Let’s get the obvious out of the way—yes, the title Loveyapa is a cheeky nod to a popular slang. Now, the real question: does the movie live up to its playful name? Well… it comes close. But not quite.
The Big Debut
Produced under Aamir Khan’s banner, Loveyapa serves as the big-screen launchpad for Junaid Khan (son of Aamir Khan) and Khushi Kapoor (daughter of the late Sridevi). While both have previously debuted on OTT—Junaid in Maharaj and Khushi in The Archies—their performances had starkly different receptions. Junaid was acknowledged as promising, while Khushi bore the brunt of criticism. So, does Loveyapa help them break through? Let’s find out.
A Premise Full of Potential
The film follows Baani Sharma (Khushi Kapoor) and Gaurav Sachdeva (Junaid Khan), a young couple whose secret relationship is uncovered by Baani’s father, Atul (played by the ever-reliable Ashutosh Rana). Instead of outright rejecting Gaurav, Atul lays down an unusual challenge: before approving their marriage, the couple must exchange their unlocked phones for a night. If they can handle what they find, they get the green light. Sounds simple? Of course not—otherwise, we wouldn’t have a whole movie about it!
Inspired by the 2022 Tamil hit Love Today, the film opens not with a gripping scene but with what feels like an extended phone advertisement disguised as a title track—an early warning of the film’s overindulgences. Once past that, the story initially feels light, modern, and relatable.
Navigating Modern Love
In a world of endless choices—from food to partners—how realistic is the expectation of unwavering loyalty? Why do couples, despite being virtually connected 24/7, still struggle with communication? These are the thought-provoking questions Loveyapa raises.
Sneha Desai, who adapted the screenplay and dialogues, gets the Punjabi dialect just right, leading to some genuinely funny moments. However, Gaurav’s repeated use of ‘bhains ki aankh’ grows old quickly. The issue is pacing—the film tries to juggle too many themes: Gen Z’s smartphone obsession, online trolling, deepfakes, body shaming, AI… and in doing so, it overwhelms rather than engages. The first half delves into the skeletons in Baani’s past relationships, while the second half exposes Gaurav’s digital secrets. The potential for drama is undeniable, but choppy editing and stretched sequences test the audience’s patience. By the time the couple resolves their trust issues, you might find yourself rooting for them to just call off the wedding and end the siyapa.
Performance Check
Both leads put in an earnest effort—but sometimes, effort alone isn’t enough. Junaid Khan spends much of the film looking perpetually startled, while Khushi Kapoor’s ever-present 120-watt smile dominates her screen time.
That said, there’s progress. Khushi has notably improved since The Archies, especially in emotional scenes. Junaid, however, struggles to make his performance feel organic; at times, it seems like the camera caught him mid-rehearsal. Romantic chemistry doesn’t come naturally to him yet, but given that this is his first big-screen venture, there’s room to grow.
Ashutosh Rana is the film’s saving grace. With his signature gravitas, he keeps Loveyapa from drifting too far. Fun fact: he’s played a father to both Janhvi (Dhadak) and Khushi (Loveyapa), making this a full-circle moment. His ability to deliver lines in chaste Hindi without making them feel forced is a testament to his experience.
Grusha Kapoor (as Gaurav’s mother) makes the most of her screen time, adding warmth and credibility to her role. Kiku Sharda finally gets a part that isn’t just comic relief, though his potential still feels underutilized. Meanwhile, Aaditya Kulshreshth (fondly known as Kullu) deserved a more substantial role.
Final Verdict
Loveyapa flirts with a compelling premise but fumbles under the weight of its own aspirations. While it delivers humor, drama, and a contemporary take on relationships, the execution falters. The film could have been a breezy, relatable rom-com, but its cluttered narrative and inconsistent pacing keep it from being a memorable love story.
