I think that in spite of its concept as an original show, most viewers feel like a serial is incomplete without romance. Yeah, it's cliched, it's annoying, but it will always be there.
Even in the promos for Ramadan, they had the two main leads giving their greetings to the audience. They are like an unofficial pair.
Most of the shows on television these days revolve around romance. So even if this one is about "revenge", fans still want their little romantic pair on the side. They want a breather from the constant taking down of people and some "love" being shown besides between father-daughter.
Look at Bollywood, they have plenty of revenge-themed movies but they know tickets won't sell without the almighty romantic pair. You're right, 3 Idiots did well but I feel it was an exception to the rule. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag did well also, extremely well and they had to throw in some small romantic scenes there too.
Even with shows like Nach Baliye, the contestants have to be involved with each other. I mean, they can't be shown to be just "dancing" and competing with the other pairs, it has to be about the romantic angle as well.
So I think romance has its place. Shows come and shows go from the screen, but the ones that last are those that cater to their romantic-minded fans.
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