Dharma Productions returns to its roots with Chand Mera Dil, a tender yet turbulent love story that wears its heart on its sleeve. Directed by Vivek Soni — the filmmaker behind Meenakshi Sundareshwar and Aap Jaisa Koi — this 2026 romantic drama is a sincere attempt to capture the messiness of modern love, and it largely succeeds where it matters most: in the heart.
Chand Mera Dil is an emotionally engaging college romance that tackles love, unplanned parenthood, domestic trauma, and self-respect with surprising maturity. Anchored by compelling performances from Ananya Panday and Lakshya, and elevated by a soulful soundtrack, the film stumbles with uneven pacing and rushed subplots but still delivers enough emotional warmth to make it a worthwhile theatrical experience. A must-watch for fans of heartfelt Bollywood romance.
Cast & Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Vivek Soni |
| Producers | Karan Johar, Apoorva Mehta, Adar Poonawalla, Somen Mishra, Marijke deSouza |
| Production House | Dharma Productions |
| Screenplay | Amitabh Bhattacharya, Akshat Ghildial, Tushar Paranjape |
| Cinematography | Debojeet Ray |
| Editor | Prashanth Ramachandran |
| Ananya Panday | Chandni |
| Lakshya | Aarav |
| Paresh Pahuja | Kevin |
| Manish Chaudhary | Supporting Role |
| Aastha Singh | Supporting Role |
| Pratham Rathod | Supporting Role |
| Release Date | 22 May 2026 |
| Genre | Romance / Drama |
| Language | Hindi |
Plot Summary
Chand Mera Dil follows Aarav (Lakshya) and Chandni (Ananya Panday), two engineering students who fall deeply in love on campus and promise to stand by each other forever. Their blissful romance is soon upended by an unplanned pregnancy — a turning point that forces both characters to confront their dreams, their fears, and each other.
Chandni, shaped by a childhood shadowed by domestic violence, carries deep-seated trauma that influences every major decision she makes. Her resolve to keep the child and simultaneously pursue her career puts immense pressure on their relationship. When one devastating moment pushes Chandni to walk away, the film fast-forwards to years later — where Aarav, now studying in the US, is still unable to move on, while Chandni has found companionship with her colleague Kevin (Paresh Pahuja) and is preparing to get engaged. An unexpected alumni reunion forces both to confront unresolved feelings, asking the central question: can love survive its own worst moments?
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Performances
Ananya Panday delivers one of the most nuanced performances of her career as Chandni. She navigates the character’s emotional layers — confidence, vulnerability, past trauma, and quiet resilience — with remarkable ease and conviction. Her portrayal of a woman who refuses to compromise her self-worth even in the face of love is the emotional backbone of the film.
Lakshya is absolutely outstanding as Aarav. He brings raw emotional honesty to a deeply flawed character — capturing rage, guilt, longing, and eventual emotional growth in ways that feel genuinely believable. Having already demonstrated his range in Kill, Lakshya here proves he is one of Bollywood’s most exciting young talents, and his performance is the kind that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Paresh Pahuja as Kevin makes a warm and noteworthy impression despite limited screen time. He brings a quiet dignity to the role that adds emotional texture to the second half. The supporting cast, including Manish Chaudhary, Aastha Singh, and Pratham Rathod, lend solid, grounded performances that enrich the film’s emotional world without overshadowing the leads.
The chemistry between Ananya and Lakshya feels natural and tender, making the romance emotionally engaging and genuinely moving in its best moments.
Technical Craft
Direction: Vivek Soni brings sincerity and warmth to the material. His greatest achievement is handling sensitive themes — PTSD, domestic violence, emotional insecurity — with maturity and restraint, never resorting to melodrama or preachy dialogue. He captures the emotional messiness of love and parenthood without judging either character, a delicate balancing act he largely pulls off.
Cinematography: Debojeet Ray’s work shines brightest during the college sequences, where the visual palette is vibrant and alive. The campus frames carry a youthful energy that beautifully complements the romance. Some moments in the second half showcase genuine visual craftsmanship.
Music: The film’s strongest technical asset. The soundtrack is seamlessly woven into the narrative and elevates the emotional arc at every key moment. Khasiyat perfectly encapsulates the excitement of young love; Aitbaar aches with heartbreak and longing; and the title track Chand Mera Dil stands out as the emotional soul of the entire film. Each song earns its place in the story.
Editing: Prashanth Ramachandran’s cuts work well in the film’s warmer moments, though the pacing in the middle portion could have used tighter control.
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Heartfelt, natural chemistry between Ananya Panday and Lakshya
- Soulful, purposeful music that enhances every emotional beat
- Mature handling of PTSD, domestic violence, and self-respect
- Lakshya delivers a career-best performance full of emotional depth
- Vibrant college sequences brimming with warmth and nostalgia
Weaknesses
- Uneven pacing, particularly in the second half
- Key subplots — Kevin’s entry, Aarav’s family dynamics — lack sufficient buildup
- The climax and final reunion feel emotionally undercooked
- Some dramatic turns feel more exaggerated than earned
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Chand Mera Dil is far more than the average Bollywood college romance. At its best, it is an emotionally honest, beautifully performed love story that takes the messiness of real relationships seriously. Lakshya and Ananya Panday make for a compelling on-screen pair, and the film’s music alone is reason enough to book a ticket. While the writing doesn’t always match the ambition of its themes, and the climax disappoints, the journey getting there is warm, affecting, and frequently moving. Director Vivek Soni once again demonstrates a genuine affection for the emotional truth of love — and that sincerity is what keeps Chand Mera Dil glowing.
Verdict: A tender, imperfect, but deeply watchable love story. Don’t miss it.
What is the age/content rating of Chand Mera Dil?
Chand Mera Dil has been certified U/A 16+ by the CBFC, making it suitable for audiences aged 16 and above.
Can Chand Mera Dil be watched with family or kids?
Given its U/A 16+ certification and mature themes — including domestic violence, pregnancy, and adult relationship conflicts — the film is best suited for teenagers and adults. It is not recommended for young children.
Is Chand Mera Dil based on a true story?
No, Chand Mera Dil is not based on a true story.
