KTM Movie Review: Tale of twists, turns and triumphs in love

Let me make it clear KTM is not about bikes, despite the suggestive title, it’s a romantic drama that delves into the complexities of young hearts. Just like any love story, it begins with friendship, takes unexpected turns, and ventures down uncharted paths. Some connections flourish while others falter, but amidst the chaos, love finds a way to bloom anew.

Cast: Deekshith Shetty, Sanjana Doss, and Kajal Kunder
Director: Aruna

Not every romantic journey starts with a fairy-tale beginning. In this tale, we follow the adventures of Karthik Bhat (Dheekshith Shetty), a PUC student smitten by Tanya Bhat (Kaajal Kunder) in his hometown. However, his heartbreak takes him to Bengaluru, for further studies, where he encounters Mercy (Sanjana Doss). Initially, Karthik’s hopes are dashed once again, but he soon realises that Mercy holds the key to his heart, leading them on a tumultuous journey filled with obstacles.

The story, written and directed by Aruna, traces Karthik’s 12-year journey from the age of 18 to 28. It showcases how his love life helps and affects his career and family bond. The director focuses not just on love but also on Karthik’s friendship with Tukali (Santhosh) and Chiru (Abhishek). An antagonist is also introduced through a college lecturer who develops feelings for Mercy. Sadly, Chiru’s tragic death worsens Karthik’s struggles and forces him into anger issues and alcohol, but eventually, life takes a turn.

Enters Tanya, now a doctor. As the love triangle unfolds, we witness whether Mercy chooses Karthik, he chooses her, or if he rekindles his relationship with Tanya. This forms the heart of KTM. Amid the usual romantic obstacles, the filmmaker imparts a valuable lesson: To Rise in Love, giving a little message about love, friendship, and parental bonds, pointing out that loss or failure in love doesn’t mean the end of life but is always a new beginning. However, the hit-or-miss narrative and scattered character portrayals test patience at times.

When it comes to the romantic tale, the film comprises several plots revolving around love, and often ends up akin to Arjun Reddy, especially when the lead character struggles with alcoholism and ends up in a de-addiction centre.

Although a love story at its core, KTM hinges on who embodies the lover boy image, and Deekshith nails it. He seems to have grasped the full significance of a romantic, while his physical transformation, from ages 18 to 28, is commendable, capturing every stage convincingly. Equally, Sanjana Doss delivers a strong performance as Mercy, a headstrong character who occasionally shows vulnerability, while Kaajal Kunder’s presence as Tanya brings a twist to the love tale. The ensemble cast, along with love and emotional medleys at various intervals and college campus scenes, adds support.

Like every love story, real or reel, KTM has its strengths and drawbacks. However, Karthik’s journey, his crush on Tanya, and his love for Mercy bring a fresh perspective to the actors’ performances. Watch it for these actors, and you might also find a new outlook on love.