The much-anticipated film, Loveyapa, co-starring Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, has officially made its theatrical debut, igniting excitement among fans and film patrons alike. Released on February 7, 2025, the romantic comedy is helmed by Advait Chandan, known for his previous work on Laal Singh Chaddha. This film marks the big-screen introduction for both Junaid, the son of superstar Aamir Khan, and Khushi, the daughter of the late legendary actress Sridevi.
Since its announcement, Loveyapa has created significant buzz, especially following the release of its trailer, which showcased its central premise. The film tells the story of Gaurav (Junaid Khan) and Baani (Khushi Kapoor), whose love faces challenges when Baani's father, played by Ashutosh Rana, tests their relationship by demanding they swap phones for 24 hours before their marriage. The challenge forces the couple to confront hidden secrets and trust issues, putting their love to the ultimate test.
Despite the emotional core of its narrative and the youthful energy brought by its leads, Loveyapa is set to face stiff competition at the box office. It has been released on the same day as Badass Ravi Kumar, starring Himesh Reshammiya, which has already garnered significant pre-sales and audience interest. Initial box office collections for Loveyapa reported ₹1 lakh by 9:20 AM on its opening day, which may not match the hype generated by its competitor.
The movie's thematic depth, exploring modern relationships impacted by technology—symbolized through the phone swap—has captured audience attention. Loveyapa is not only about love, but it serves as social commentary on the challenges inherent in today’s tech-driven world. Viewers have reacted enthusiastically, with one individual reflecting on social media, "#Loveyapa brings to light how smartphones, which connect us globally, can often leave our hearts more distant than ever."
Critical reception so far suggests Loveyapa has qualities worth noting. According to reviews, it carries the essence of the romantic comedies familiar to Bollywood, but the depth tied to its story is being appreciated. India Today has rated the film 3.5 out of 5, calling it, “an important film for this generation,” highlighting its blend of entertainment and meaningful messaging. The positive comments extend to the performances of the lead actors. Veteran actor Dharmendra praised the young stars, saying, "This is the story of every home. He acted very naturally, never did it seem like he was putting on a show."
Audiences on various platforms expressed their thoughts post-viewing. One viewer touted Junaid's debut, stating, "Junaid Khan's performance proves he's a great actor! The future of Bollywood is being saved." Another commented on the film's blend of comedy and messages relevant to modern audiences, proclaiming, “Finally, a film jo comedy ke saath saath deep message bhi deta hai!”
Following its theatrical run, Loveyapa is expected to stream on Disney Plus Hotstar, aligning with industry trends where films typically transition to OTT roughly two months after their theatrical release. Fans eager to see the film from home can likely anticipate its digital premiere around late March to early April, though official announcements are still pending.
Overall, Loveyapa has entered the cinematic arena amid high expectations and notable competition, presenting themes relevant to young love today, enhanced through the performances of its lead stars as they navigate their newfound stardom. Whether this film will hold its ground against its rivals at the box office remains to be seen, but it certainly provides moments of charm and insight beneficial to the audience's engagement with contemporary romance.