As an avid movie watcher, I was eager to watch "Lover" (2024), streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and available in 5 languages. Directed by Prabhuram Vyas and starring Manikandan, Sri Gouri Priya, Kanna Ravi, Geetha Kailasam, Harish Kumar, and Saravanan, "Lover" tells the story of Arun and Divya, a couple whose drastically different personalities are connected by their fondness for each other. Dating each other for six years, they find themselves at a crossroads as insecurity and possessiveness threaten to split them apart. The plot revolves around a toxic relationship with a realistic portrayal. Can these two lovers, a young woman who wants to be independent and a boyfriend who is insecure and possessive, manage to remain together?
In a world filled with movies portraying "toxic" relationships, like "Kabir Singh/Arjun Reddy," "Animal," and more, "Lover" stands apart. It delves into the complexities of Arun and Divya's relationship and breakup, offering both perspectives without judgment or bias, making it a refreshing take on love and heartbreak, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Just watched the movie and loved it, especially the climax. The movie forges perfect connections, leaving a lasting impact. What a fantastic performance from Manikandan and Gouri Priya.
Throughout "Lover," Prabhuram Vyas gives us variations of the opening scene - the fighting, the drinking, the gaslighting, the warning, the apologizing, the patching up - and keeps us engaged with the push and pull of this relationship at a crossroads. The writing tries to be truthful, reflecting the mindset of contemporary 20-somethings when it comes to relationships.
We see this in Divya, who loves Arun but has to make decisions that preserve her identity, even at great cost. We see this in her friends, who want to protect her but also let her make her own decisions. We see this in Madan (Kanna Ravi), Divya's new teammate, who finds himself drawn into a clash between two lovers. We also see this in Arun, who, for all his flaws, realizes the error of his ways and turns over a new leaf.
The sub-plot involving Arun's parents not only humanizes Arun's nature but also shows how even older adults are all at sea when it comes to dealing with relationship issues.
Kudos to the creators and the team behind this cinematic gem. The director has taken his best call and made the film in his own style. To someone in the corner who is broken and overcoming the love they are committed to, watch this-it will surely offer relief. The ultimate goal of love is to accept to let it go, a true trendsetter.
LOVE IS A BATTLE, LOVE IS A WAR, LOVE IS A BREAKUP, LOVE IS GROWING UP.
