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Visually, Kadhalikka Neramillai is stunning for a rom-com. The cinematography gives the film a polished, aesthetically pleasing look, making it one of the more beautifully shot romantic comedies in recent times. However, beyond its glossy exterior, the film struggles under the weight of its own ambitions, trying to tackle an overwhelming number of themes-sustainability, climate change, LGBTQ+ representation, adulting, sperm donation, IVF, parenting, career aspirations, misogyny, women's empowerment, friendships, traditions vs. Modernism, and single parenting. Instead of enriching the core love story, these elements dilute its impact, making the film feel scattered and unfocused.

The central premise-two people on opposite ends of the spectrum regarding having kids finding common ground-could have been engaging, but the film barely explores it in a meaningful way. While progressive themes are always welcome, the problem here is their superficial treatment. The movie brings up important conversations but never commits to them in a way that feels organic or compelling. This lack of depth, combined with an overall lack of engaging storytelling, makes the film feel more like a checklist of modern issues rather than a heartfelt narrative.

Comparisons to Juno, Life as We Know It, or even Ms. Shetty Mr. Polishetty make Kadhalikka Neramillai feel even weaker in execution. Those films explored similar themes with much more finesse, creating characters and relationships that felt real and emotionally resonant. Here, the leads struggle to bring authenticity to their roles, and part of that is due to miscasting-the actors feel far too old to convincingly play mid-20s career-driven young adults navigating adulthood.

The one saving grace of the film is A. R. Rahman's incredible music. His score and songs elevate the movie far beyond what it deserves, with Yennai Izhukkuthadi standing out as one of the best compositions in recent times. The music adds the emotional weight that the script often lacks, making certain moments more tolerable.

Ultimately, Kadhalikka Neramillai is a film that aims to be progressive but lacks the depth or storytelling finesse to make an impact. Its scattered focus and lackluster execution leave it feeling like a missed opportunity. With a stronger script and better character development, it could have been a memorable rom-com, but as it stands, it's a mess-one that even Rahman's brilliance couldn't fully salvage.

Going into Chhaava, my expectations were low. The trailer made it seem like yet another overly jingoistic take on India's battles against Muslim invaders-something along the lines of Panipat or Samrat Prithviraj, which leaned more on surface-level nationalism rather than doing justice to the incredible warriors they aimed to portray. However, after seeing glowing reviews from trusted sources, I decided to give it a shot-and I'm so glad I did.

This is one of those rare instances where everything just works. The film tells the story of a martyr with absolute sincerity, never falling into the trap of hollow patriotism or over-the-top theatrics. Vicky Kaushal delivers a stellar performance, carrying the film with intensity and depth, while the rest of the cast holds their own with equally strong performances. More importantly, the storytelling treats the historical figure with true reverence, striking a balance between emotional weight and grand spectacle.

A. R. Rahman's music is a standout element, elevating the film's emotional and action-packed moments. The background score for Chhaava is nothing short of epic, setting the tone for battle sequences and heightening the impact of key moments. The movie embraces the Braveheart formula but infuses it with an RRR-style mass appeal-something that could have easily veered into cringe territory, yet miraculously lands perfectly.

What makes Chhaava special is that it doesn't just tell a story of sacrifice; it delivers an experience. The film understands that a hero's story deserves an epic treatment, and it delivers on that promise without losing authenticity. It's refreshing to see Bollywood getting back on track with well-made, larger-than-life historical films that blend action, emotion, and spectacle without compromising on substance.

There are so many stories in Indian history that deserve this level of cinematic grandeur, and Chhaava proves that when done right, these films can be both entertaining and deeply moving. For anyone who enjoys high-energy mass entertainers, this is an absolute blast-an exhilarating, emotionally charged ride that does justice to the legacy of a true hero.

Loveyapa is a disappointing remake that fails to capture the charm and authenticity of the original Love Today. Having seen the Tamil version, this adaptation feels like a pale shadow, weighed down by stiff performances and overly polished production design that strips away the relatability of the story.

The biggest flaw lies in the lead performances, particularly Junaid Khan, whose portrayal lacks the natural charisma and emotional range needed for the role. His stiff and awkward delivery makes it difficult to connect with the character's struggles, especially when compared to Pradeep's engaging and dynamic performance in the original. The chemistry between the leads also falls flat, making crucial emotional moments feel forced and unconvincing.

Adding to the movie's problems is the production design. The sets are overly polished and fail to reflect the story's intended middle-class backdrop. In contrast to the grounded, everyday realism of the original, this version feels artificial and disconnected from reality. This detachment undermines the narrative's core themes, which rely heavily on relatability and emotional honesty.

While Love Yappa remains structurally faithful to its source material, the execution feels hollow and insincere. The heart and soul of the original-a story about relationships, trust, and personal growth-are lost amid lifeless performances and an overly glossy presentation. Rather than improving or adapting the story in a meaningful way, the film merely replicates it without any of the charm or depth that made the original a hit.

If you're considering watching Love Yappa, you're better off seeking out the Tamil version instead. It's a far more engaging, heartfelt experience and a testament to how much strong performances and grounded storytelling matter in a film like this.