Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani Review : Sunny Singh and Aditya Seal's queer romance is endearing, but lacks emotional depth

Story: Amar (Sunny Singh), a young man still grappling with his own sexuality, finds himself deeply in love with Prem (Aditya Seal), someone who understands him in ways he never imagined. As their relationship grows, they dream of a future free from societal judgment and family expectations. Will his family accept his truth, or will they force him to conform to traditional norms by entering an arranged marriage?

Review: After the success of progressive films like Badhaai Do, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, and Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani takes a similar route by daring to explore the complexities of queer love within the confines of societal expectations. Directed by Hardik Gajjar, the film offers a light-hearted take on Amar’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance while navigating familial and cultural pressures.

The story follows Amar (played by Sunny Singh), a young man who is still grappling with his sexuality. When he travels to London, he unexpectedly falls in love with Prem (Aditya Seal), and together they dream of a future where they can live openly. However, complications arise when Amar returns home and is pushed into an arranged marriage, leading to misunderstandings, family drama, and cultural conflict.

At its core, Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani sets out to present a sensitive portrayal of a same-sex relationship in a mainstream format. However, much of the film's potential is diluted by an overemphasis on cultural clashes, particularly between the Bengali and Punjabi families of the leads, which makes the narrative feel more like a chaotic family drama than a nuanced exploration of queer identity. The second half of the film devolves into what feels like a louder, more exaggerated version of 2 States, with the pre-climactic conflict between the two families dragging on unnecessarily.

While the film starts off strong, focusing on Amar’s internal conflict and budding romance with Prem, it soon loses sight of its central theme. The cultural clashes dominate the narrative, overshadowing the delicate emotional beats of the protagonists’ relationship. This shift from a queer romance to a slapstick family comedy weakens the impact of the story, which could have been a much more meaningful commentary on LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Sunny Singh and Aditya Seal deliver strong performances, with the chemistry between their characters providing the emotional backbone of the film. Singh excels as Amar, portraying the vulnerability of a man trying to reconcile his identity with the expectations of his conservative family. Seal’s Prem, on the other hand, is self-assured and supportive, a perfect foil to Amar’s uncertainty. The two actors manage to keep viewers engaged even when the script falters, and their on-screen camaraderie feels natural and heartfelt. Supporting actors Pranutan Bahl and Diksha J Singh also manage to make their presence felt, despite the film's male-centric focus.

On a technical level, visually the film stands out. The contrast between the London setting and Amar’s traditional family home is well-executed, symbolizing Amar’s internal struggle between two worlds. Cinematographer Hanoz V Kerawala enhances the story with bright, colorful frames that give the film a light and uplifting tone. However, the music by Prasad S feels underwhelming and at times intrusive, acting more as a disruption to the narrative flow than a meaningful contribution.

In conclusion, Amar Prem Ki Prem Kahani deserves praise for its intent and the efforts of its lead actors, but the film ultimately falls short of fully realizing its potential. By focusing too much on the cultural clash and not enough on the complexities of the central queer romance, the film loses some of its emotional depth. It’s an engaging watch, but one that feels more like a missed opportunity than a groundbreaking story.