Ayushmann Khurrana
Manvinder "Manu" Munjal
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui
“A mind-bending love story”
2021
1h 57m
16 · HindiDirector: Abhishek Kapoor
Overview
Manu, a bodybuilder from Chandigarh, India, falls in love with Maanvi, a Zumba teacher. All seems well until a revelation causes turmoil in their love story.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readLove in the Time of Dumbbells
I’ve seen this movie before—or at least, I’ve seen its DNA. A small-town romance with a twist, a lead actor who specializes in playing the everyman with a secret, a director who likes to nudge Bollywood toward the edges of its own comfort zone. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui arrives with all the familiar signposts: the gym setting (so much sweat, so much spandex), the meet-cute that hinges on a shared passion (Zumba, in this case), the slow-burn chemistry that promises to detonate into something bigger. And yet, for all its familiarity, there’s something here that lingers—not because it reinvents the wheel, but because it rolls that wheel over a patch of ground Bollywood still tiptoes around.
Abhishek Kapoor has never been a director to shy away from the personal. His films—Kai Po Che!, Rock On!!, Fitoor—often orbit around characters who are trying to reconcile who they are with who they’re expected to be. Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui feels like a natural extension of that preoccupation, though it swaps the dusty streets of Gujarat or the crumbling mansions of Kashmir for the neon-lit gyms and planned boulevards of Chandigarh. The city itself, with its grid-like precision and modernist architecture, is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character, one that mirrors the film’s central tension between order and chaos, between the lives we’re handed and the lives we choose.
Ayushmann Khurrana plays Manu, a bodybuilder whose life is as carefully sculpted as his physique. He’s the kind of guy who measures his worth in reps and protein shakes, whose idea of romance is as straightforward as his bicep curls. When he meets Maanvi (Vaani Kapoor), a Zumba instructor with a smile that could power a small city, the film sets up a classic opposites-attract dynamic.
She’s all fluid motion and laughter; he’s rigid, disciplined, a man who treats emotions like a set of dumbbells—something to be lifted, counted, and put away. Their courtship is charming in the way these things often are: a mix of playful banter, stolen glances, and the kind of physical comedy that only works when the actors have real chemistry. (They do, though it’s the quiet moments that sell it—the way Manu’s eyes soften when he watches Maanvi dance, or the way her fingers linger on his arm just a second too long.)
Audience Opinions
Broad evidence
Audience 6.2/10
"A bold yet uneven romantic drama that shines in its lead performances but struggles with pacing and depth."
Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor have real chemistry and give heartfelt, engaging performances. The film's attempt to tackle progressive themes is commendable, but the meandering script lacks emotional payoff in key moments. The visual style and music are strong, while the narrative is predictable and occasionally disjointed.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performances Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor bring convincing chemistry and emotional depth.
- Progressive themes Its exploration of gender identity and societal norms is a refreshing, necessary topic for mainstream cinema.
- Engaging soundtrack The music, including the original score and singles, strengthens the film's emotional tone.
- Visual appeal The cinematography and visual style are vibrant and pleasing.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot The storyline relies on familiar tropes and lacks originality as a romantic drama.
- Pacing issues The film drags in the second half and loses momentum and emotional impact.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles are thinly written and add little to the main story.
- Inconsistent tone The mix of comedy, drama, and romance is uneven, with some scenes feeling forced or out of place.
Recommended for
Fans of progressive romantic dramas Ayushmann Khurrana fans Those interested in gender identity themes Bollywood drama lovers Music-driven film fans
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui: A Bold Romantic Drama with Heart
Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021), directed by Abhishek Kapoor, is a romantic drama that blends comedy, emotion, and social commentary. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Vaani Kapoor, the film explores love, identity, and societal expectations in a way that’s become a signature of Kapoor’s filmmaking. While the movie’s premise—centering on a trans woman’s journey—sparked conversations, the behind-the-scenes details reveal a project driven by intention, collaboration, latestnetflix.com contends, and a few creative challenges.
A Role That Demanded Sensitivity
Vaani Kapoor’s casting as a trans woman in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui was a deliberate choice, but it wasn’t without scrutiny. Director Abhishek Kapoor addressed the decision in interviews, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. In a video discussion, Kapoor explained that the role required extensive research and preparation to ensure it was portrayed with respect. While the film’s approach to representation has been debated, Kapoor’s insistence on framing the narrative as a love story—rather than a "trans issue" film—shaped the project’s tone. He later reiterated that the "awakening" in the story was meant for the male lead (Khurrana) and society at large, not just the trans character.
The film’s trailer launch hinted at a lighthearted yet emotional tone, with Khurrana and Kapoor’s chemistry front and center. However, the behind-the-scenes focus on sensitivity suggests the team was acutely aware of the responsibility that came with the subject matter.
A Director’s Signature Style
Abhishek Kapoor is known for films that balance drama with social themes, and Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui fits neatly into his filmography. His previous works, like Kai Po Che! and Rock On!!, often explore personal struggles against larger societal backdrops. While the evidence doesn’t reveal specific behind-the-scenes anecdotes about this film, Kapoor’s reputation for narrative-driven storytelling suggests a hands-on approach to character development and emotional pacing.
The movie’s runtime—117 minutes —aligns with Kapoor’s preference for tight, engaging narratives. Reviews later described it as a "refreshing take on love", though critical reception was mixed, with some praising its heart and others questioning its execution.
Music and Marketing: The Unseen Work
The film’s soundtrack, including the single Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui 2.0 and the full OST, played a key role in its promotion. Music is often a cornerstone of Bollywood marketing, and the trailers leaned heavily on emotional beats set to the film’s score. While there’s no evidence of behind-the-scenes drama around the music, the soundtrack’s release alongside the film suggests a coordinated effort to build anticipation.
The Verdict: A Film with Heart, But Thin Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Unlike some Bollywood projects that thrive on off-screen gossip, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui’s behind-the-scenes story is relatively quiet. The focus appears to have been on crafting a sensitive, entertaining narrative rather than courting controversy. With a modest rating of 6.2/10 and limited buzz beyond its release, the film didn’t dominate headlines—but its themes and Kapoor’s direction ensured it wasn’t forgotten.
For fans of Khurrana’s socially conscious roles or Kapoor’s character-driven films, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui delivers on its promise of a love story with depth. The real drama, it seems, was in the making—not the tabloids.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
Related movies
More titles in the same genres and with the same cast.
