‘Chand Mera Dil’ Review: Lakshya and Ananya Panday’s ‘Complicated and Messy’ Romantic Film Wins Praise from Critics for Its Relatable Storyline
The romantic drama 'Chand Mera Dil', starring Lakshya and Ananya Panday, has opened in theatres to a mixed response from film critics. While reviewers praise the lead actors' strong performances and the film's mature exploration of relationship complexities, the narrative faces criticism for its uneven second-half pacing and overly glossy production design.
The romantic drama Chand Mera Dil, starring Lakshya and Ananya Panday, released in theatres on May 22, 2026, to mixed reviews from film critics. Directed by Vivek Soni and produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, the film follows two engineering students whose intense college romance is abruptly upended by the challenges of unexpected adulthood. While early reactions praise the lead actors' performances and the film's maturity, critics have expressed reservations regarding its uneven pacing and overly stylised production design. From 'Chand Mera Dil’ to ‘Suno Naa Dil’: Top 5 Romantic Tracks That Are Dominating Playlists Right Now.
‘Chand Mera Dil’ Review Roundup
Initial reviews highlight Chand Mera Dil as a film of two distinct halves. The first act operates as a light-hearted, coming-of-age campus romance set in Hyderabad, where Aarav (Lakshya) tries to win over Chandni (Ananya Panday). However, the narrative shifts significantly in the second half into a domestic drama exploring unplanned pregnancy, postpartum emotional struggles, financial strain, and the toll early marriage takes on young careers.
Watch the Trailer of ‘Chand Mera Dil’:
Reviewers have commended Vivek Soni for tackling sensitive, realistic relationship complexities without passing judgment on the characters. However, multiple critics noted that the film's second half suffers from pacing issues and a tendency toward melodrama, particularly with the introduction of a standard love triangle.
Bollywood Hungama: "On the whole, CHAND MERA DIL is a fine romantic saga that works due to its subject, stylish execution, performances and, more importantly, because it is relatable and highlights the challenges faced by young couples today. At the box office, it is all set for a decent start, thanks to the discounted ticket offer. With positive word of mouth, it has the potential to leave a mark at the box office. The absence of competition for the next two weeks will also prove handy."
Hindustan Times: "Chand Mera Dil's central conflict - the man's moment of violence towards his partner - is bound to spark conversation. Love has no place for violence. But love is also, at times, about second chances. It’s complicated and messy. Just like the flaws which prevent this film from being an easy recommendation."
Bollywood Bubble: "Ananya Panday and Lakshya-led Chand Mera Dil is unlike any love story Bollywood has released in recent times. It’s raw, it’s real and something that people will relate to when they watch it. The characters aren’t someone we would only meet in films, they are real and could be you classmate, colleague, someone in you close circle or even you. My advice, head to theatres this weekend with your partner (if you are still single or away from your better half, take your gang along) and watch this film that’s sure to leave you with a beautiful, bittersweet ache."
The Hindu: "There are small passages where characters start explaining the subtext to the audience, but eventually Chand Mera Dil proves that the romance doesn’t lose its magic when it encounters real life. A love story works when you start caring for both protagonists and want to see them together. Chand Mera Dil evokes that rare feeling as it mines the relatable grey areas of modern relationships." Shaheen Bhatt Engaged: Alia Bhatt’s Sister Announces Engagement to Fitness Coach Ishaan Mehra (View Post).
Veteran actor Manish Chaudhary plays a key supporting role, anchoring the narrative's more grounded segments alongside a fresh supporting cast that includes Aastha Singh, Ankur Poddar, Pratham Rathod, and Aashish Dubey. The chemistry and collective performances of this ensemble are widely considered by critics to be the emotional core driving the film through its narrative shifts.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 22, 2026 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
