Critics find Veer Pahariya's Prem Keetanu, a Hindi take on Premalu, short on charm

Prem Keetanu, the Hindi romantic comedy starring Veer Pahariya, is now in theatres, and critics have been lukewarm at best. Apoorv Singh Karki directs the film, which also stars Aafiya Sayed, Aparshakti Khurana, Rakesh Bedi and Nikhil Vijay. Most reviewers agree that a lively start gives way to a shaky second half.

The film is a remake of the 2024 Malayalam hit Premalu. Girish AD, who made the original, is credited as a writer alongside Deepak Kingrani. Veer has reportedly said the project is not a remake, but reviewers say the main characters and plot closely follow the original, with a few new scenes and changes along the way. The film is also Aafiya Sayed's Bollywood debut.

Veer plays Vishal Thakur, a young man who dreams of building a life in the United States and falls hard for Suhani. Her boss Ranjeet, played by Aparshakti Khurana, has his eye on her too, and the clash between the two men drives much of the first half. Nikhil Vijay plays Vishal's best friend, and Rakesh Bedi plays Suhani's father.

Reviewers enjoyed the opening college portion most, thanks to the easy chemistry between Veer and Nikhil. The film loses its spark once the love story takes centre stage. Critics point to an uneven screenplay, a poorly written Suhani, and too many songs that slow the story down. The editing in the second half also reportedly needed more work.

Opinions on the cast are split. Aafiya is praised for a warm and confident first outing. Veer gets credit for his comic timing, though more than one review feels he struggles when the emotions get heavier. Reactions to Aparshakti range from a lively turn to a role that wastes his talent. Rakesh Bedi is called dependable, though he was reportedly sidelined. Ratings so far sit between two and two and a half stars.