Aamir Khan Productions’ Ek Din (UA) is a love story. Dinesh Srivastav (Junaid Khan) works in the IT department of a tech company. Meera Ranganathan (Sai Pallavi) also works in the same company. While Dinesh loves Meera, the latter is in a relationship with the boss, Nakul Bhasin (Kunal Kapoor). On an excursion to Japan, Dinesh prays that Meera loves him even if it is for just a day. God grants Dinesh his wish when Meera falls in love with him for a day in Japan. The problem is that after the day is over, Meera has forgotten that she ever met Dinesh in Japan. The question of her having fallen in love with him, therefore, wouldn’t even arise. Does the love story end after a day? Or is there more to it?
Sneha Desai and Spandan Mishra have written a sensitive story of a boy and a girl, whose romance feels pure and warm. The film is based on a Thai film, One Day. The duo’s screenplay moves at an easy pace and is grammatically correct. While the audience enjoy the unfolding love story, they are aware that Meera may never remember it after 24 hours. This point tugs at the viewers’ heart strings. The twist in the love story of Nakul Bhasin and Meera comes as a bolt from the blue and is interesting.
The second half moves on the single track of romance between Dinesh and Meera and tends to become a bit monotonous. It is entertaining, no doubt, but the viewers sometimes yearn for a variation in terms of drama as well as characters. The climax is a bit too laidback although that goes well with the mood of the rest of the drama. However, a more fast-paced climax would have definitely worked better, especially for the youth. Sneha Desai and Spandan Mishra’s dialogues are very good.
Sai Pallavi does an excellent job in her maiden Hindi film. As Meera Ranganathan, she endears herself to the audience. Her acting is so natural that watching her is a delight. Junaid Khan gets into the skin of the character of Dinesh Srivastav. He plays the super-knowledgeable-yet-low-on-self-confidence tech expert with understanding and makes the audience root for him. Kunal Kapoor leaves a fantastic impression in a friendly appearance as Nakul Bhasin. Kavin Dave has his moments as Dinesh’s immediate boss, Sam. Pragati Mishra leaves a fine mark as Meera’s roommate, Shruti. Samta Sagar is nice in a special appearance as Dinesh’s mother. Astha Gulati (as Priya), Jennifer Emmanuel (as Ritu Bhasin), Reshma Shetty (as Dr. Ketki Patel), Subhalaxmi (as Meera’s mother), and the others lend the desired support.
Sunil Pandey’s direction is sensitive. He has narrated the love story with the sensitivity desired. Ram Sampath’s music is very melodious. Khwaab dekhoon is a hit number. The title track is extremely melodious too. The other songs have lilt. Lyrics (Irshad Kamil) are wonderful. Song picturisations (by Raju Khan) are alright but more youthful picturisations would’ve made a positive difference. Ram Sampath does an excellent job of the background music. Manoj Lobo’s cinematography is beautiful. The locales of Japan are a sight to behold! In fact, Japan looks like a character in the film. Vikram Singh and Parul Rai’s production designing is of a good standard. Ballu Saluja’s editing is sharp.
On the whole, Ek Din is a sincere film made from the heart — and one that touches the heart. But the problem with a film starring an actor, who doesn’t have much of a fan following, is to get the audience into the cinemas. This will remain a major challenge unless the producers of the film move heaven and earth to keep promoting the film after release.
Released on 1-5-’26 at Inox (daily 4 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PVR Inox Pictures. Publicity: fair. Opening: very ordinary. …….Also released all over. Opening was below the mark everywhere.