Set in the backdrop of Baroda Gujarat, Abhiraj Minawala directorial 'LoveYatri' is absolutely bland and tiring as it doesn't have a valid plot that the film boasts on. The film features debutant Aayush Sharma as Sushrut a wannabe 'Garba' dance maniac aiming to open his own 'garba academy'. The protagonist makes an impactful entry with Dev Negi and Yo Yo Honey Sing number 'Rangtari'. Aayush seems like a decent chocolate boy performing some mesmerizing dance steps is definitely a treat to watch. His counterpart Michelle an NRI living in London having her roots in Baroda played by Warina Hussain as her original name turns out to be Manisha. Ronit Roy plays a mild antagonist as Warina's father who runs a laundry business overseas. Applying for the top Business school in London, Michelle gets a chance to visit her hometown in an emergency which is followed by a prank from her family. It is the auspicious occasion of Navratri where the duo is set to meet and to be honest their meeting point is scripted very weirdly.
It is Ram Kapoor, Sushrut's Mamu jaan who acts as 'Love Guru' reminding him not to give up on love which is a great learning from legendary Bollywood filmmakers Yash Chopra, Sooraj Barjatya and the three Bollywood Khans. He plays a pivotal part but unfortunately, the film is not backed with impressive dialogues which could have added a flavour of romance to the narrative. The nine days are over and Michelle is flown back to London after following a heated argument with Sushrut who alleges her to be a money minting machine just like her father.
The other half has some picturesque locations from London as Michelle droves Sushrut in her classy Audi convertible car. The narrative is so timid and lustreless that audience would forget the first half while watching the second as the film completely fades away. Debutants Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain would gain recognition but unfortunately, the script doesn't support the same. Warina is a treat to watch showering her true charm in the ethnic attire. Her dialogue delivery is decent and she might bag another big project, who knows. Aayush is impressive with his dance but his act was below average and couldn't hold the audiences at all.
The only way the film was quite bearable was for its songs. They are well picturised and it is the backdrop of auspicious Navratri that makes it appealing and vibrant. 'Chogada' an EDM garba song performed by Darshan Raval and Asees Kaur; Lijo George and Dj Chetas composition have embedded a lot of energy to this powerful peppy number. The song can be played on a loop in garba and dandiya nights. Ram Kapoor as Aayush's Mama is playing dhol pushing his son urging to keep dancing. While changing the festive flavour towards a clubbing number 'Akh Lad Jaave' from a lounge in London is a treat to watch. Performed by Jubin Nautiyal and Aseez Kaur and has special rap verses by Badshah. Atif Aslam's 'Tera Hua' is the most romantic track from the film as a lost Aayush is gazing about Warina. The film is alluring for its songs.
Abhiraj Minawala's screenplay is the culprit as this simple story could have been supported adding layers to it. Even served with half-baked lead characters we do not even see their dialect up to the mark. A British accent for Michelle and a raw Gujarati accent by Sushrut was missing. Cinematography by Jishnu Bhattacharjee is up to the mark covering captivating locations of London and Baroda.
You can skip the film as all the songs are available on Youtube. Avoid this bland and boring film unless you have nothing to do.