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Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar

Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is Anuj Saini’s breezy rom-com about three friends at a school reunion camp facing old crushes and new heartbreaks. Six fresh debutants shine, a Rajkummar Rao cameo delights, and soulful music lifts the story. A fun, feel-good watch. Rated 4.5/5.

• Released: 23 October 2026
• Runtime: 2h 22m
• Language: Hindi
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Director: Anuj Saini
• Cast: Alisha Chopra, Sparsh Walia, Sakshi Vaidya
• Where to watch: In Cinema

Our review

Anuj Saini’s directorial debut brings school reunion nostalgia, modern dating chaos and Luv Ranjan’s signature relationship comedy to a Gen Z audience. Six fresh faces lead the ensemble, a surprise Rajkummar Rao cameo lifts the second half, and a melodic soundtrack gives the film its heart. Here is our full review of Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar, released in cinemas on October 23, 2026.

Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is a youthful, high-energy romantic comedy about three single friends who head to a school reunion camp and get tangled up in old crushes and new heartbreaks. It carries the spirit of Luv Ranjan’s earlier relationship comedies but looks at love through individual flaws instead of blaming one gender. The six debutants are the biggest reason to watch. Their chemistry and comic timing keep the film light and engaging. The soundtrack, led by Jubin Nautiyal’s “Pyaar Manga Hai Tum Hi Se” and the slice-of-life “Jaane Kis Mod Pe”, adds warmth. Rajkummar Rao’s extended cameo is a crowd-pleasing highlight.

Cast and Crew

Plot Summary

Gautam, Vedant and Shivi are three best friends stuck in the corporate grind of targets and promotions while their peers settle down. They head to a school reunion camp, hoping to meet their childhood flames.

Gautam, a shy romantic, reunites with the bold Gehna. Vedant finally confesses his long-held feelings to school topper Simran, only for her fiancé to arrive. Shivi gives herself a dramatic makeover to impress her crush, the charming womaniser Karan Shergill. The reunion turns into a whirlwind of dating drama, heartbreak and comic absurdity.

Back home, the friends set out to help Vedant win Simran back before her wedding festivities end.

Performances

Sparsh Walia as Gautam: Sparsh shows impressive range as the shy, deluded romantic. He balances confusion, timidity and comic timing with subtle touches, and he carries both the comedy and the emotional beats.

Kunal Vaid as Vedant: Kunal has a strong screen presence and a natural bond with Sparsh. Their bromance recalls the friendship in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety while feeling fresh.

Alisha Chopra as Gehna: Alisha is a scene-stealer. Her Gehna is bubbly, unpredictable and fiercely loyal, and she turns a role that could have been a stereotype into a memorable, lovable character.

Sargun Kaur Luthra as Shivi: Sargun is completely at ease among her male co-stars and sparks combustible chemistry with Tushar Chhibber. Shivi’s makeover track gives her both comedy and emotional depth.

Tushar Chhibber as Karan Shergill: Tushar holds his ground as the charmingly relentless Karan. He gives the womaniser enough charisma that you understand why Shivi falls for him.

Sakshi Vaidya as Simran: Sakshi gives a wonderfully understated performance. She is the calm centre of the film and a graceful contrast to the louder characters around her.

Gobind Singh Mehta as Vikesh: Gobind plays the fiancé who complicates Vedant’s plans, and he gives the conflict a solid, believable presence.

Rajkummar Rao (cameo): (Mild spoiler) His extended cameo, a tribute to “Channa Mereya” and SRK’s Ek Tarfa Pyaar, runs over six minutes and is a highlight of the film.

Technical Analysis

Direction

Anuj Saini makes a confident debut. He keeps the ensemble’s energy up and gets natural, charming performances from all six newcomers. He treats modern relationship issues such as commitment phobia and unreciprocated expectations with a lighter, more balanced touch than earlier films in this style.

Cinematography

The film has a bright, youthful look that suits the reunion-camp setting and the playful, colourful tone of its marketing. The cinematographer’s credit could not be confirmed at the time of writing.

Music and Score

The soundtrack is the film’s strongest USP. Jubin Nautiyal’s soothing “Pyaar Manga Hai Tum Hi Se” and the Darshan Rava and Shreya Jain track “Jaane Kis Mod Pe” bring soul and warmth to the story. The music director’s credit could not be confirmed.

Editing

The pacing suits a breezy rom-com, and the comic set pieces and emotional beats move along without dragging. The editor’s credit could not be confirmed.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Six debutants with strong chemistry, comic timing and screen presence
• A soulful, melodic soundtrack that lifts the emotional moments
• Rajkummar Rao’s extended cameo
• A fresher take on dating that avoids pure gender-blame
• Relatable themes such as work-life balance, commitment fears and casual dating culture
• Gehna, Shivi and Simran are well-written and well-played women

Weaknesses

• The background score is intrusive and overpowers some dialogue
• A few scenes rely on loud, over-the-top conversations
• Some narrative beats are familiar and clichéd
• A handful of tone-deaf lines
• Simran’s role could have been fleshed out more

Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 stars

Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is a charming, youthful rom-com with a heart. A fresh-faced ensemble, a soulful album and a show-stealing Rajkummar Rao cameo make up for its familiar beats. If you enjoy glossy, modern relationship dramas, this is a fun, feel-good watch with friends.

FAQs

Is Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar suitable for children?
It is not recommended for young children because of its adult relationship themes and dialogue. It works better as a watch for young adults and friend groups.

Is Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar based on a true story?
No. It is a fictional romantic comedy. Producer Luv Ranjan has said the story draws on universal memories of school, friendships and first crushes.