of absolute trust and equality. He loves her for her fire, not for her compliance.
3) Arjun from Bangalore Naatkal- The Healing Heart
Arjun starts as a drifter with a heavy past from his parents, but his love for Sarah (an RJ who is Paraphlegia) reveals his true depth. He doesn’t try to ‘save’ her or act as a guy who has sympathy for her. He simply chooses to walk through life with her.
The Lesson: Arjun teaches us about emotional resilience. He doesn’t let his past trauma turn him completely bitter. Instead, he finds a reason to be better for Sarah, he reminds us that the right person doesn’t make your problems magically disappear, but they make the journey of solving them worth the effort.
4) Viraj from Hi Nanna- Love as a Daily Choice
Viraj redefines the ‘hero’ by placing fatherhood and emotional vulnerability at the center of his identity. His love is marked by profound sense of sacrifice that never feels like a heavy burden. He carries the weight of the past with a smile, ensuring the woman he loves is shielded from unnecessary pain.
The Lesson: He teaches us that love is a very. It is a series of daily choices to protect, to provide emotional security, and to honor someone’s presence. He shows that being “gentle” is the ultimate form of strength, proving that kindness is never a weakness.
5) Hemanika from Yennai Arindhaal- The Graceful Second Chance
Hemanika is a single mother and a dancer who carries herself with immense dignity. Her relationship with Sathyadev is built on maturity. She doesn’t need a hero to rescue her, she finds a companion who respects her past and loves her child as his own.
The Lesson: She is a beautiful reminder that everyone deserves a second chance of happiness. Her characters tells us that having a ‘history’ or a past doesn’t make you less worthy of a wholesome, peaceful love. She teaches us to look for a partner who values our journey, not just destination.
6) Bommi from Soorarai Pottru- The Unapologetic Anchor
Bommi is one of the most refreshing portrayals of a woman in love. She is fierce, business-minded, and refuses to let her identity be swallowed by her marriage. She loves Maara deeply, but she loves her bakery and her independence just as much.
The Lesson: She is a reminder that independence is a prerequisite for a healthy relationship. She supports Maara’s sky-high dreams but holds him accountable on the ground. She teaches our generation that you never have to shrink yourself to make room for a partner.
7) Shobana from Thiruchitrambalam- The Grace of the Safety Net
Shobana represents the kind of love that is often overlooked because it feels like home. She is a person who calls out your flaws not to belittle you, but to keep you grounded. Her love is selfless, but she never becomes a doormat, she maintains her dignity while being a pillar of strength.
The Lesson: She reminds us that the most enduring romances are often built on a foundation of solid friendship. In an era of “situationships” and uncertainty, Shobana is a testament to the beauty of someone’s safe harbor, a love that is consistent, honest and fiercely loyal.
Why These Characters Matter
In an era defined by “fast love’, the world of instant replies, ghosting and fleeting thrills, these characters serve as a necessary anchor. They show us that the most profound kind of love is a quiet, steady partnership where both people feel seen, safe, and supported.
While today is a day dedicated to romance, these stories remind us that real love isn’t a one-day event, it is the patient work of showing up for someone through the ordinary moments of life. Its about building a connection that lasts long after the flowers have faded and the screen gone dark. Let’s strive to carry the kindness of Karthik, and the strength of Bommi with us, making respect and consistency our daily standard.
After all, love is a choice we make every single day. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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