Film: Prem Keetanu

Cast: Veer Pahariya, Aafiya Sayed, Aparshakti Khurana, Nikhil Vijay, Rakesh Bedi and others

Director: Apoorv Singh Karki

Rating: 4 Moons

Storyline

‘Prem Keetanu’ follows Vishal (Veer Pahariya), an average student whose carefree life revolves around his friends, college and the usual mischief. He falls in love with Suhani (Aafiya Sayed), and as he tries to process his feelings for her, his love story gets complicated when Ranjeet (Aparshakti Khurana) also falls for Suhani. Ranjeet, who is more confident and polished, becomes his rival for Suhani’s attention. What follows is a complicated situation where two boys find themselves in love with the same girl, while their own friendship and equations begin to change. Vishal goes through love, jealousy, confusion and heartbreak as he tries to understand his relationship with Suhani and deal with Ranjeet’s presence. The story then takes the three through different situations and emotional turns before they finally confront their feelings and the consequences of the choices they have made.

Acting

Veer Pahariya is the heart of the film. He plays the complete lover boy with an innocent, cute and charming screen presence, and his emotional side also comes through well. Aafiya Sayed brings freshness to Suhani and shares a natural chemistry with Veer. Aparshakti Khurana adds plenty of energy and humour as Ranjeet, making the rivalry between the two boys entertaining. Nikhil Vijay, as Vishal’s friend, also gets some funny moments and his comic timing works well, making you laugh every now and then.

Direction

Apoorv Singh Karki keeps ‘Prem Keetanu’ light, youthful and easy to watch. The film moves comfortably between friendship, romance, comedy and emotional moments without becoming heavy. His treatment of college life and the characters’ relationships gives the film a familiar yet enjoyable feel.

Dialogues

The dialogues are simple, natural and suited to the film’s youthful setting. The friends’ banter is where the writing gets its funniest moments, while the romantic conversations keep the emotional side of the story accessible.

Music

The music fits the film’s romantic and youthful mood. ‘Kaho Toh’, ‘Tu Mera Raiyyo’ and ‘Ishq Ka Ghulaam’ complement the different stages of the love story, while the songs and choreography add colour to the film.

Overall

‘Prem Keetanu’ is a light, feel-good mix of love, friendship, comedy and emotion. It is the kind of easy weekend watch you can enjoy with your family, making it a definite pick for the long weekend.