Love Hostel Story :-
Knowing full well that their families would vehemently disapprove of their inter-religious relationship, Ashu and Jyoti make the daring decision to elope and marry in court, defying societal norms. However, their happiness is short-lived as they soon find themselves pursued by Dagar, a ruthless contract killer hired to punish them for their audacious act.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 25 February 2022 |
| Language | Hindi |
| Genre | Crime, Thriller |
| Cast | Sanya Malhotra, Vikrant Massey, Bobby Deol |
| Director | Shanker Raman |
| Writer | Shanker Raman |
| Cinematography | Vivek Shah |
| Producer | Gauri Khan, Manish Mundra, Gaurav Verma |
| Production | Red Chillies Entertainment, Drishyam Films |
| Certificate | 18+ |
In the opening moments of the film, viewers are confronted with the chilling reality of Dagar’s (portrayed by Bobby Deol) merciless pursuit of lovers who defy societal boundaries by marrying outside their caste or religion. Despite having legal protection, these couples are ruthlessly hunted down by mercenaries like Dagar, revealing the stark truth of honor killings prevalent in regions like Haryana, where the story unfolds.
Jyoti, played by Sanya Malhotra, takes the bold step of eloping with Ahmed, aka Ashu (played by Vikrant Massey), with the help of a college professor. While Jyoti hails from a family with political ties and works as a chartered accountant, Ashu manages his family’s butcher shop during the day and is involved with an illicit trade network at night, operating as a police informant. The stark contrast in their backgrounds sets the stage for a tumultuous journey ahead.
Fearing retribution from Jyoti’s grandmother, the couple seeks refuge in a government safe house, only to find themselves betrayed by the very institutions meant to protect them. With Jyoti’s grandmother hiring Dagar to track them down, the couple’s love is put to the ultimate test as they evade the relentless killer’s pursuit.
On the positive side, the performances of Sanya, Vikrant, and Bobby are commendable, with the supporting cast, including Raj Arjun, delivering honest portrayals of characters grappling with the consequences of honor killings. Sanya and Vikrant effectively convey the emotional turmoil faced by their characters as they navigate the dangers closing in around them, showcasing a genuine chemistry on screen.
While the actors excel in their roles, the film struggles to offer anything new in its exploration of honor killings, a subject that has been extensively covered in mainstream cinema in recent years. As the narrative progresses, the pace slows down, and the emotional impact of the love story begins to wane. Additionally, the portrayal of a young child as a violent sibling feels jarring, detracting from the film’s overall message.
Despite its shortcomings, “Love Hostel” stays true to its tone and avoids unnecessary distractions like song-and-dance sequences. However, the lack of police involvement in the latter part of the film and other narrative loopholes detract from its overall coherence. While the director makes a sincere effort to address the subject matter, the screenplay falls short in delivering a truly compelling drama that transcends the familiar tropes associated with honor killings.
