Director: Avnish S. Barjatya
Cast: Rajveer Deol, Paloma Dhillon, Aditya Nanda, Kanikka Kapur, Muskan Kalyani, Rohan Khurana, Manik Papneja, Poojan Chhabra, Sanjay Nath, Micky Makhija, Mohit Chauhan, Tisca Chopra
 
In "Dono," director Avnish S. Barjatya presents a classic love story against the backdrop of a lavish destination wedding in Thailand. The film introduces us to Dev Saraf (Rajveer Deol), a young entrepreneur grappling with both professional challenges and personal heartbreak. Invited to his best friend Alina's (Kanikka Kapur) extravagant wedding, Dev hopes to find closure. Amidst the celebrations, he crosses paths with Meghna Doshi (Paloma Dhillon), who is healing from a recent breakup. As their friendship blossoms, they become pillars of support for each other, raising the question: Will their companionship pave the way for a new chapter in their lives?
 
Avnish Barjatya's directorial debut captures the essence of a quintessential, vibrant wedding extravaganza, reminiscent of the signature style associated with his father Sooraj Barjatya's banner. The film seamlessly blends the festivities with a sweet love story, exploring the way the new generation navigates relationships and societal expectations. Meghna's realization of her worth and Alina's confrontation of traditional expectations are portrayed with a refreshing matter-of-factness, steering clear of unnecessary drama.
 
The film's visual appeal extends from the plush wedding venue to the pristine beaches and streets of Thailand, providing a delightful cinematic experience. The musical score by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy contributes to the celebratory atmosphere with tracks like "Khamma Ghani" and "Agg Lagdi," while Armaan Malik's title track adds a hummable quality, although some songs may contribute to the movie's slightly extended runtime.
 
Rajveer Deol and Paloma Dhillon make a strong debut, exuding great screen presence and effortlessly portraying their roles. Their on-screen chemistry, as friends turned confidantes, adds a delightful layer to the narrative. Supporting performances by Rohan Khurana and Aditya Nanda also contribute to the overall charm.
 
Despite its strengths, "Dono" feels a bit overstretched at 156 minutes, with the numerous festivities occasionally slowing down the pace. The film, anchored in a warm and fuzzy love story, stands out in an era of edgy dramas. However, its appeal may be confined to those with a penchant for heartwarming romantic tales.
 
In conclusion, "Dono" marks a promising directorial debut for Avnish S. Barjatya, showcasing the vibrancy of love against the backdrop of a grand celebration, with the debutante cast leaving a lasting impression.