Editorial Note
This review was originally published on February 16, 2020, and reviewed by Shyamala Nawab shortly after the film’s release.
In June 2026, the article was expanded and updated by Absar Ahmed to include cast information, story details, FAQs, and additional context for readers while preserving the original review, rating, and editorial perspective.
Is Love Aaj Kal 2 Worth Watching?
Love Aaj Kal 2 is one of the most divisive films in Imtiaz Ali’s filmography. Released in 2020, the romantic drama attempts to explore modern relationships through two parallel love stories set in different eras. Starring Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Randeep Hooda, and Arushi Sharma, the film revisits themes of love, ambition, commitment, and emotional growth that were central to the 2009 Love Aaj Kal.
While the film features attractive visuals, memorable music, and a talented cast, its storytelling has divided audiences. Some viewers appreciate its exploration of contemporary relationships, while others feel that the emotional depth and charm of the original film are missing.
If you enjoy relationship-focused dramas and are curious about Imtiaz Ali’s interpretation of modern love, Love Aaj Kal 2 may be worth watching once. However, viewers expecting the same magic as the 2009 film may come away disappointed.
Love Aaj Kal 2 (2020) at a Glance
Movie Title: Love Aaj Kal
English Title: Love These Days
Directed & Written by: Imtiaz Ali
Main Cast: Kartik Aaryan as Veer, Sara Ali Khan as Zoe, Randeep Hooda as Raghu, Arushi Sharma as Leena
Year of Release: 2020
Genre: Romance
Country of Origin: India (Bollywood)
Languages: Hindi
Running time: 141 minutes
Production Company: Maddock Films, Window Seat Films, Reliance Entertainment
Distributed by: Pen Marudhar Entertainment, Jio Studios
Love Aaj Kal 2 Cast
The film features two parallel love stories unfolding across different generations.
Main Cast
- Kartik Aaryan as Veer and Young Raghu
- Sara Ali Khan as Zoe Chauhan
- Randeep Hooda as Raghuvendra “Raghu”
- Arushi Sharma as Leena
- Simone Singh
- Kshitee Jog
- Aalok Nath Pathak
Kartik Aaryan takes on the challenge of portraying two different characters, while Randeep Hooda acts as the bridge between the film’s two timelines through his reflections on a past romance.
Love Aaj Kal 2 Story Summary
Love Aaj Kal 2 follows Zoe, an ambitious young woman determined to build a successful career while navigating the uncertainties of modern relationships. Her life becomes intertwined with Veer, a man who believes deeply in emotional commitment and traditional ideas of love.
Running parallel to their story is the tale of Raghu and Leena during the 1990s. Through Raghu’s memories, the film compares how love, expectations, and personal ambitions have evolved over time while suggesting that the emotional challenges of relationships remain largely unchanged.
The film explores questions about career priorities, emotional maturity, commitment, and whether love requires sacrifice. Through its dual narratives, Love Aaj Kal 2 attempts to connect two generations through their experiences of longing, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Directed by Imtiaz Ali
Love Aaj Kal 2 was written and directed by Imtiaz Ali, known for films such as Jab We Met, Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha, and the original Love Aaj Kal (2009). The film continues many of his recurring themes involving self-discovery, relationships, emotional growth, and the search for personal identity.
Love Aaj Kal 2 Review
Disappointed that love has been portrayed as an either or element which wins over career even after a heavy dialogue about work being like an all consuming boyfriend.. Phew
Sauve Randeep Hooda in whites and jeans, groomed beard and mush with a twist as Raghu the cafe owner retells his tale of love of the 90s. Kartik Aaryan as the younger Raghu with Arushi Sharma as Leena, who is vague and defunct of emotion. Love in the 90s needn’t have been portrayed like from the black and white movie era cold sans drama other than the typical rumours in the neighbourhood and parents relocating the girl.. Sigh
Someone forgot to define Karthik Aaryan’s role as Veer, they forgot to decide if he is a little challenged or just overly hyper-sensitive and then promptly forgot that they hadn’t decided hence let him be normal. Though Karthik occupies a large part of the story covering two roles, he doesn’t impress with either even though he spouts Rumi and few one liners from social media forwards. He wants full on love while all he needed was a big boink on his head to take what he gets.
Aha.. Zoe, Sara Ali Khan has taken on the feisty role of a career girl well and portrayed what most youngsters do when not working.. dress up and look to hook up. Someone once again forgot to check the statistics of women who love and work, that they manage to do both successfully without needing to be a drama queen and sacrifice one for the other.
Couple of songs remixed from the earlier movie and the graffitied boho cafe give respite.
Needless to say Imtiaz Ali will need a hit soon if he wants to regain his image.
Also.. If a story was being retold, it should have been Meera and Jai’s story from 2009 along with the mash up of the newer bachhas.
What Works in Love Aaj Kal 2?
- Strong visual presentation
- A few memorable songs
- Randeep Hooda’s performance
- Sara Ali Khan’s portrayal of an ambitious young professional
- Interesting ideas about modern relationships
What Doesn’t Work?
- Inconsistent character development
- Confusing portrayal of Veer
- Weak emotional connection in the 1990s storyline
- Repetitive messaging about love versus career
- Constant comparisons with the much-loved 2009 film
Final Verdict
Love Aaj Kal 2 is not a terrible film, but it is a frustrating one. It contains interesting ideas about modern relationships and features a talented cast, yet never fully delivers on its potential. Strong visuals, music, and Randeep Hooda’s performance keep the film watchable, but inconsistent writing and muddled character arcs prevent it from becoming a memorable romance.
Fans of Imtiaz Ali may find enough here to justify a one-time watch, but those hoping for the emotional resonance of the original Love Aaj Kal are likely to be disappointed.
The World of Movies Rating – 05/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays the lead roles in Love Aaj Kal 2?
The film stars Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan, Randeep Hooda, and Arushi Sharma.
Who directed Love Aaj Kal 2?
Love Aaj Kal 2 was written and directed by Imtiaz Ali.
Is Love Aaj Kal 2 a sequel to Love Aaj Kal (2009)?
It is considered a spiritual successor rather than a direct sequel. The film explores similar themes but follows a completely different set of characters.
What is Love Aaj Kal 2 about?
The movie follows two parallel love stories from different generations while exploring modern relationships, emotional maturity, career ambitions, and personal growth.
Is Love Aaj Kal 2 worth watching?
If you enjoy romantic dramas and Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling style, it may be worth watching once. However, many viewers consider it weaker than the 2009 Love Aaj Kal.