Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar review: 2.5/5 for a breezy rom-com

Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is the latest attempt to bottle the Luv Ranjan formula: young friends, sharp banter and the mess of modern romance. This time, the focus is three single flatmates in Delhi-NCR who decide a school reunion in Mussoorie is worth attending only after they realise their old crushes will be there.

Three friends, three crushes, one reunion

Gautam Govind Sharma (Sparsh Walia), Vedant Rawat (Kunal Vaid) and Shivi Pradhan (Sargun Kaur Luthra) work together at Cyber Nexus and are equally underwhelmed by their jobs. The reunion invitation initially seems easy to decline. The prospect of seeing Gehna, Simran and Karan changes their minds, and the second half brings twists the trailer has kept under wraps.

What the review likes, and what it does not

Bollywood Hungama rates the film 2.5 out of 5 and calls it a breezy romantic entertainer. The dialogue gets much of the credit, as does the decision to give each love story its own musical theme.

• Strongest card: amusing lines, fresh faces and an unexpected second half that adds fun.
• Weakest link: a few illogical beats, including a forced kiss scene included more for shock than story.
• Music: Rochak Kohli’s Zulmi is catchy, Kamaal has appealing choreography, and the remaining songs are functional.
• Extras: the six newcomers are likeable, and Rajkummar Rao’s special appearance is a welcome bright spot.

Why this is also a marketing story

The review’s biggest warning is not about the filmmaking, but about visibility. Bollywood Hungama notes that limited promotions may leave the film unnoticed despite its youthful appeal. It even argues that the film sits in the same zone as Pyaar Ka Punchnama, and a release as Pyaar Ka Punchnama 3 would have given it a stronger shot at the box office.

That is a useful reminder for Hindi film fans and the industry alike: in a crowded release calendar, a recognisable franchise name can act as a shorthand for tone and audience. Without that cue, a small, decently made rom-com has to work much harder to cut through.

Should you watch it?

If you turn up for Pyaar Ka Punchnama-style banter, new faces and a music album that lands better in the film, there is enough here for a light watch. If you want a tightly plotted second half, the review suggests some patience will be required.

Source: Bollywood Hungama