Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar (2026) Review!!

Synopsis – Three friends attend their school reunion and enter into different relationships, discovering the trials, tribulations, allure, and absurdities of love.

My Take – The surprise success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011) not just served as a launch pad for Kartik Aaryan, Nushrat Bharucha, and Divyenndu, all of whom would go on to enjoy successful careers in the industry, it also marked the arrival of a distinctive new voice in Hindi cinema.

With its mix of relatable relationship angst and outrageous humor, filmmaker Luv Ranjan’s style, despite the presence of divisive gender politics, struck a chord with young audiences and quickly attained cult status. Love it or loathe it, the film established a template that would become synonymous with Ranjan’s brand of filmmaking over the past fifteen years.

Now for his latest venture, Ranjan hands the reins to director Anuj Saini, who crafts a youthful romantic comedy built around school nostalgia, long-forgotten crushes, enduring friendships, and the messy realities of modern relationships. A premise with immediate appeal, because early everyone has wondered what became of a school-time infatuation or whether an old connection might deserve a second chance. And the film taps into that universal curiosity, folding contemporary dating dilemmas and a reunion getaway into the equation.

Led by a fresh-faced ensemble comprising Sparsh Walia, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra, Alisha Chopra, Sakshi Vaidya, and Tushar Chhibber, the film brings enough charm and energy to function as an easy-going romantic entertainer. It delivers a steady stream of pleasant, heartwarming moments that keep the proceedings engaging, even when the narrative follows a familiar path.

Sure, the runtime feels longer than necessary for such lightweight material. A tighter screenplay could have sharpened the romantic arcs and given the comedy greater consistency. Nevertheless, buoyed by confident performances from its young cast and a soulful soundtrack, the film manages to stay afloat. For viewers who enjoy glossy relationship dramas driven by an appealing ensemble, it makes for a breezy and agreeable one-time watch.

The story follows Gautam (Sparsh Walia), Vedant (Kunal Vaid), and Shivi (Sargun Kaur Luthra), three childhood friends now trapped in the monotony of corporate life. Their days revolve around targets, deadlines, and promotions, while those around them seem to be settling down and moving forward. Still single and quietly burdened by unresolved feelings from their school days, the trio seize the opportunity to attend a school reunion camp in hopes of revisiting a chapter of their lives they never quite managed to close.

Arriving at the reunion, each carries a romantic agenda of their own. Vedant hopes to finally confess his long-standing feelings for former class topper Simran (Sakshi Vaidya), while Shivi is eager to reconnect with Karan (Tushar Chhibber), the charming playboy she once admired from afar. Meanwhile, Gautam finds himself once again drawn to Gehna (Alisha Chopra), the aloof beauty who was the object of his one-sided schoolboy crush. As old emotions resurface and new complications emerge, the reunion becomes as much about self-discovery as it is about rekindling old connections.

Written by Luv Ranjan, Jehan Handa, and Anuj Saini, the film begins with a relatable premise and an easygoing charm. The frustrations of corporate life, an unfulfilling love life, and the constant struggle for work-life balance give the story a sense of familiarity that is easy to connect with. Much of the film’s early appeal stems from the friendship between Gautam, Vedant, and Shivi, whose banter and camaraderie feel more authentic than some of the romantic developments that follow.

The school reunion setting further lends itself to nostalgia and humor, creating a comfortable backdrop for the story to unfold. As a director, Saini keeps things simple but effective. He takes the time to establish his central characters, their histories, and the motivations that draw them back to the reunion. Their respective love interests are also given enough personality to stand apart, ensuring that each romantic track feels distinct and engaging in its own way. The contemporary dialogue is another strength, giving the characters a youthful, believable voice without relying excessively on trendy internet lingo or recycled jokes.

Refreshingly, the writers move beyond some of the familiar shortcomings associated with earlier Luv Ranjan films by avoiding the tendency to place all the blame for romantic conflicts on women. While a handful of tone-deaf moments still slip through, the film largely treats relationship issues as the result of individual emotional flaws rather than reducing them to a battle of the sexes.

The climax, meanwhile, embraces the spirit of old-school Bollywood romance, delivering a crowd-pleasing mix of grand emotions, hopeful aspirations, and light-hearted twists that leaves the film on an uplifting note. The music also adds warmth to the proceedings. While the soundtrack may not consistently elevate the narrative, its songs fit comfortably within the film’s romantic atmosphere and help sustain its breezy tone.

The film’s biggest drawback is its predictability. One particular romantic arc asks viewers to accept that someone can develop deep feelings for a school crush despite having barely shared any meaningful connection with them years earlier. Expecting that person to reconsider an impending wedding after only a few days stretches credibility even further. Nostalgia may rekindle old emotions, but the screenplay does not always do enough to convincingly bridge the gap between past affection and present-day romance.

Even so, it works as a remains an amiable and occasionally charming romantic comedy. Like young love itself, it is messy, confusing, and sometimes awkward, but it is also sincere in its belief that certain feelings never completely fade. The film gently reminds us that revisiting the past can sometimes be the first step towards finding happiness in the present.

Performance-wise, the entire ensemble brings a refreshing energy to the film, free from the baggage of established screen personas or star-image expectations. Sparsh Walia, as Gautam, bears a noticeable resemblance to a young Kartik Aaryan, but wisely avoids imitation. Instead, he lends the character an easy charm and sincerity, making Gautam an affable presence throughout. Sargun Kaur Luthra emerges as one of the film’s strongest performers, infusing Shivi with confidence, warmth, and personality. Her chemistry with the other two leads often proves more engaging than some of the film’s romantic subplots.

Kunal Vaid is equally likeable as Vedant, bringing humor and relatability to a character whose emotional journey remains central to the story’s appeal. Among the supporting players, Alisha Chopra brings a natural freshness to her role, while Sakshi Vaidya and Tushar Chhibber make solid impressions and contribute effectively to the ensemble dynamic. Rajkummar Rao’s cameo is a welcome addition. On the whole, ‘Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar‘ is a light-hearted romantic comedy elevated by its fresh ensemble, relatable nostalgia, and easygoing charm.