Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023) User Reviews

Wished it ended better...

[Biswas_ · 8/10 · 1 July 2023]

Satyaprem ki Katha or SKP is supposed to be a romantic film but it actually carries a very serious topic for discussion.

The film starts off very average with some poor comedy scenes and some forgettable dance numbers but after 30 mins , the film starts to sail and sails at full speed revealing some shocking facts about Katha.

Let's talk about how maturely the director has churned out this sweet romantic film. The film never jumps to kissing or such things but very slowly and steadily and very carefully moved the romantic track forward and knowing the story of Katha , this kind of treatment is very mature and needed. A blank faced Kiara slowly and steadily shifts to a more happy joyful faced Kiara and the transition is done beautifully!!!

Dealing with the story of Katha, SatyaPrem aka Sattu also is handed a very mature character, never really jumping to doing odd stuff but makes sure he slowly and steadily and carefully takes steps forward in comforting and solacing Katha and this is where the beautiful chemistry arises between them that never never never felt forced but comes naturally and you start to get invested in their love story . Kudos to Sameer Vidhwans for handling this sensitive romantic film so well. These days romantic films have a tendency to jump too quickly to adult scenes but not this one. FOR THE LOVE STORY AND THE SERIOUS TOPIC , KUDOS TO THE MAKERS!!

However, it's not perfect. The comedy is a hit and miss especially the dysfunctional comedy in the first 30 mins. Few comic sequences later do make you grin but overall, i felt these sequences could have been reduced and hence reduce the overall running length of the film. The songs are the biggest negative point imo. They are placed badly , and yeah, the nightmare is true, Pasoori Nu is actually present right inside the film and doesn't fit the sequence where it is presented at all. You see a film like Akash Vaani where there was a similar sequence in the snow with the beautiful song Padh Gaye Ji and it suited the sequence so well. Wished a similar kind of song was present in that sequence in this film. Also, the climax , the Puja sequence, very poorly ended!! It almost felt the film was about a start a new chapter (or rather you would feel the climax is about to start there ) and to my utter disappointment, the film actually ended there (meaning it was not the start of the climax but the end of the film there) !! A courtroom sequence would have done so much more justice to the ending instead of an abrupt ending.

Performance. Kiara Advani is the star of the show . Her transition from a depressed lady to a happy joyful comfortable lady is just flawless. She nails the emotional scenes in this film. Next is Kartik who handles a mature character very well and brings in the natural innocence he brings with every such character he plays . His transition from being a zero to a hero is commendable. His scenes with Kiara are so beautiful and heartwarming. Gajraj rao shares a terrific chemistry with Kartik .

Overall, SKP is a must watch. I don't know how you guys tolerated TJMM but SKP is a million times better than that film in terms of chemistry and love angle.

Delightful A worth watch movie. - itsbymayank

[mayanklouteriya · 7/10 · 29 June 2023]

A love story with the heart in the right place that's Satyaprem Ki Katha. It is engaging, and entertaining performances from all characters..

Kiara & Kartik worked fine.

Satya Prem ki Katha is a genuine love story with some great music, a light screenplay, and an emotional plot, it is not only RomCom.

Kartik and Kiara Advani each has a strong appearance and on-screen connection.

The supporting actors did good jobs with their parts.

Overall, it is a well-made film that is good Infront of Some Bollywood Rom-Com kinda movies.

This Movie showed a well known but rarely talked topic and a message for orthodox society.

Movie Ends fine.

Review of Satyaprem Ki Katha by itsbymayank - Mayank Bharat Bhushan Louteriya.

Makes you trust in Bollywood again

[av1rup · 7/10 · 25 August 2023]

Watching OMG2 and this in the last couple of weeks is really making me contemplate my decision of not taking the present Bollywood seriously.

A much needed topic and social message delivered almost perfectly without much overacting or overdramatization in the process. The way the Hindi cinema industry is embracing such non-cliched "hatke" stories not concerning much about the profit or blockbuster status really makes the budding cinephile in me happy.

Not a fan of Kartik Aryan but he really impressed with his acting and justified portrayal of a low wit ordinary boy.

Kiara Advani is exceptional (IMO she is even better than in Shershah) with her range. Her raw acting and expressions in the climax is one of the best I have seen in Bollywood in a long time.

It manages to hit the ball home right from how it slowly builds up to finally culminate in the credits with a strong textual message.

It would be a 4/5 except for the lacklustre dance numbers, few underutilised characters and an awful rendition of Pasoori !!

Will end with quoting Jauhari ji from MiH S2 "lekin aab agar kiske sath aisa hoga toh dhindora peetna chahiye".

Satyaprem Ki Katha

[mandalezzaj · 7/10 · 29 June 2023]

Satyaprem Ki Katha is a heartfelt love story that resonates deeply. With its engaging narrative and captivating performances, this film truly stands out. It not only boasts great music and memorable songs but also presents a unique blend of romance and comedy.

The chemistry between Kiara and Kartik is simply remarkable, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Moreover, the film's screenplay strikes a perfect balance between lightheartedness and emotional depth, making it much more than just a typical romantic comedy.

The supporting actors deliver commendable performances, adding depth and nuance to their respective roles. Collectively, the cast contributes to the overall success of the movie.

Satyaprem Ki Katha sheds light on a well-known yet rarely discussed topic, serving as a powerful message for a society bound by orthodoxy. It tackles the subject matter with sensitivity and addresses important societal issues.

While Satyaprem Ki Katha has its strengths, it is not without flaws. One of the shortcomings is that at times it diverts from its central idea, causing some inconsistency in the storytelling. This can occasionally detract from the overall impact of the film.

Furthermore, although the ending of the movie wraps up the narrative, there is a sense that it could have been better executed. It feels somewhat rushed and lacks the finesse that one would hope for in a satisfying conclusion. This rushed ending can leave viewers wanting more and may not do justice to the emotional journey depicted throughout the film.

It's important to acknowledge that while Satyaprem Ki Katha has its imperfections, it still manages to deliver an engaging story, remarkable performances, and memorable music. The film's flaws, such as the diversion from the central idea and the hurried ending, should be considered in the overall evaluation, but they don't overshadow its positive aspects.

A refreshing rom-com!

[mayankshukla1404 · 7/10 · 1 July 2023]

I was pleasantly surprised by Satyaprem Ki Katha. A very mature take on love, marriage and relationships underlining a social taboo.

The film starts on a light note but gets serious as it progresses. Performances elevate the film and both the leads shine. This is one of the best performances from Kartik Aaryan. But it is Kiara Advani who steals the show. She not only looks breathtakingly beautiful but delivers a brilliant performance as well. What an actress she has proved to be!

Music is pretty good too with Le Aaunga sung by Arijit Singh being the best of the lot. Amongst the rest Aaj Ke Baad is the one you carry along with you.

Director Sameer Vidwans makes an impressive debut in Hindi cinema. This hatke romantic comedy certainly deserves a watch.

Satyaprem Ki Katha: A Heartfelt Tale of Love, Resilience, and Consent !

[rim_0717 · 7/10 · 18 August 2023]

"Satyaprem Ki Katha" is a touching and socially relevant film that revolves around the life of Satyaprem, portrayed by Kartik Aaryan, and his love interest Katha, played by Kiara Advani. Satyaprem, a middle-class young man, finds himself falling deeply in love with Katha, a talented and vibrant young woman who is grappling with the aftermath of a painful breakup. This breakup has left her emotionally scarred and fragile, making her wary of love and relationships.

As the story progresses, circumstances unfold in a way that Satyaprem is presented with the opportunity to marry Katha. Recognizing the depth of his feelings for her, he embarks on a journey to win her heart and prove his worthiness as a partner. This decision forms the crux of the narrative, showcasing Satyaprem's determination, sincerity, and commitment to Katha.

However, the film also delves into a crucial social message about consent and respecting boundaries in relationships. It addresses the sensitive issue of non-consensual encounters and emphasizes that consent is mandatory, even in relationships. The film educates the audience about the importance of understanding and respecting the choices of one's partner, and it conveys that any form of non-consensual activity, even between individuals in a relationship, constitutes a violation of trust and consent.

The film's conclusion underscores the sad reality of how many instances of non-consensual encounters go unreported due to societal pressure, fear, and concerns about family reputation. This highlights a prevalent issue in Asian countries where victims often refrain from reporting such cases, ultimately perpetuating the cycle of silence and injustice.

Overall, "Satyaprem Ki Katha" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged movie that masterfully weaves a heartwarming love story with an important social message. The performances of Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani bring depth and authenticity to their characters, making the audience connect with their struggles, aspirations, and growth. The film serves as a reminder that true love is built on trust, respect, and consent, while also shedding light on a pressing issue that needs awareness and attention.

Excellent

[paarthumesh · 9/10 · 1 July 2023]

"Satyaprem ki Katha" is a remarkable piece of storytelling that captivates audiences with its profound message and engaging narrative. The film beautifully weaves together elements of drama, romance, and spirituality to present a thought-provoking tale that resonates deeply with viewers.

One of the standout aspects of "Satyaprem ki Katha" is its powerful storytelling. The film skillfully unfolds the journey of its protagonist, Satyaprem, who undergoes a transformative experience that challenges societal norms and encourages self-discovery. The narrative is filled with compelling twists and turns that keep viewers hooked until the very end.

Furthermore, the film explores universal themes such as love, truth, and the pursuit of happiness, offering a fresh perspective on these timeless concepts. Through Satyaprem's personal journey, the audience is compelled to reflect on their own lives, inspiring introspection and a desire for personal growth.

The performances in "Satyaprem ki Katha" are outstanding, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. The lead actor's portrayal of Satyaprem is particularly commendable, as they effectively convey the character's emotional turmoil and growth. The supporting cast also delivers stellar performances, enhancing the overall impact of the film.

Visually, the movie is a treat for the eyes, featuring breathtaking cinematography and stunning locations. The director's meticulous attention to detail and artistic vision are evident throughout, creating a visually immersive experience that complements the narrative beautifully.

Overall, "Satyaprem ki Katha" is an enlightening and captivating film that leaves a lasting impression. Its compelling storytelling, profound themes, stellar performances, and visually striking presentation make it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts and anyone seeking a thought-provoking and uplifting cinematic experience.

Good but with a very missing end

[rehmankhilji · 6/10 · 3 September 2023]

Not a bad movie for a one-time watch, but the ending left much to be desired. It was too abrupt and somewhat anticlimactic. The conclusion could have been executed more effectively and thoughtfully. It almost felt like the movie's creator realized it had been dragged out and decided to wrap it up hastily.

The movie touches upon a significant and pertinent theme - the importance of respecting the word "No." It conveys a powerful message that "No" should always mean "No," irrespective of how open-minded you may be. Trust can be shattered by the person you trust the most.

Unfortunately, Shikha Talsania and Supriya Pathak had very limited roles in the film, with hardly any lines or screen time.

Kartik Aryan delivered a commendable performance, once again proving his ability to shine in every scene he's in.

Kiara Advani portrayed her character boldly and stayed true to the script.

Amateurish Work!

[SoumikBanerjee1996 · 5/10 · 10 August 2023]

The first half is horrendous, they tried to incorporate comedic elements to incite laughter, but they largely fell flat. Neither the one-liners nor the mannerisms of Kartik Aaryan could salvage anything redeemable.

Speaking of Kartik, I think he is still stuck in his Pyaar Ka Punchnama role, repeating the same set of quirks over and over again. If he really wishes to be called a competent actor, he must come out of his shell and broaden his horizons. The same set of expressions and the same way of delivering his lines (Like he has been doing since his debut) will only cut it short term.

Now coming back to the movie: following a dreadful first half, I began to grow impatient and was losing hope, but then the interval block came as a glimmer of hope, it brought some promises, and luckily, the proceedings got significantly better in the second half, albeit the ending once again came across as being overly preachy and stingingly pretentious.

I'm all up for messaging, especially one that holds importance and is relevant to modern-day society, but that message needs to be communicated in a fitting fashion. Or else, the essence could get lost, and it would not leave the intended impression, and that's exactly what happened here.

And I would like to put the blame not only on the ambitionless direction but also on the writing, which is burdened with incompetence, especially regarding its characterisations. Barring Kartik and Kiara, every other major character, for some odd reason, felt so unsure about themselves, dithering in their actions and how they carry themselves.

The saving grace was Kiara; she once again proved her mettle and played this complex part with utmost sincerity and conviction. I wish we would have seen more of her.

A thought provoking social drama disguised as a Romantic Comedy

[spjek · 8/10 · 30 June 2023]

Wow. This movie isn't what anyone expects it to be. I just loved how the movie changes genre with one twist mid way through the movie. Such a thought provoking drama disguised as a rom com. It will certainly not be an easy watch for anyone who is expecting a cute romantic comedy but will delight anyone who wants to see something new and relevant.

This is perhaps Kiara's best acted movie and even Karthik Aryan who is his usual self in the first half raises his game in the second half of the movie. Supriya Pathak is delightful in the movie and Gajraj Rao gives another terrific performance. The story is completely fresh and the direction of such a sensitive topic is masterful. The movie is applause-worthy. I hope it does well.

A good Watch

[theseparateworld · 7/10 · 2 July 2023]

"Satyaprem ki Katha" is an engaging film that combines a good social message with mature acting and exceptional performances from its lead actors. Kartik Aryan delivers a commendable portrayal, showcasing his growth as an actor with his nuanced and mature performance. However, it is Kiara Advani who steals the show with her outstanding performance, captivating the audience with her emotional range and impeccable acting skills.

The supporting cast also deserves special mention, particularly Gajraj and Supriya Pathak, who deliver strong performances in their respective roles. Their presence adds depth and authenticity to the storyline, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

One of the movie's strengths lies in its fast-forward story, which keeps the viewers hooked from start to finish. The narrative is paced well, allowing for seamless transitions between different phases of the characters' lives. The film effectively conveys its social message, highlighting important issues that resonate with the audience.

However, despite its many positive aspects, story falls short in its ending. The conclusion feels somewhat rushed and doesn't provide the closure or satisfaction one would expect after investing in the characters and their journeys.

In summary, "Satyaprem ki Katha" is a movie with a good social message, boasting mature acting from Kartik Aryan and an outstanding performance from Kiara Advani. The film benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Gajraj and Supriya Pathak, who deliver notable performances. The fast-forward story keeps the viewers engaged, but the unsatisfying ending dampens the overall impact of the film. Nonetheless, this is still worth watching for its compelling performances and thought-provoking themes.

I felt like watching a very long music video

[lounisphography · 4/10 · 6 July 2023]

The cinematography was well done. Nice colours throughout the film.

The story was very basic and full of usual cliche. Nothing new to be remembered.

What bother me in that film was the humour. The joke was so childish. Even the main character acted like a child most of the time. It was painful to watch.

The actress did a good job however ad she didn't have to make jokes.

In the first half of the film, the actress didn't like the main actor and I dont blame her for it.

As I'm from Western Europe, perhaps it's the difference in culture that makes me cringe every time they delivered their lines.

I forget about this movie as soon as I left the screen.

Unexpectedly good

[RegalsReelView · 7/10 · 11 September 2023]

Satyaprem is a bachelor searching for a wife and is having no luck. Fortunately for him, rumor has it, the girl, Katha, he fancies just became single. Unbeknownst to him, she struggles with her trauma, but they both decide to marry. As they navigate the merger of their lives, they learn about and from each other until they confront the trauma Katha has been hiding from the world.

This Bollywood movie has a very unexpected storyline. It is a lighthearted romantic comedy from the trailers, but it is much more than that. The twist is a weighty topic, which is also a great twist in the movie, so no spoilers. While having a heavy issue is a significant part of the story, the film does a great job of peppering in comedy. The film also has a solid set of songs, which is always a plus for any Bollywood movie. I highly recommend streaming for your next watch. Currently available to stream on Amazon Prime.

Good plot undermined by horrendous pacing...

[yftdmvzz · 7/10 · 23 September 2023]

This movie is made on a very important topic, and it manages to deliver on the emotional aspect of rape. But whoever wrote the script absolutely sucks. The movie is very slow and the ending leaves things completely open and unresolved. With such a long runtime the writers could have done so much more however they chose to deliver a half baked product.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the comedy in this film and the acting was top notch but it was executed so poorly that I felt the need to write a review. This film has decent music and I believe it is worth a watch just due to the exceptional performances by the two lead actors, however keep in mind that the ending will disappoint you.

Not your regular bollywood Love story!

[nik-kin1994 · 9/10 · 29 June 2023]

An amazing performance by kartik Aaryan and Kiara advani in purposeful movie. The plot that seems simple like any other Bollywood love story, takes a turn after half time and delivers a very important message. The whole cast is Chosen with precise care and fit beautifully in the roles they have been assigned. Gajraj Rao is, as usual, a perfect fit in the role of a comical father and is perfectly balanced by a "strict" mother portrayed by the ever so flawless Supriya Pathak. Satya Prem ki Katha offers much more than just it's name. It's not just a true love story, but a true love story with stellar performances and a very important message.

Gujarati rom-com in Bollywood style...

[shalugarg-79315 · 7/10 · 8 September 2023]

A romantic movie which carries a serious topic all along which is known to everyone but ignored by all!!!

Movie starts with comedy and slowly moves on with life of Satyaprem who is in constant search of love and affection from his wife. Knowing about the situation in which Katha is, Satyaprem tries to find solution and this whole phase is shown so beautifully specifically when we all are living in fast forward world. Finally to make Katha peace with herself, he makes her understand how important is this to close this forever which is shown in different way.

Wished could have been better.

Aaj ke Baad song will keep you hooked to movie all time.

A Gujarati movie without a catchy garba song is really incomplete which was needed desperately.

Acting by all actors were very good but Kartik Aryan stood out as always!!!

One time watch movie which will make you laugh at some point and will teach you important lesson.

SATYAPREM KI KATHA:-not just a rom-com

[puranjanbasak · 9/10 · 4 July 2023]

Satyaprem ki katha is a musical romantic comedy drama film directed by sameer vidwans.

Kartik aaryan has given a great performance here. He still has room for improvement, especially in the scenes where he needs to breakdown and shed a tear or two. In this film, it looked like he was trying too much to cry which should have been more organic. Kiara advani, though, hits it out of the park. She is a tremendous dramatic actress. It was evident here throughout. The scene, where she outbursts in her trauma is excellent. She is one of the few actresses that look more beautiful while crying. She is extremely pretty. Gajraj rao, supriya pathak and the supporting cast are good.

The screenplay in the first half was good, but i hoped for it to be much better. The comedic gags, worked in some places but looked out of place in many scenes. The songs seemed to elongate the first half. The placement of the song 'le aaunga' is bad. The second half, in comparison, and in general, is the main hero of the film. The conflict point and the drama building is very good. The social context, the ignorance is shed light upon. The acting performances, go one notch up.

The music and background score is very good. The songs are melodious and power packed, respective of their genre. 'Le auunga' and 'aaj ke baad' are two great romantic numbers. The garba songs too are very good. The chemistry between kartik and kiara work big time. This pair will work wonders in the upcoming years. I would have liked for the film to go deeper into the subject of date rape, the knowledge of base and all, but it still provided a very vivid commentary to the matter. And that itself elevates it from just a rom-com to something that you will remember.

The cinematography is good. Specially one shot, after katha comes out with her trauma, satyaprem tries to confront her and talk to her but he cannot. The use of light and the two persons beyond and in front of the door make up for a really good scene.

Entertainment with a message

[madanmarwah · 6/10 · 13 September 2023]

One wishes this movie was at least 45 minutes shorter in runtime. It would have then made a much better impression. Presently the narrative meanders wearily and goes on and on for 2 hours 26 minutes. A number of scenes needed to be trimmed or eliminated for greater impact. The movie has a nice plot and there is a social message too that is " Dont spare the rapist. File a FIR and put him behind bars" but director Sameer Vidwans takes a long and circuitous route to get to the point. The closure in the climax is also sudden and needed more focus. Maybe the director thought that courtroom scenes would look like a rerun of " Pink". There is however enough entertainment through songs and dances.

Director Sameer Vidwans makes a fine balance of script and box office trappings but has made the movie uncomfortably long winded. One needs patience to sit through. There are a few loose ends in the narrative too. Kartik Aaryan has a tailor made role as a simple guy and he is on familiar territory. His appearance in tousled hair in most scenes helps to project the confused character he plays. He has done similar roles in the past. He does his monologue bit too. Kiara Advani impresses in a serious role as the trauma affected girl. Gajraj Rao is good as usual as the father. The movie has splendid cinematography. The music is good .

Predictable plot ,Slow and totally avoidable

[sv-02274 · 3/10 · 8 July 2023]

You can sit on your phone and watch the movie and wont miss a thing. A very slow movie with some scenes just stretched out just for sake of hitting that 2 and a half hour long movie mark. The movie can be totally avoided .Felt like kartik's pyar ka punchnama part 14 . I don't know how long will kartik take to get out of the charachter rajjo.

Kartik's acting is just cringe to watch at .His emotional scenes looks like he is trying to express emotions while having constipation. Kiara was also dull at some moments and felt like a blank slate with no whatsoever emotions . SPKK wants to convey an excellent message of raising awarness about date rape and how they are not considered a crime as the girl was already in a relationship with the guy and it appears it passes out to be yes for them to be in sexual relation .But the story line was weak like discussing about FIR while being infront of 100's of people and still saying "logo ko pata chalega to kya izzat rahegi" like pata to chl hi gaya na ab and the whole family agreeing on filing the case within 5 minute of discussion seemed far fetched from reality . The songs... oh my god the songs 15 minutes into the film and two songs already went by . With 7 songs in the movie it felt more like musical drama, with songs and some acting in between. The songs has the most nonsensical lyrics with tracks like 'guiju pataka' and 'aaj ke baad' . They took 'pasoori' and somehow ruined it too.

Don't waste your money by watching it in theatres Just wait some time and you can watch it on netflix .

Complex issue presented very well!

[avieeesingh · 10/10 · 30 June 2023]

Finally a good movie!!!! So impressed and honestly I didn't expect this storyline. I was invested in the film from start to end. Let me begin with the direction which is pretty impressive starting with the dialogues, locations, song timing, etc. Talking about the actors, the entire cast is FABULOUS! Kartik and Kiara pair beautifully well and would love to see them do more movies together in the future. The supporting cast too had a great impact and that is what makes this film shine... I don't want to comment much on the songs, as they are already a hit. The STORY, omg I didn't expect it to head that way and I must again thank the director for touching upon a topic like this which sits very well with times of today. Great film and I would recommend you to watch it, preferably with your family....

Good movie

[vanshikarana-94265 · 7/10 · 4 July 2023]

After so many days, finally, a deep film came. This film was so interesting, it literally grows live emotions within the audience. The message it gives is very clearly presented. Every scene is purely logical and meaningful. You will find happiness, comedy, romance and also emotional experienced. It is not only a perfect Kartik-Kiara film, but their best. The acting each one of them did, was of the next level. I loved the role of dad played by Gajraj Rao. It was just amazing. I highly recommend you to watch this film. Trust me, you will never regret it. After so many days. Good movie kartik aryan.

A must watch if you want to lose interest in films

[tejamashi · 1/10 · 7 July 2023]

The film has amazing an cast including Gajaraj, Karthik, Kiara and Supriya. But it seems as though all of them have either succumbed to the director's pressure or have forgotten their acting skills. There is no coherency in the story. The story and direction fail to properly convey a very important message regarding a social issue. The direction is such that the characters will flip their entire story and against it all of a sudden. Film industry needs to reflect on their movies and take an action else Indian film industry is in a grave danger now that movies like Pathan has been declared a blockbuster.

Overall I would say that this is the worst movie of the entire cast. No one would have found a better way to screw this movie up.

Nice Movie

[bhaimitthu · 7/10 · 4 July 2023]

Satyaprem Ki Katha is yet another romantic drama that pushes a progressive thought in what appears like a dated envelope in the first half. It takes time to get used to the world of Satyaprem (Kartik Aaryan) because, for a while, the film feels more like a promotion video of all things Gujarati and a jewellery brand but once the social drama finds its voice, this Katha becomes worth listening to.

Addressing the idea of consent in a relationship in a fast-changing society where men want to embrace modernity and liberal values but don't want to give up on the patriarchal notions of dignity and honour, the title is a play on the traditional Satyanarayan Ki Katha, a common ritual in many Indian homes. In the climax, director Sameer Vidwans blends the ritual which can't be completed without the woman of the house, with women's rights to pave the way for change.

Satyaprem Ki Katha (Hindi) Director: Sameer Vidwans Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, Gajraj Rao, Supriya Pathak Shah, Siddhrath Randeria, Shikha Talsania Runtime: 144 minutes Storyline: A jobless Satyaprem is eager to marry Katha knowing well that she is well out of his league. But is Katha also on the same page?

ALSO READ Kartik Aaryan exclusive: 'I am aware of the euphoria around me' Within the contours of popular Hindi cinema, the story probes the ideas of izzat and maryada and goes on to almost preach to its protagonist Katha (Kiara Advani) that speaking out the truth, howsoever difficult it might be, is more important than suffering in silence. Here, for a change, the hero makes us know that he is a virgin. Jobless, Satyaprem has grown up in a middle-class household where he and his father (Gajraj Rao) prepare the breakfast and his mother and sister (Supriya Pathak and Shikha Talsania) control the purse. He dreams about Katha but she is not into him. Destiny brings them together when Katha's parents ask for his hand for their daughter. But Katha is not on the page.

Like the washerman in Ramayana, here we have a milkman (Rajpal Yadav in form) who represents the snooping society that questions the heroine but our hero doesn't take note of the canard. He not only stands behind her but also becomes that catalyst that could slay the ghosts of her past. Does he reduce to a supporting hero in the process? The film sparks an interesting debate about reel and real-life heroes.

After cricket, it seems the headquarter of Bollywood is also inching towards Ahmedabad. For a long, Punjab and Punjabi have been the flavour of Hindi films. Here the romance is told in Gujarati mode. The good thing is while the makers nod to khakra, farsan, and the good old Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, they also take a dig at the so-called success of prohibition in the dry state. The showcase of local fabrics provides a novel texture to the costumes and the relatable characters in the traditional society provide the necessary heft to the storytelling.

ALSO READ 'Pasoori Nu': Arijit Singh adapts Ali Sethi song for 'SatyaPrem Ki Katha' Writer Karan Shrikant Sharma has drawn lively characters from the middle-class milieu but they indulge in a lot of posturing before coming to the point. And the point is made with a bleeding pen. However, in between, once the dust settles, Sharma etches an endearing relationship between two troubled souls that is deeper than throwaway adjectives like cute and beautiful. Both are seeking social sanction. An LLB-fail, Satyaprem is being judged by his joblessness. Katha is suffering because of a botched-up relationship. As they nurse each other, we get some tender moments of true love. Unfortunately, the five music composers could not complement the writing with their melodies.

Backed by Sharma's writing, Kartik and Kiara carry forward the organic bond they generated in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. This time it is less about physical chemistry and more about the underlying friction, for Katha doesn't see Satyaprem as an equal partner. Kartik finally gets a role where he is expected to do more than just provide a consistent goofy smile and, of course, a monologue. Cast in a role that perhaps would have gone to Govinda a few years back, he doesn't disappoint as the "Gujju pataka" who busts with plenty of emotion when the story challenges him. As the fulcrum of the tale, Kiara does some heavy lifting with her expressive eyes to keep the melodrama afloat.

They are ably supported by Gajraj Rao who gets some of the best lines to perform. In fact, the supporting cast headlined by popular Gujarati stage and film actor Siddharth Randeria and the ever-reliable Supriya Pathak and Shikha Talsania provides a credible backdrop. One more draft and a bit more lilt would have made this Katha absolutely riveting. In the present form, after spending around 140 minutes one could say: and thereby hangs message for boys and girls!

SatyaPrem Ki Katha is currently running in theatres

X The Hindu operates by its editorial values to provide you quality journalism.

Support our reporting.

SUBSCRIBE NOW Related Topics Hindi cinema / Indian cinema.

This movie story is very good.

[mehtapinki · 7/10 · 4 July 2023]

This week's new release Shehzada turns out to be a moderately entertaining affair which lacks its consistency throughout the length. It caters all the Masala elements like action, comedy, romance with an extra pinched melodrama. The storyline is about 2 babies from totally varied classes, getting exchanged intentionally at time of birth because of a father's greed. What happens when the protagonist gets to know about the truth of him being a Shehzada of a rich family is what audience will look up in the movie.

Kartik Aaryan's swag was the highlight of the film and his performance during the emotional scenes was also effective. Kriti Sanon and Manisha Koirala were a delight to watch but were offered very less on screen. All other cast performed well in their roles. Rajpal Yadav's cameo was delightful. Sunny Hinduja as the antagonist in the film was powerful, and audiences have surely demanded more of his his presence.

Hits orthodoxy hard. Good cinema

[sooshrut-768-124397 · 9/10 · 29 June 2023]

Was expecting a normal romantic movie. But it was a really good movie. I wasn't excited initially, but was pleasantly surprised. Carries a good message and hits them direct on. After interval the movie picks good pace. Brave cinema.

There were a lot of songs though, that was a little boring. The story was refreshingly original. A must watch.

Handles a very sensitive topic. And makes settting palatable for normal Indian audience by adding some comedy moments though the dialogue writing can be a bit childish in 2-3 dialogues but audience are impressed.

Kiara and Kartik Aryan really knocked their acting jobs out of the park even the supporting cast was fabulous.