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Do not look for big names here. But we have a fair share of gags, fun elements and amusing situations that make our viewing pleasant. And some good music, which is so rare nowadays.
Prem Keetanu literally translates as the ‘Germ of Love’ or ‘Love Bug.’ A reset remake of the Malayalam film, Premalu, it may not be a movie marvel but certainly does not disappoint with its breezy overtones.
The plot is basic. In this coming-of-age romance, a jobless graduate, Vishal (Veer Pahariya) encounters Suhani (Aafiya Sayed) accidentally at a college admissions venue and falls for her. And while he cannot figure out his future even if he trying what he thinks is his best. Suhani gets admission in a prestigious institute and finally, Vishal’s dream of going for higher studies to the US also hits a roadblock.
Vishal’s bestie and roommate, Magan (Nikhil Vijay) is steadfast with him through his personal and academic affairs. When Suhani’s and Vishal’s paths cross again at a wedding, the unemployed Vishal is thrilled. But Suhani, now an IT professional, has a designer partner in mind: someone mature who is an ambitious achiever and more.
To some extent, these qualities seem to be there in her boss, Ranjit (Aparshakti Khurana). But she develops a platonic camaraderie with Vishal and enjoys his company big-time. Ranjit gets jealous of what he thinks is a budding romance between his love (Yes, he too has fallen for Suhani) and runs down Vishal at every possible step.
The rom-com takes the shape of a love triangle wherein Aafiya is not in love with either man but both are in love with her. Entwined within this plotline are messages on how to be grounded, reach somewhere in life, and that a partner cannot be someone fulfilling a bucket-list of qualities, but a human being who cares for you.
The dialogues (Deepak Kingrani) enhance the predictable script (also by Kingrani) as they remain simple, earthy and extremely natural. There is no pretense of (or ambition towards) depth and in a way that also works for the film. Director Apoorv Singh Karki treats the subject with an intentional fluffy tenor, preferring to maintain its lightweight romantic tone blended with a young feel-good aura of youth.
Veer Pahariya scores in making Vishal real and likable, and after a 180 degree opposite debut in Sky Force, in which he was brilliant, scores high yet again. Aafiya Sayed as Suhani does not come across as a newcomer, so confident is the girl. Nikhil Vijay as Magan is a natural and his expressions and vocal tones are superb. Aparshakti Khurana as Ranjit, essays a gray role so well that we really want him to lose the war of love. Rakesh Bedi (who is getting better roles clearly after the Dhurandhar franchise) is excellent as Suhani’s father. From the rest, Piyusha Roy as Suhani’s friend is good too. And Sachin Kathuria as Vishal’s father stands out in his brief role, especially in the “kidney” sequence.
The technical side is on par. Ketan Sodha’s background score works for the film. The music is also pleasantly situational and, though composed by various entities, all the songs are good, or better than good. The standout song is Ishq ka Ghulam written by Kunaal Vermaa and composed by ‘The Rish.’ The film’s music alone, in these musically degenerate times, deserves encomiums.
Rating: ***
Phars Films, Bhavana Studios & Avantika Films’ Prem Keetanu Produced by: Gaurav Verma Directed by: Apoorv Singh Karki Written by: Girish A.D. & Deepak Kingrani Music: Ankurr R. Pathakk, The Rish, Shashi, Sachet-Parampara & Rahul Mishra Starring: Veer Pahariya, Aafiya Sayed, Rakesh Bedi, Nikhil Vijay, Piyusha Roy, Aparshakti Khurana, Sachin Kathuria & others
