Review: Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar: Nostalgia, Crushes and Second Chances!
Luv Ranjan has carved a niche for himself by exploring the complicated love lives, insecurities and flawed relationships of youngsters. From Pyaar Ka Punchnama to Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, his films have captured the confusion, humour and occasional immaturity that often accompany modern romance. His characters are rarely perfect, their relationships are seldom straightforward, and their conversations frequently sound like those of people we know. Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, directed by Anuj Saini, revisits this familiar territory, banking on youthful energy, school-day nostalgia and the possibility of rekindling old romances.
While the film has its share of entertaining moments, its attempt to breathe new life into a conventional romantic comedy delivers mixed results. The story revolves around three school friends, Shivi, Gautam and Vedant, played by Sargun Luthra, Sparsh Walia and Kunal Vaid respectively. Now colleagues and still single, the trio gets an opportunity to revisit their past when a school reunion brings them face-to-face with their former crushes, viz. Karan (Tushar Chibber), Gehna (Alisha Chopra) and Simran (Sakshi Vaid) respectively. Old memories resurface, unspoken feelings return, and the three must decide whether their teenage attractions deserve another chance. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dehradun, the film explores the familiar dilemma of whether first love can find its way back into one’s life. The premise offers plenty of scope for humour and emotional complications, although some romantic developments stretch credibility. One particular track, involving a man expecting a former school crush to reconsider her impending marriage despite their barely having interacted in the past, feels particularly unconvincing.
The screenplay begins on an easygoing note, with the chemistry among the principal characters lending the first half considerable charm. The second half gathers momentum, leading to a climax that provides an entertaining resolution. The dialogues are conversational, the youngsters’ lingo feels largely natural, and the humour avoids depending excessively on predictable social-media jokes. However, the narrative occasionally loses direction, and nostalgia alone cannot compensate for underdeveloped relationships. The production values are adequate, while the cinematography captures Dehradun’s scenic beauty, adding visual appeal to the proceedings. Anuj Saini’s direction keeps the film light and accessible, though tighter writing could have made its emotional moments more convincing. The performances bring youthful enthusiasm to the screen, with the ensemble contributing to the film’s easygoing atmosphere.
Ultimately, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is a breezy romantic comedy with relatable situations and a few genuine laughs and it may leave viewers reminiscing about their school crushes, even if its own love stories don’t always strike the right chord.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ 1/2
By Keerti Kadam