Love At First Sight: Exploratory Research on The Influence of Romantic Film “Cinta Subuh” On Students’ Real-Life Relationship

In the digital era, many kinds of information on love are available including romantic films, revered in popular cinema. Romantic films are popular among youth because of their enchanting narratives of love, passion, and the promise of enduring affection and sensation of certain romantic scenes. However, not all aspects of romantic films are appropriate for students to emulate. The notion of love and romance is quite different and unique in Islam because it emphasizes honesty and dignity. This research explores the influence romantic films have on students' real-life relationships, by focusing on an Indonesian film "Cinta Subuh", adapted from the novel "Cinta Subuh" by Ali Farighi. It examines the complex web of romantic ideals and beliefs following the Islamic view of love. Aligned with the Uses and Gratifications theory by Katz and Blumler, this study clarifies how students choose media material that meets their love-affection needs. A focus group discussion was carried out among undergraduate students in USIM. The result showed that the “Cinta Subuh” film has successfully influenced students’ expectations and behaviours in influencing their real-life relationships with the person they love. This research found that “Cinta Subuh” had influenced students to follow the taaruf process to get to know someone before getting married. Another concept, the fajr prayer is highlighted in the "Cinta Subuh" film. The film also depicts the importance of seeking Allah’s love and blessing in finding love. Therefore, “Cinta Subuh” is depicted as an excellent romantic film in line with the teachings of Islam.