Film: Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar
Cast: Sparsh Walia, Alisha Chopra, Sakshi Vaidya, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra, Tushar Chhibber
Director: Anuj Saini
Writer: Luv Ranjan, Jehan Handa, Anuj Saini
Rating: 1.5 Moons
Storyline
‘Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar’ has three friends at a school reunion confessing their feelings to their first crushes. The reunion brings old memories back as they find themselves entering different romantic relationships. Sparsh Walia, Alisha Chopra, Sakshi Vaidya, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra and Tushar Chhibber lead the story that follows their interconnected love lives. As these relationships progress, the characters undergo misunderstandings, arguments and the complications of navigating romance while maintaining their friendships. The film attempts to explore the trials, tribulations and absurdities of love, with the characters discovering that rekindling old feelings does not necessarily lead to the romantic outcomes they imagined.
Acting
The performances are largely underwhelming, with the actors struggling to elevate a script that offers little room for genuine emotional connection. The six artistes collectively fail to make their characters memorable. While a few scenes work reasonably well, the performances remain below average for the most part. The lack of strong characterisation and convincing chemistry further weakens the film, leaving the audience with very little to connect with.
Direction
As a writer, Luv Ranjan gave audiences ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, but ‘Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar’ feels like a filmmaker revisiting a time zone that has long passed. The familiar relationship dynamics and recycled storytelling offer little that feels relevant to today's audience. Anuj Saini's direction is flat at several points, and certain jump cuts disrupt the flow rather than help the narrative. The film desperately needs a fresher perspective, tighter storytelling and a more engaging treatment of its subject.
Dialogues
The dialogues are painfully boring despite the attempts to make them sound clever, relatable and emotionally appealing. There is a noticeable effort to create memorable lines and conversations that resonate with audiences, but unfortunately, very little lands. The exchanges often feel forced, and the humour lacks the natural timing required to make the comedy work. Instead of adding charm or depth to the characters, the dialogues become another reason the film struggles to hold attention.
Music
There is very little to enjoy in the music of ‘Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar’. The soundtrack feels outdated, offering nothing particularly fresh, exciting or memorable for today's listeners. For a romantic film that relies on nostalgia and the emotions of first love, the music should have been a major strength. Unfortunately, it fails to create the desired impact or leave behind a tune that audiences would want to revisit after leaving the theatre.
Overall
‘Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar’ is a completely avoidable film that offers little in terms of entertainment, freshness or engaging storytelling.
