While action sagas continue to dominate big screens, Bollywood is leaving no stone unturned to explore various shades of love, and Vivek Soni’s Chand Mera Dil joins the bandwagon. While he explored the complexities of an arranged setup in his previous outings, Meenakshi Sundareshwar and Aap Jaisa Koi, this time he earnestly attempts to present an intense love saga. Does he succeed? Let’s find out.
Storyline
In one of the scenes, Aarav tells Chandni, ‘Pyaar mein thoda pagal toh hona hi padhta hai.’ And that pretty much sums the film up.
Aarav (Laskhya) and Chandni (Ananya) meet in college, fall in love, and decide to stand by each other forever. While Aarav goes out of his way to win Chandni’s heart, their passionate romance soon faces turbulence when an unexpected pregnancy changes the course of their lives. Aarav initially urges her to consider an abortion, but Chandni remains determined to keep the child and pursue her career alongside motherhood.
Beneath her strong exterior lies unresolved childhood trauma shaped by years of witnessing domestic violence, which deeply influences her choices and fears. As insecurities, emotional misunderstandings, and unresolved anger consume their relationship, one devastating night changes everything when Aarav raises his hand on Chandni, triggering her painful past. Years later, Aarav continues to long for her return, only to discover that Chandni has found companionship in her colleague Kevin and is preparing to get engaged to him. While Aarav moves to the US to pursue higher studies, fate brings them face-to-face during an alumni meet. Will Chandni forgive Aarav and reunite with him?
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What works for the film
Vivek Soni attempts to capture the intensity and messiness of modern-day relationships, and he largely gets the heartbeat of the film right by weaving in several adorable moments between the lead pair. Lakshya and Ananya’s chemistry feels tender and natural, making the romance emotionally engaging and even leaving one moist-eyed in a few scenes.
The writing also deserves credit for handling themes like PTSD, domestic violence, emotional baggage, and self-respect with maturity instead of resorting to loud melodrama or preachy monologues. Soni also captures the emotional turmoil if Aarav and Chandni without judging either if them. The film successfully captures the emotional messiness of love, parenthood, insecurity, and forgiveness.
Another major strength lies in its music, which is seamlessly woven into the narrative and enhances the emotional arc of the film. Each song feels purposeful. Khasiyat beautifully captures the innocence, excitement, and energy of young college life, while Aitbaar reflects the ache of heartbreak, distance, and lingering longing. The title track Chand Mera Dilstands out as the emotional soul of the film.
What not
The major drawback of Chand Mera Dil is its uneven writing and inconsistent execution. While the film has a few warm, emotional moments, they are often lost in clumsy storytelling and rushed developments. Several key plot points, such as Kevin’s sudden entry into Chandni’s life and their quick progression towards marriage, lack proper buildup, while Aarav’s public humiliation and other dramatic turns feel exaggerated rather than earned.
Even potentially strong subplots, such as Aarav’s family background and their reaction to Chandni’s pregnancy, remain underdeveloped. At times, the film suffers from a hurried pace, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters. The climax is particularly underwhelming, with the final reunion between Aarav and Chandni failing to deliver the emotional payoff the film builds towards. Overall, despite its intent, the film struggles with cohesiveness and predictability, preventing it from leaving a lasting impact.
Performances
Lakshya delivers a stellar performance as Aarav, effectively capturing the character’s rage, emotional turbulence, vulnerability, and inner conflict. His emotional growth through the course of the film feels believable. Ananya is excellent as Chandni, portraying confidence and vulnerability with ease. Their chemistry feels natural and effortless. Paresh Pahuja, as Kevin, makes a noticeable impact despite limited scope. The supporting cast lends adequate backing.
Despite its flaws, Chand Mera Dil remains watchable for its performances, music, and emotionally relevant themes, even though it never fully reaches the depth it aims for.
