Movie Review: Satyaprem Ki Katha SATYAPREM KI KATHA is a progressive film that rests on the towering performances strong second half and the message.

SATYAPREM KI KATHA is the story of an unusual couple. Satyaprem (Kartik Aaryan) lives in Prahlad Nagar, Ahmedabad with his father Narayan (Gajraj Rao), mother Diwali (Supriya Pathak Kapur) and sister Sejal (Shikha Talsania). He has attempted to pursue law but failed the entrance exams multiple times. Narayan, too, hasn’t been able to do much in life. Diwali and Sejal run the house with their dance classes. Satyaprem wants to get married but since he’s not earning, no one is ready to tie the knot with him. He is meanwhile besotted with Katha (Kiara Advani). He met her a year before during Navratri. At that time, she tells him that he has no chance since she’s dating Tapan (Arjun Aneja). Nevertheless, Satyaprem eagerly waits for Navratri in the current year so that he can bump into her again. On top of it, his hopes are up as he learns that Katha has broken up with Tapan. On D-day, he arrives at the venue only to realize that Katha is nowhere to be seen. Her father Harikishen (Siddharth Randeria) informs Satyaprem that she’s at home as she’s not well. Narayan advises Satyaprem to go to her house since she’ll be alone. Satyaprem does so and sees that Katha has tried to commit suicide. He immediately rushes her to the hospital and saves her life. Harikishen is impressed with Satyaprem and decides to fix Katha’s marriage with the former. Both get married and Katha avoids consummating. She doesn’t even allow Satyaprem to sleep with her under the pretext that he snores loudly. One day, Satyaprem asks her if she’s trying to avoid him. This is when Katha drops a bomb. What happens next forms the rest of the film.

Karan Shrikant Sharma's story might seem clichéd but is unexpected land also progressive. Karan Shrikant Sharma's screenplay is neat and most importantly, sensitive. Karan Shrikant Sharma's dialogues also complement the script. A few dialogues are very funny while certain one-liners in the second half are sharp.

Sameer Vidwans' direction is exemplary. He has done justice to the challenging subject at hand and treated it in a correct manner. Despite a story like this, he has added commercial elements in such a manner that it doesn’t seem out of place. While doing so, he has given the film a mainstream appeal. The way love blossoms between Satyaprem and Katha is lovely. This aspect along with the message will be wholeheartedly accepted by the female audiences.

On the flipside, the film is too lengthy and could have been curtailed. A few things are not convincing. For instance, why did Satyaprem wait till the next Navratri to meet Katha? He could have tried to be friends in the interim period since she was in the same city. While viewers know what Satyaprem and his family member do (or don’t do) for a living, there’s absolutely no mention of Katha, her educational qualifications and her goals in life. Lastly, the attempt to give homage to PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA’s monologue seems forced.

SATYAPREM KI KATHA begins on a fine note which explains Satyaprem’s life and his dilemma. The scenes between the father and son are funny, be it Narayan informing Satyaprem about Katha’s break up and or they both discussing what Satyaprem should reply to Katha’s text message. The attempt-to-suicide track is intriguing. Things get even more gripping once Satyaprem gets married and Katha avoids him. Post-interval, things take a serious turn. Katha’s revelation is moving as also the conversation between the two on the rooftop. The Kashmir track will leave viewers smiling and also teary-eyed. The finale is dramatic and justified.

Speaking of performances, Kartik Aaryan shows a marked improvement as an actor. He performs ably and viewers are sure to fall in love with his character, thanks to the way he has essayed the part. Kiara Advani, too, delivers a stupendous performance. She doesn’t go overboard and this enhances the impact even more. Gajraj Rao is adorable. Supriya Pathak Kapur is lovely and her scene with Kartik is touching while the one where she reprimands Gajraj is clapworthy. Siddharth Randeria (shockingly credited under special appearance) leaves a huge mark. Shikha Talsania has limited screen time but does well. Anooradha Patel (Rasna) is okay. Nirrmite Saawaant (Christmas Masi) scores in a cameo appearance. Rajpal Yadav (Doodhiya) raises laughs. Arjun Aneja has an important part but is hardly there. Maira Doshi (Kinjal; Katha's sister) and Palash Tiwari (Dheeraj; Kinjal's husband) get no scope.

Satyaprem Ki Katha | Official Trailer | Kartik Aaryan | Kiara Advani

Songs are soulful but there are too many of them in the film. 'Aaj Ke Baad' is well-shot and tuned. 'Naseeb Se' is catchy while 'Gujju Pataka' is energetic. 'Pasoori Nu' doesn’t impress but comes at an important juncture. 'Raat Baaki' and 'Le Aaunga' are not memorable. 'Sun Sajni' is played in the end credits. Hitesh Sonik's background score is appropriate.

Ayananka Bose's cinematography is creative and the way he has captured a few shots is praiseworthy. Both Kashmir and Ahmedabad have been beautifully depicted in the film. Rajat Poddar's production design is realistic while in the songs, it's grand. Aki Narula's costumes for Kartik Aaryan and Natasha Vohra's costumes for Kiara Advani are straight out of life and yet glamorous. Sachin Lovalekar's costumes for the rest of the characters are convincing. Charu Shree Roy's editing could have been sharper.

On the whole, SATYAPREM KI KATHA is a progressive film that rests on the towering performances, strong second half and the message it conveys. At the box office, it has a chance to attract families as the target audience. The lack of competition till the release of ROCKY AUR RANI KII PREM KAHAANI on July 28 will further aid its box office prospects.

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