Review: 'Loveyapa' is a refreshing blend of love, laughter and digital dilemmas

Walking into Loveyapa with little to no expectations is perhaps the best way to experience it. On the surface, it seems like just another Bollywood romantic drama, one that follows the well-trodden path of love, misunderstandings, and the inevitable happy ending. However, this official remake of the Tamil hit Love Today (2022) manages to carve its own space, offering a fresh and relatable take on modern relationships, social media dependencies, and the thin line between love and digital privacy.

A Story That’s More Than Just Romance

At the heart of Loveyapa are Gaurav Sachdeva aka Gucci (Junaid Khan) and Bani (Khushi Kapoor), a seemingly perfect couple who believe their love is built on trust. However, their relationship is put to the ultimate test when Bani’s father, Atul Kumar Sharma (played by the ever-reliable Ashutosh Rana), suggests an unconventional challenge: they must exchange their phones. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions as secrets unravel, insecurities surface, and the two realize that things are not so 'kuchiipooo' now.

The phone-swapping premise is a brilliant tool to expose the underlying complexities of modern relationships. The film cleverly taps into the anxiety of digital footprints, undisclosed social media accounts, private messages, and those late-night conversations that partners never expect to see. What starts as a simple relationship experiment soon spirals into chaos, leaving the couple questioning not just their love but also their perception of honesty and trust.

Performances That Elevate the Film

Junaid Khan, making his big-screen debut, is the surprise package here. With a strong theatrical background, he brings a level of conviction that many newcomers struggle with. His dialogue delivery is crisp, his comic timing is on point, and he manages to hold his own even in solo scenes where he has to carry the weight of the narrative. There is an effortless charm to him, making Gucci a character you root for despite his flaws.

Khushi Kapoor, on the other hand, has a promising start but still has room for improvement. While she looks the part and brings an innocent, girl-next-door vibe to Bani, her Hindi diction could use some polishing. There are moments where her performance feels a little restrained, but when she does get it right, especially in emotional scenes, she shines. Together, Junaid and Khushi make for a refreshing on-screen pair, their chemistry playing out naturally.

However, it’s the supporting cast that often steals the show. Ashutosh Rana, as Bani’s strict-yet-tech-savvy father, delivers an intriguing performance. While his character sometimes oscillates between being a traditional disciplinarian and an unexpectedly progressive parent, Rana makes it work. He transitions seamlessly from spouting Sanskrit-laden wisdom to exposing digital loopholes with alarming expertise, making his character both confusing and fascinating.

Adding to the fun is Kiku Sharda, who plays Anupam, a well-meaning dentist navigating his own marital struggles. His subplot, while slightly digressive, provides some of the film’s funniest moments, serving as a reminder that relationships, whether new or long-established, are never free from complexities. Grusha Kapoor as Gucci's mom also leads a support to the humour and her one-liners along with her 'motherly' trope adds to the story.

What Works for Loveyapa

The film’s biggest strength is its ability to stay engaging despite tackling multiple themes. It comments on cybercrime, deepfake technology, and the growing emotional disconnect in a hyperconnected world. While it does juggle many ideas, it never feels like it’s trying too hard. The screenplay keeps things breezy, ensuring the core rom-com essence remains intact even as the film delivers relevant social commentary.

The humor is well-placed, with sarcastic dialogues and situational comedy keeping the tone lighthearted. The editing is tight, ensuring the narrative never lingers too long on any one aspect. At just the right runtime, Loveyapa avoids the trap of overstaying its welcome.

What Could Have Been Better

Additionally, while the film is refreshingly free from unnecessary melodrama, there are moments where the emotional beats could have been fleshed out better. Some confrontations between the leads, especially post-phone swap, could have been more intense to drive home the film’s core message about trust in relationships.

The Verdict

Despite its minor shortcomings, Loveyapa is a film that deserves a watch. It successfully delivers a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking experience, all while keeping things light and entertaining. It’s a story rooted in the digital age yet doesn’t feel gimmicky.

It acknowledges the social media-driven culture of today, presenting both its perks and pitfalls without getting preachy. If you’re looking for a fresh, feel-good watch with a touch of modern realism, Loveyapa is worth your time.