Story: Satyaprem, also known as Sattu (played by Kartik Aaryan), instantly falls in love with Katha (portrayed by Kiara Advani), a beautiful and aspiring singer from a wealthy Gujarati family in Ahmedabad. However, their love story is far from simple.


Review: Satyaprem's life is far from ideal. He has failed a law exam, lacks a job, and friends, and endures constant taunts from his mother and sister at home. Despite these challenges, his contagious smile remains intact, exuding confidence. His father (played by Gajraj Rao) is his sole confidant and truly understands him. When Satyaprem falls head over heels for Katha, the first girl he lays his eyes on, his father encourages him to pursue her, even though she is not only stunningly beautiful but also has a wealthy boyfriend. However, Satyaprem's hope is revived when his gossipy father, known as Panchayati Kaka, reveals that Katha's romantic relationship with her boyfriend has come to an end. Fueled by his smile and unwavering love for Katha, Satyaprem decides to confess his feelings without delving into the reasons behind her breakup. Little does he know, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in his ill-fated one-sided love story, as Katha harbors a significant secret.

Disclosing more about the plot would spoil the experience. However, it is worth mentioning that "Satyaprem ki Katha" defies expectations set by its trailer. Instead of being a hilarious comedy featuring talented artists from the Gujarati and Hindi film industries, this film is profound, poignant, and carries a powerful message. The screenplay falls short, becoming laborious and entangled in repetitive conflicts. Writer Karan Shrikant Sharma injects socio-cultural comedic elements, taking jabs at typical Gujarati families and their favorite foods like dhokla, khakra, and gota. Nevertheless, the film's primary focus is on conveying a social message. Unfortunately, the narrative occasionally drags due to scenes that underutilize the talents at hand.

Kartik Aaryan once again showcases his emotional vulnerability as he portrays the simple-minded Sattu. His constant display of his pearly whites, perhaps more than necessary, reinforces his character's sincerity. It is undeniable that Kartik excels at playing a relatable boy-next-door, effortlessly capturing the audience's hearts. Even with his fluctuating Gujarati accent, his performance remains endearing, perfectly aligning with his character as a lovable underdog. On the other hand, Kiara Advani faces a more challenging role in portraying Katha. She skillfully conveys the unspoken emotions that define her character, impeccably adopting the accent and essence of the role. Kiara delivers a restrained and remarkable performance, arguably the best of her career thus far. Director Sameer Vidwans and the writer empower their female characters, providing insight into an unconventional middle-class Ahmedabadi family where women not only manage the household but also foster a deeply non-patriarchal dynamic. However, certain dialogues, such as "aap pe aise sau baidiyan qurbaan" (sacrificing a hundred maidens for you), contradict the film's core message. Nonetheless, the ensemble cast of talented character actors, including Gajraj Rao, Supriya Pathak, and Siddharth Randeria, delivers their roles with unwavering conviction. Unfortunately, Rajpal Yadav's cameo, which had the potential to offer comedic relief, is sorely underutilized. The film's music, composed by Manan Bhardwaj and Payal Dev, seamlessly integrates with the narrative, offering melodious tunes. The recreated version of Shaan Gill and Ali Sethi's original Pakistani chartbuster "Pasoori," sung by Arijit Singh and Tulsi Kumar, has generated controversy but fails to leave a lasting impact. Cinematographer Ayananka Bose beautifully captures the cosmopolitan yet conventional essence of Ahmedabad.

"Satyaprem Ki Katha" aims to deliver a moral message. While the subject matter is thought-provoking and encourages introspection, it tends to prioritize emotional impact over entertainment value