Love Mocktail Movie Review: A cocktail of emotions that leaves you with a musical hangover

True love they say, happens only once in a lifetime. But for our protagonist, Adi (Krishna), love happens at different stages of his life – this was the first detail we were told in the trailer of Love Mocktail by Sudeep. This is just an extract that is brought to life in Krishna’s debut directorial, which also sees the actor playing the lead.

Staying true to the title, the first-time director has brought together the bittersweet ingredients of life in a film that represents the new urban trend. Love Mocktail is a conversation-based journey as told by Adi to Rachna (Aditi). In a series of flashback episodes, Adi narrates the different stages of his life. The first half is more or less the experience of many among us.

Adi’s younger version, as a schoolboy, is played by Dhanush. He falls in love with Reema (Vibha), and his excitement leads him to compare her to Rose, the heroine of Titanic. His weakness, that of not being able to communicate in English, results in him having to let her go.

His second love happens with Jo (Amrutha Iyengar), a girl from a well-to-do family, when he is at an engineering college. However, the happiness is short-lived, and differences develop between the two. Jo is apprehensive about whether Adi can provide the lifestyle she wants. Adi’s school friend (Vijay) goes all out to settle his life, and he is introduced to Nidhi, a strong independent woman and an IT employee.

Adi marries Nidhi, but it’s not a happy ending. There is more to this love story, which happens after marriage when Nidhi reveals that they are going to be parents. The happiness in the couple’s life comes to a standstill after she suffers a miscarriage. While Adi reassures Nidhi,  he himself goes through a difficult process. How he gradually copes with life is brought forth through a range of emotions that leaves you with a musical hangover.

Having taken on the responsibilities of direction, production, and acting, the multi-tasker Krishna has more or less enjoyed the process of the making and it is clearly visible. He takes us through different stages of life, which are as close to reality as possible, and at times takes us on a nostalgic journey. While the film’s takeaway will be those little elements in this romcom, there are moments where he puts the audience through an emotional ride.

Though the subject is familiar, the presentation is fresh. Krishna gets strong support from the film’s music director, Raghu Dixit. The beautiful picturisation by Sri Crazy Minds elevates the film.

This is Krishna’s first attempt at direction, and he has done well. There are some kinks to be ironed out, which is something that can be rectified in his future projects. His role as Adi, who comes in different shades, is done with perfection.

Love Mocktail, which features limited characters, thrives on the actors’ capabilities.  It is a unique role for Milana Nagaraj, and she shows maturity in her acting. Likewise, Armutha Iyengar’s character hints at a negative shade, which she pulls off with ease. A good show from the rest of the artistes too, including Rachna, Abhilash, and Kushi.

Summing up, Love Mocktail makes for a delightful watch. It’s definitely a film for those who enjoy emotions.