Satyaprem Ki Katha review : A Thought-Provoking Romantic Drama Embracing Change
Contents
show
“Satyaprem Ki Katha” is an enthralling Indian Hindi-language romantic drama film released in 2023. Directed by Sameer Vidwans and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Luv Ranjan, and Ankur Garg, the movie is a collaborative venture between T-Series and Luv Films. The film features the talented duo of Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani as the lead characters, who bring this modern love story to life on the big screen.
The film delves into the concept of consent in relationships within a rapidly changing society where men strive to embrace modernity and liberal values while holding onto patriarchal notions of dignity and honor. The title itself, a play on the traditional Satyanarayan Ki Katha ritual commonly performed in Indian households, signifies the blend of a traditional ritual that requires the presence of a woman in the house and women’s rights, symbolizing the need for societal change.
Within the realm of popular Hindi cinema, the story explores the notions of “izzat” (honor) and “maryada” (respect) and almost preaches to its protagonist, Katha (Kiara Advani), that speaking the truth, no matter how difficult, is more important than suffering in silence. Interestingly, the hero, Satyaprem, openly reveals that he is a virgin, breaking away from typical stereotypes. Satyaprem, jobless and raised in a middle-class household where he and his father (Gajraj Rao) handle breakfast preparations while his mother and sister (Supriya Pathak and Shikha Talsania) manage the finances, dreams of Katha, but she is not interested in him. Destiny brings them together when Katha’s parents propose an alliance, but Katha is not on the same page.
Similar to the washerman character in the epic Ramayana, a milkman (Rajpal Yadav) represents the prying and judgmental society that questions the heroine. However, the hero remains unaffected by this scrutiny and not only stands by Katha’s side but also becomes the catalyst in helping her overcome her past. This sparks an intriguing debate about the differences between reel and real-life heroes.
While Punjab and Punjabi culture have long dominated Hindi films, Satyaprem Ki Katha takes a refreshing turn by showcasing a Gujarati romance. The film pays homage to local Gujarati elements such as “khakra” (a type of snack), “farsan” (savory snacks), and references to the popular film “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.” It also takes a satirical dig at the proclaimed success of prohibition in Gujarat, a dry state. The use of local fabrics in the costumes adds a unique texture to the visuals, while the relatable characters within the traditional society provide depth to the storytelling.
Writer Karan Shrikant Sharma crafts lively characters from the middle-class milieu, although they tend to engage in excessive posturing before getting to the core of their emotions. Nevertheless, amidst the chaos, Sharma manages to establish an endearing relationship between two troubled souls that surpasses superficial descriptions like “cute” and “beautiful.” Both Satyaprem, an LLB-fail judged for his joblessness, and Katha, suffering from a broken relationship, find solace in each other’s company, resulting in tender moments of true love. Unfortunately, the melodies composed by the five music composers fail to fully complement the writing.
Supported by Sharma’s writing, Kartik and Kiara continue their organic on-screen chemistry from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. This time, their connection is less about physical chemistry and more about the underlying tension, as Katha fails to see Satyaprem as an equal partner. Kartik shines in a role that allows him to showcase more than just a consistent goofy smile and a monologue. He effectively portrays the character of a “Gujju pataka” (an energetic Gujarati) and displays a range of emotions when the story challenges him. Kiara impressively carries the melodrama with her expressive eyes, shouldering the weight of the narrative.
The talented Gajraj Rao delivers some of the best lines and is well supported by the supporting cast, including popular Gujarati stage and film actor Siddharth Randeria, as well as the reliable Supriya Pathak and Shikha Talsania. With a bit more refinement and finesse, the film could have been truly riveting. However, in its current form, after spending around 140 minutes, it delivers a message that lingers on in the minds of the audience.
FAQs:-