Film: Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani
Director: Hardik Gajjar
Cast: Sunny Singh, Aditya Seal, Pranutan Bahl
Streaming on: Jio Cinema
 
Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani sets out on a noble quest to explore queer love, but it’s a bit like a romantic hero tripping over his own shoelaces. Directed by Hardik Gajjar, this film opens with an intriguing premise, but soon gets tangled in a web of cultural confusion and family drama.
 
Meet Amar (Sunny Singh), a young man navigating the choppy waters of his sexuality while grappling with societal expectations. A whirlwind trip to London brings him face-to-face with Prem (Aditya Seal), who’s basically the acceptance fairy he didn’t know he needed. But just as they start to dream of an open life together, Amar is yanked back to reality and thrust into the chaos of an arranged marriage—cue the dramatic family shenanigans!
 
Sunny Singh shines as Amar, showcasing vulnerability and charm like a true romantic lead. Aditya Seal is his perfect foil as Prem, brimming with confidence and just the right amount of support. Their chemistry sizzles, but unfortunately, it gets a bit lost in the noise of family antics that feel more like a sitcom than a heartfelt romance.
 
Director Gajjar brings some flair with visual storytelling, cleverly contrasting the vibrant energy of London with Amar’s traditional family home—talk about a metaphorical tug-of-war! But as the film rolls on, it becomes more about cultural clashes than the tender love story we signed up for. Suddenly, we’re in the land of exaggerated family comedy that echoes the vibes of 2 States, leaving Amar and Prem’s love story feeling like a side plot.
 
Despite its well-meaning ambition to tackle LGBTQ+ themes, Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani too often drifts into familiar territory, losing the depth and nuance of its central romance. What could have been a touching exploration of love and acceptance turns into a light-hearted frolic that leaves us wanting more.
 
In a nutshell, while Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani has its heart in the right place and boasts some solid performances, it ultimately trips over the cultural comedy it tries to juggle. Here’s hoping for a sequel that lets love take center stage!