Movie Overview
Welcome to the most neutral Love Guru movie review, Love Guru is a Pakistani romantic comedy that has sparked significant buzz for its star-studded cast and its ambition to revive the rom-com genre in Pakistani cinema. Directed by Nadeem Baig and penned by Wasay Chaudhry, the film stars Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan, reuniting on screen for the first time since Bin Roye (2015). Produced by ARY Films and Six Sigma Plus Productions, with a budget estimated at around $1 million, “Love Guru” was released on June 6, 2025, during Eidul Azha. It has been screened in Pakistan, the United States, and multiple other countries, marking a notable moment for Pakistani cinema’s global outreach.
The film gained international attention when its trailer debuted at Times Square in New York, a historic first for a Pakistani film (The Express Tribune).
This Love Guru movie review explores whether the film lives up to its hype, delivering a balanced critique of its strengths and shortcomings. With a runtime of 2 hours and 15 minutes, the film aims to capture the charm of classic ‘90s rom-coms like My Best Friend’s Wedding and Notting Hill, infused with a distinct Pakistani flavor. But does it succeed in balancing entertainment with originality, or does it fall into familiar traps?
Plot Summary
“Love Guru” centers on a self-proclaimed love guru, played by Humayun Saeed, who uses his charm and wit to win hearts. The story takes a turn when he falls for a London-based architect, Sofia Khan (Mahira Khan), who is already promised to another.
A significant twist comes when the father of his love interest, portrayed by Javed Sheikh, entrusts him with a life-changing responsibility, adding emotional weight to the narrative. The plot also introduces a mysterious second hero, whose identity remains undisclosed in the trailer, injecting intrigue into the story (Images, Dawn).
The screenplay follows classic romantic comedy beats, drawing comparisons to Indian films like Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl but with a Pakistani cultural lens. While the story is engaging and relatable, particularly for local audiences, it has been criticized for its predictability and lack of originality.
Some reviews note a slightly lengthy climax and an unnecessary subplot involving Ramsha Khan’s character, which disrupts the film’s rhythm (IMDb). Despite these flaws, the plot’s lighthearted tone and cultural nuances make it a crowd-pleaser for those seeking escapist entertainment.
Performance Breakdown
Humayun Saeed delivers a standout performance as the love guru, anchoring the film with his charisma and impeccable comedic timing. Despite being in his 50s, Saeed retains the charm of a leading man, making his character both endearing and entertaining. Critics praise his ability to balance humor and emotion, with one review noting that his “formidable charisma” makes him a stellar match for Mahira Khan (Dawn). His performance is a testament to his status as one of Pakistan’s biggest superstars, though some argue the industry should explore younger talent (Images, Dawn).
Mahira Khan’s portrayal of Sofia Khan elicits mixed reactions. Many appreciate her natural acting style and the crackling chemistry she shares with Saeed, which is vital for the film’s romantic core. Her aura is likened to that of a Hollywood leading lady, and she excels in uncomplicated, heartfelt scenes (Dawn).
However, some critics feel her character lacks depth, preventing her from showcasing her full acting range. A particularly harsh review describes her as “visibly aged” and “out of place,” though this seems subjective and not universally shared (Rotten Tomatoes).
The supporting cast, including Ramsha Khan, Ahmed Ali Butt, and Javed Sheikh, adds flavor to the film. Javed Sheikh brings gravitas as the father figure, while Ahmed Ali Butt’s comedic moments, especially in the first 15 minutes, evoke memories of Jawani Phir Nahin Aani (Dawn). However, reviews suggest that the supporting characters, particularly Ramsha Khan, are underutilized, with some calling their roles poorly developed or miscast (Rotten Tomatoes). This lack of depth in secondary characters is a recurring critique, limiting the film’s overall impact.
Comedy Analysis
“Love Guru” aims to revive the romantic comedy genre in Pakistani cinema with unpretentious simplicity in its dialogues and situations. The humor is driven by Saeed’s impeccable timing and relatable scenarios rooted in Pakistani culture, such as family dynamics and cultural misunderstandings. The film incorporates cute, innocent, and fast-paced songs like Raat ke hain saaye, avoiding the sultry style of ‘70s Bollywood films, which keeps the comedy light and family-friendly (Dawn).
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Technical Aspects
From a technical standpoint, “Love Guru” shines with impressive production values. Shot in London and Karachi, the film features stunning locations that enhance its visual appeal. The cinematography captures the vibrancy of both cities, providing a rich backdrop for the story. The editing is generally tight, maintaining a brisk pace, though some critics note that the climax feels slightly protracted (IMDb).
The music, crafted by Saad Sultan, Shaani Arshad, Shiraz Uppal, and Jaam Boys, is a highlight, with a year-long effort resulting in soulful and catchy tracks. Songs like Raat ke hain saaye complement the comedic and romantic moments, adding to the film’s lighthearted vibe (Dawn). However, some argue that the music occasionally overshadows weaker comedic elements, compensating for gaps in the screenplay (Filmibeat). Overall, the technical execution reflects the care and passion invested in the project, making it a polished addition to Pakistani cinema.
Final Verdict
“Love Guru” is a mixed bag, offering moments of charm and humor but falling short of greatness due to its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters. Humayun Saeed’s charismatic performance is a standout, carrying the film through its weaker moments, while Mahira Khan’s role, though heartfelt, doesn’t fully showcase her talents. The supporting cast, while talented, feels underutilized, and the humor, though relatable, occasionally lacks freshness.
The film’s ambition to revive the rom-com genre in Pakistani cinema is commendable, and its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and cultural nuances make it a crowd-pleaser for family audiences. However, its reliance on familiar tropes and lack of originality prevent it from being a cinematic milestone. Reviews are polarized: IMDb gives it a solid 7.5/10, reflecting its appeal to many, while Rotten Tomatoes audience scores range from 0.5/5 for those who found it a “complete waste of time” to 5/5 for those who called it “perfect comedy” (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes). A particularly scathing review labels it “bakwas” with “worst performances” and a “boring story,” though this perspective may reflect a bias from a Bollywood-centric outlet (Filmibeat).
Producer Muhammad Jerjees Seja acknowledges that it’s not an all-time great but emphasizes the passion behind its creation, while ARY Films’ Irfan Malik highlights the challenges of international distribution, describing it as requiring “jihad-like” commitment (Dawn). The film’s international press tour and positive reactions from some audiences suggest it could rejuvenate Pakistani cinema, particularly with its release in 15 countries. Yet, criticisms of its lack of originality and reliance on aging stars underscore the industry’s need to innovate and nurture new talent.
Ratings
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 7.5/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | Mixed (0.5/5 to 5/5) |
| Filmibeat | 1/5 |
Recommendation
For fans of romantic comedies and supporters of Pakistani cinema, “Love Guru” is a worthwhile watch, offering enough heart and humor to entertain. However, those seeking innovative storytelling or deeper character development may find it lacking. It’s a step forward for Pakistani film but also a reminder of the work needed to compete on a global stage. Book your tickets at Fandango or check showtimes at Vue Cinemas.
Conclusion
“Love Guru” is a film that tries to charm its way into audiences’ hearts but doesn’t always succeed. Its strengths lie in its polished production, Saeed’s magnetic performance, and its cultural resonance, but its weaknesses—predictability, uneven humor, and underdeveloped characters—hold it back. As a love letter to the rom-com genre, it’s a nostalgic and enjoyable effort, but it also highlights the challenges Pakistani cinema faces in crafting original, globally competitive narratives. Whether you’re a die-hard rom-com fan or a curious cinephile, “Love Guru” offers enough to warrant a viewing, especially to support the industry’s revival.
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