The youthful romantic entertainer Love OTP, which is both directed and stars Aniish, is scheduled for release on 14 November 2025. Marketed as a lighthearted love triangle set against a sports backdrop, the film seeks to intertwine ambition, romance, and humor. With new talent and a relatable storyline, Love OTP aspires to resonate with Gen-Z viewers. The story revolves around Akshay “Akki” (Aniish), an aspiring cricketer focused on achieving his goals. Intent on steering clear of distractions—particularly romance—his structured life is upended when he meets Sana (Swaroopinii), a possessive yet appealing software engineer, and Nakshatra (Jahnvika Kalakeri), a warm-hearted physiotherapist.
As Akki finds himself torn between two women who develop affection for him, he must navigate emotional complexities while pursuing his cricket aspirations. The plot centers on how Akki manages this dilemma, with influences from his strict father Shankar (Rajeev Kanakala), caring mother Pramodhini, and his friend Varun (Natya Ranga), as well as the families of both female characters. Aniish delivers a strong portrayal of a dedicated athlete caught between ambition and love, excelling in emotionally charged and frustrated scenes. Swaroopinii impresses with her expressive representation of a possessive partner, while Jahnvika Kalakeri adds grace and subtlety. Chetan Gandharva distinguishes himself with his comedic timing, providing levity to the storyline.
Rajeev Kanakala and Pramodhini contribute authenticity as Akki’s parents, alongside solid support from Thulasi and others. Although Aniish presents a conventional plot, he engages the audience with his storytelling. The film flows well, featuring entertaining and humorous scenes that lead to a satisfactory conclusion. Cinematographer Harsha Vardhan K captures the allure of Bengaluru with natural visuals, while Anand Rajavikram’s music and background score enhance critical moments. Editing by Sharath Kumar is adequate, though the second half could benefit from being more concise. The dialogues are effective in lighter moments, and production values are commendable. Love OTP starts off engagingly, with humor and light storytelling in its first half. However, the emotional depth in the latter half slows its pace.
Predictable plot developments, a decrease in narrative speed, and an unresolved climax diminish the film’s overall impact. While the triangular love story is familiar, Aniish entertains in segments, mainly through vibrant scenes and performances. A more creative screenplay and tighter editing could have significantly improved the film. In summary, Love OTP is a partially engaging youthful drama with enjoyable moments but does not fully achieve the status of a memorable romantic film.
