Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan are gearing up for their theatrical debut with the romantic comedy 'Loveyapa', set to release on February 7. The film, directed by Advait Chandan, explores modern digital relationships and reflects on the pervasive influence of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) on young couples today.
During promotional events, both actors shared their thoughts on the growing concerns surrounding online platforms. Khushi Kapoor, daughter of the late Bollywood icon Sridevi, expressed her apprehension about the potential misuse of AI technology. "I think there are quite scary things on the internet due to AI. People need to defend themselves from things which they have not done also. I think it's very scary," she stated, urging individuals to exercise caution when uploading personal information online.
Junaid Khan, son of actor Aamir Khan, echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining real-life communication amid the prevalent trends of digital interaction. "I believe real-life communication is important, especially with your partners, family and friends. It's important to keep your communication open with them," he remarked.
Both stars also addressed the judgmental attitudes prevalent on social media. Khushi highlighted how people form conclusions based on brief, edited clips found on platforms like Instagram. "I think people tend to form an idea about the person after watching an Instagram reel of a mere 10 seconds. What can you understand about the person from a 10-second clip? You don't even have an idea about their life or them," she explained, advocating for more mindful interactions online.
The film 'Loveyapa' depicts the complicated dynamics of love and trust among Gen Z couples. Junaid and Khushi portray Gaurav and Baani, two young lovers who met through Instagram and must navigate the challenges posed by digital communication. Their relationship is tested when Baani's father, Atul, played by Ashutosh Rana, demands they exchange phones, leading to unforeseen revelations and tension.
At the film's screening, which featured notable figures like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, Khushi and Junaid captured the excitement surrounding their debut. Shah Rukh and Aamir were seen sharing warm moments, embracing at the event, which contributed to the film's buzz within the industry. "It was great sharing the screen with such seasoned actors and having my family’s support during this milestone," said Khushi.
Khushi's family legacy is often brought up, especially as she steps out of her mother’s shadow. She acknowledges the comparisons, with Aamir Khan himself noting, "When I watched the film and saw Khushi, I felt I was watching Sridevi. Her energy was there, I could see it." Khushi, humble about the praise, remarked, "Shooting one film is like one whole lifetime of experience and knowledge. I don't think I would ever be able to touch my mother’s legacy or go anywhere near it." This candor highlights her awareness of the immense pressure to succeed amid familial expectations.
The film's premiere garnered widespread attention, with attendees like Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, indicating the industry's support for the new leads. Karan Johar, the renowned filmmaker, praised 'Loveyapa' as "hugely entertaining" and noted its relevance to young audiences who navigate today's tech-driven dating culture. His commentary aligns with the film's portrayal of the quick turnarounds of modern relationships, underscoring how easily love can flourish and fade through mere texts.
Advance ticket sales for 'Loveyapa' have shown mixed results, prompting speculation about the film's box office performance. Within the top three national cinema chains, only 3,500 tickets were sold as of 7 PM on February 6, with projections estimating around 6,000 admissions by its release. Industry analysts suggest this could lead to initial opening day collections between Rs 1 crore and Rs 1.50 crore. This figure indicates underwhelming pre-sales, throwing light on the competitive nature of the current film market, particularly with Himesh Reshammiya's upcoming movie poised to draw significant crowds.
While both Khushi and Junaid have emerged from high-profile families, their performances are being closely monitored as they bring unique energy and fresh perspectives to the silver screen. 'Loveyapa' promises to be both delightful and thought-provoking, offering audiences not just romance but also commentary on the rapidly changing social fabric caused by technology and artificial reality.