Imtiaz Ali’s directorial debut, ‘Socha Na Tha,’ released in 2005, offers a sense of understated movement, which, while ultimately self-serving, provides a certain charm. The dialogues, penned by Ishan Trivedi, are witty, though the film’s substance relies more on portraying contemporary connections than genuine interactions. The youthful energy of the film mirrors Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Dil Chahta Hai,’ even borrowing the plot of a man falling for an arranged match. Ayesha Takia’s portrayal of humiliation is one of the film’s highlights. While the film has its moments, the overall plot lacks depth. Abhay Deol, in his debut, tries to emulate the wit of Saif Ali Khan, though his performance feels somewhat lacking. One notable scene involves Deol’s character navigating a communal issue with clever writing, but this cleverness sometimes detracts from the film’s core purpose.
‘Love Aaj Kal,’ released in 2020, is remembered as a film where Kartik Aaryan showcased his risk-taking abilities. The film strips romance of its idealism, portraying it as a potential source of trauma. Kartik Aaryan’s performance is endearing. The film’s recreation of the 1990s relies on film songs. The relationship between Kartik’s Veer and Sara’s Zoe is strained, with the characters often contradicting themselves. Sara Ali Khan’s portrayal is criticized for the character’s inconsistent emotions. For all its issues, the film has moments of brilliance, such as the portrayal of Zoe’s Haryanvi date. However, the sequel to the 2009 romcom is largely weak and underwritten, with the protagonists’ journey concluding in Himachal. Kartik Aaryan provides a semblance of stability amidst the film’s conflicting messages.