Loveyapa review: Let us first acknowledge the obvious reference in the title 'Loveyapa,' which cleverly plays on a popular slang term. The pressing question remains: does the film live up to that slang? Unfortunately, it falls short—just barely. 

Loveyapa marks Aamir Khan's endeavour to introduce Junaid Khan to the cinematic landscape, alongside Khushi Kapoor, the daughter of Sridevi. Both actors made their initial forays into acting through OTT platforms—Junaid in Maharaj and Khushi in the largely overlooked The Archies. While Junaid received commendable reviews for his debut performance, Khushi faced significant criticism. Does Loveyapa offer a chance for redemption for both?

What's the plot?

The narrative centres on the archetypal Gen Z couple, Baani Sharma (Khushi) and Gaurav Sachdeva (Junaid), who are discovered conversing on the phone by her father, Atul (Ashutosh Rana). With their relationship now revealed, he summons Gaurav for a discussion. Before consenting to Gaurav's proposal for marriage to Baani, he imposes a stipulation: the couple must exchange their unlocked phones for one night. If they can endure this challenge, they may proceed with their marriage. It appears straightforward, does it not? However, the existence of an entire film suggests otherwise.

The premise is indeed captivating. Drawing inspiration from the 2022 Tamil film Love Today, the movie commences with a commercial for a mobile device. This is not merely a pre-film advertisement; it features an ENTIRE TITLE TRACK dedicated to showcasing a phone, complete with its specifications. As the narrative unfolds, it maintains a light and relatable tone.

In a society where choices abound—from cuisine to romance—can we truly expect unwavering loyalty? Furthermore, why does communication pose a challenge for couples who are ostensibly connected around the clock via smartphones?

Sneha Desai, responsible for the adapted screenplay and dialogues, adeptly captures the Punjabi vernacular, resulting in several genuinely humorous moments, despite the repetitive and annoying phrase ‘bhains ki aankh’ that Gaurav frequently utters. However, not everything is perfect. There is a limit to how far one can stretch two things—a rubber band and a narrative. One will snap, while the other will test your endurance.

Loveyapa attempts to encompass a multitude of themes within its runtime—commentary on Gen-Z's fixation with their devices, online harassment, deepfakes, body shaming, and artificial intelligence. This ambitious scope can become overwhelming. The first half focuses on the male protagonist discovering the female lead's undisclosed past relationships, while the latter half delves into her findings on her boyfriend's phone. There is ample potential for drama; however, the editing lacks precision, and by the time the couple resolves their trust issues, one might wish for them to reconsider the wedding altogether and bring this ordeal to a close.

Performance report card

The performances of the leads in this film are commendable. Junaid consistently displays a deer-in-the-headlights demeanour, while Khushi radiates a bright, 120-watt smile.

Although Khushi Kapoor has made significant strides since her time in The Archies, Junaid's acting seems as if the camera was rolling during his rehearsal. He struggles with on-screen romance, but it is important to note that this is their first major film. There is certainly room for growth, particularly as Khushi adeptly navigates emotional scenes.

Ashutosh Rana serves as a crucial stabilizing force in Loveyapa, preventing the narrative from veering off course. Interestingly, he has portrayed a father to both Janhvi and Khushi in their respective films, Dhadak and Loveyapa. His character, despite communicating solely in formal Hindi, possesses a unique charm that avoids becoming tiresome, showcasing the skill of this experienced actor.

Grusha Kapoor, playing Gaurav’s mother, is given ample screen time, which she utilizes effectively. It is refreshing to see Kiku Sharda in a role that extends beyond mere comic relief; however, Aaditya Kulshreshth, affectionately known as Kullu by fans, could have benefited from a more substantial part.

In summary, while Loveyapa does not reach the iconic status of Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, which has garnered a cult following over the years, it falls short of being a film worth watching more than once. This is particularly disappointing given the current scarcity of quality romantic comedies.

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