Imtiaz Ali’s debut film, ‘Socha Na Tha,’ released in 2005, captures urban life. The dialogues by Ishan Trivedi are witty, but the film emphasizes superficial connections over genuine interactions. The film’s theme of a man falling in love with an arranged match mirrors Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. Ayesha Takia’s performance is a highlight. The film’s plot could be stronger, however. Abhay Deol, in his debut, attempts a performance style similar to Saif Ali Khan. The film has a scene that addresses communal issues with a degree of cleverness, but this sometimes undermines the film’s objectives.
‘Love Aaj Kal,’ released in 2020, is known for Kartik Aaryan’s willingness to take risks. The film depicts love as a source of trauma. Kartik Aaryan’s performance is commendable. The film utilizes songs to recreate the 1990s. The relationship between Kartik’s Veer and Sara’s Zoe is marked by contradictions. Sara Ali Khan’s performance has its weaknesses. The film features strong moments, such as the portrayal of Zoe’s Haryanvi date, but is generally weak and underwritten. The film concludes with the protagonists in Himachal, with Kartik Aaryan providing a sense of balance.
