Dubai: Bollywood’s latest romantic comedy, Loveyapa, directed by Advait Chandan, is garnering attention as it explores the tangled web of modern love intertwined with digital communication. Released on February 7, 2025, the film stars Khushi Kapoor and Junaid Khan, both making their big screen debuts, as they navigate the challenges of their relationship through the lens of technology.
The premise revolves around young couple Gaurav Sachdeva (Khan) and Baani Sharma (Kapoor), who are forced to swap their cell phones for 24 hours as part of their relationship's test, introduced by Baani's strict father (played by Ashutosh Rana). This quirky challenge raises the stakes of their romance as secrets slowly unravel, proving to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Despite the film's intriguing concept, the reaction from critics and audiences alike has remained mixed. The film's performances are characterized as pleasant, though lacking the compelling chemistry expected from its leads. According to reviews, Junaid’s portrayal lacks the energy required to infuse life and excitement, whereas Khushi has shown marked improvement since her previous outing yet feels overly prim for the role of the free-spirited girl from Delhi. "The leads are pleasant but lack sizzle," mentioned one critic, encapsulating the prevailing sentiment.
Aamir Khan's praise of Kapoor, stating he felt he was watching Sridevi, adds another layer to the discourse around her performance, indicating high expectations rooted in her family's legacy. Aamir stated, "I felt I was watching Sridevi," acknowledging Kapoor's energy and performance, which some viewers have found appealing.
Interestingly, audience reactions are somewhat varied. Many praised the light-heartedness and relatability of newer generational issues such as body shaming, gaslighting, and the pressures of social media, with one tweet reading, "Loveyapa is more than just a romantic drama—it’s a reflection of today’s social media-driven world," showcasing the film's contemporary relevance.
Critics have pointed out how the film, aiming for humor and light entertainment, sometimes glosses over serious matters like deep fakes and cyberbullying. One review states, "Loveyapa wraps important stuff in oodles of banality," critiquing the lack of depth when tackling complex social issues. Instead of probing these themes with nuance, the narrative takes the easy route, opting for predictable solutions and cliched dialogues.
Box office performance highlights the film’s struggle, raking in around Rs. 44 lakh on its opening day, significantly overshadowed by competitors like Himesh Reshammiya's Badass Ravi Kumar. Many expect Loveyapa's fate will depend largely on positive word-of-mouth over the next few weeks, complicated by its stiff competition.
Despite its flaws, the film does manage to deliver several comedic moments and relatable scenarios. Viewers have reacted with favor, proclaiming, "The movie is surprisingly good—and relatable to the current generation," underscoring its appeal to the youth and their experiences. The film's humorous exchange of phone antics adds layers of chaos and comparisons to the challenges of contemporary relationships.
Reviewers pointed out how best bits lie not only with the leads but also with the supporting cast, including performances from seasoned actors like Ashutosh Rana and Kiku Sharda. Critics agree these supporting players add much-needed wit and charm, with Rana delivering lines steeped in chaste Hindi wisdom.
Overall, Loveyapa emerges as an enjoyable romantic comedy, catering to viewers searching for lighthearted entertainment. A reminder of simpler love narratives set against the backdrop of today’s complicate relationships, the film offers popcorn fun, even if it doesn’t reach the heights of others of its genre. "If you are looking for fluffy entertainment, Loveyapa is worth the popcorn. Go for it with your date. Or your parents!" summed up one audience member, accentuating its all-ages appeal.