There is no timetable for when the first love will come in your life. Sometimes while having fun with friends, one’s attention is drawn to one person and then that person becomes the main topic of conversation for the day. ‘Prem Kitnu’ tries to capture this feeling, but the beauty of the film is that it is not limited to a romance between two people. Director Apoorva Singh Karki has given space in the story to love, friendship, family, career and the restlessness of that age when one does not know what he wants from life. The film proceeds on a light-hearted note, but the emotional turmoil going on between its characters keeps it from being more of a romantic comedy.

Veer Paharia has played the role of Vishal in the film. Vishal is one of those guys who feels that there is no need to take life too seriously. Studies are not his priority and he likes to spend time with friends, have fun and live in his own world. His comfortable life changes when he meets Suhani. Afia Saeed has made her acting debut with the character of Suhani. Her character is completely different from Vishal – Suhani is intelligent, clear about her future and has a direction for her life. Vishal’s attraction to her seems natural, but trouble begins when she realizes that love is more than just liking.

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Ranjit’s entry in the story takes place at this point. Aparashakti Khurana has played this character in her familiar and witty style. Ranjith is not made a mere villain who exists to spoil the hero’s love story. He has his own motives and his own reasons for liking Suhani. This is why the love triangle in the film raises some interesting questions. Vishal has to understand that his emotions have their place, but Suhani’s choice is equally important. The film derives many of its funny moments from this confusion—the confusion that everyone who has ever liked someone must have felt and found a clue in every little thing about the other person.

Veer Paharia’s performance is one of the highlights of the film. He doesn’t try to dramatize Vishal too much. His acting is effortless and the carelessness of the character is clearly visible on screen. As the story progresses, we see a changed outlook in Vishal regarding responsibility and seriousness towards life, growing up is not easy, and we see this clearly in Vishal’s character. In the beginning his focus is only on Suhani but later he has to think about his career and future too. Afia Syed brings freshness to the film. Suhani’s character shows her confidence and simplicity.

Veer and Aafia’s chemistry doesn’t seem fake either. The hesitation, attraction and small fights between the two make the romantic parts of the film beautiful. Aparashakti adds her comic energy to the ongoing story between these two and lights up many scenes. The friendship story of the film also attracts special attention. The conversation between Vishal and his roommate has that natural fun that is often seen in the relationship of old friends. Whenever Vishal is worried about his love story he reaches out to his friend and from there he takes advice and also hears some things that add to his worries. The film’s comedy seems most natural in these scenes. The interesting thing is that although the friend’s talk is strange, but listening to his many things about relationships, one feels with laughter that there is some truth hidden in them.

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The family aspect of the film gives a different feel to the story. Rakesh Bedi looks comfortable and cute in the role of Suhani’s father. Also, Vishal’s relationship with his parents lends emotional depth to the story. Here the film does not resort to any big family drama. Through short dialogues and simple situations it is shown that despite the love between parents and children, sometimes communication is not easy. Vishal gets a chance to see his parents and his behavior from a new perspective. This is something that adds a little more to the film, because love in Indian families is often not seen in big words, but in worries, advice, scoldings and small daily talk.

There comes a moment in the story when Vishal gets a US visa, and he has to make a big decision to leave India and go to America, he has the chance to go out and make his own future, but he also has relationships and emotions in front of him. Now the question is not only whether Suhani will stay with him or not, but what kind of life Vishal himself wants. It is here that the film raises its most interesting questions – is it worth giving up your dreams for love, or can there be a compromise between the two? Apoorva Singh Karki does not let these questions weigh him down. Romance, friendship and comedy keep the story consistently light.

The music of the film also reinforces its youthful atmosphere and adds much needed color to the romantic moments. Overall ‘Prem Kitnu’ starts as a story of first love and gradually becomes a story of self-realization. Veer Paharia plays Vishal with ease, while Afia Saeed’s debut brings freshness. Aparashakti Khurana brings humor and energy to the story and Rakesh Bedi adds warmth to the family segment of the film. There are moments in the film where the story calls for a little more tension, but its warmth, humor and youthful energy make up for it. It’s one of those movies that reminds you that first love isn’t just about finding someone—sometimes it’s also the beginning of understanding yourself.

Director: Apoorva Singh Karki

Cast: Veer Paharia, Afia Syed, Aparshakti Khurana, Rakesh Bedi, Nikhil Vijay

Duration: 2 hours 18 minutes

Rating: 4