Charming leads and sharp wit can't mask the well-worn romantic road it travels.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
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Critic consensus
Critical reception for Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is mixed-to-moderate, with most reviewers landing in the 60-70 range. The film's most consistent praise centres on its young cast, witty dialogue, and music, which several critics credited with keeping the film watchable. The most common criticism is its reliance on familiar, clichéd narrative beats and conventional storytelling that prevents it from distinguishing itself within the romantic comedy genre. One dissenting voice found the film emblematic of genre fatigue altogether, while the majority treated it as a serviceable, lighthearted entertainer.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 12 critic reviews · may contain errors
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Top critic
Film review ·
While a young woman may no longer need an excuse to share a flat with two old male pals, this 2026 dostana makes it a point to underline that Shivi will be a gal who can throw around gaalis, not a girlie-girl who's happier not being 'hot'. But the back-chat feels familiar, with none of the slouchy sharpness of the original trio, two of whom– Kartik Aryan and Divyenndu– have gained stardom.
Film review
Luv Ranjan's latest production is anti ek tarfa pyaar and gives a fresh new take on first love. The 6 fresh faces add to the charm and give us plain old school Bollywood romance
Film review
Ultimately, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar benefits from a lively young cast that understands the assignment. It may not reinvent the romantic comedy, but it delivers enough humour, chemistry and musical warmth to make for a pleasant watch. If you’re looking for a lighthearted film with youthful romance and entertaining performances, the film is surely a yay.
Film review ·
Unlike Pyaar Ka Punchnama, which was insensitive to its female cast as well as the audience, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar allows its characters a little more room to breathe, express themselves and put forward their points of view. Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar manages to rekindle the magic of first love and innocent crushes in a fun rom-com that you can enjoy with friends over the weekend, irrespective of your age.
Film review
Where neither the story nor the central characters are novel, where this teen, college romance comedy works in some parts is its unbridled humour. In the end, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is a serviceable romcom that entertains if you don't take things too seriously.
Film review
Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar has its moments. Its characters are busy chasing the people they fancied in school, but the film never quite makes you root for these romances as much as it should.
Film review
Ultimately, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar suffers from cliched narrative beats and redundant writing. Yet, buoyed by confident performances from its young cast and a soulful album, it manages to hold its ground.
Film review
Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is a light-hearted romantic comedy that attempts to revisit first love, unfinished crushes and memories of friendship in a new way. The performances of Sparsh Walia, Kunal Vaid, Sargun Kaur Luthra and Alisha Chopra help hold the film together, while Rajkummar Rao's cameo and the melodious music add to its appeal. However, the story relies on familiar formulas in several places, and some of its romantic turns are difficult to believe.
Film review
On the whole, Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar is a fairly entertaining romantic comedy that finds its strengths in witty dialogues, youthful performances, catchy music and a few unexpected twists. The film has enough amusing moments and breezy charm to make for an enjoyable watch. It may not reinvent the romantic comedy genre, but it delivers a handful of engaging moments for viewers looking for a lighthearted entertainer.
Film review
Despite its appealing premise and flashes of humour, predictable writing prevents it from matching the wit and charm of Ranjan's earlier romantic comedies. PPDB captures the uncertainties of Gen Z romance through relatable situations, witty dialogue and promising newcomers, but its conventional storytelling keeps it from hitting the right notes.
Film review
On the whole, PEHLA PYAAR DOOSRI BAAR is a breezy romantic entertainer that benefits from its youthful appeal, amusing dialogues, likeable performances and unexpected developments in the second half. Sadly, the film suffers from negligible awareness due to limited promotions and, as a result, may go unnoticed.
Film review
Romcoms like Pehla Pyaar Doosri Baar remind you why they went extinct. The newcomers-who-are-not-ready-but-star-in-a-designer-North-Indian-comedy template is a throwback to the early 2010s, when Luv Ranjan's Pyaar Ka Punchnama set the ball rolling and triggered a wave of genre fatigue.
Credits
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