Ek Din, starring Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan, sets out to be a tender, one-day love story built on longing, chance, and emotional vulnerability. But despite its heartfelt intentions and visually soothing tone, critics have largely found the film struggling to balance emotion with credibility.
The story follows Dinesh, an introverted office worker who has quietly admired his colleague Meera from afar for years. During a company trip to Japan, an accident leaves Meera with a peculiar form of temporary amnesia — she can only retain memories for a single day, and will forget everything that happens within that day once it ends. Seizing what he believes is his only chance, Dinesh pretends to be her boyfriend and spends one full day with her, creating a fragile connection built on borrowed time and concealed truth. What follows is a familiar emotional arc of love, guilt, and inevitable heartbreak — a premise that asks the audience to “feel” more than “question.”
This idea of emotion-over-logic lies at the core of the film — and also at the center of its criticism. Rahul Desai points out that Ek Din belongs to a genre where “don’t think, just feel” storytelling dominates, but adds that the film fails to earn that emotional leap. He describes it as “a lanky and awkward love story” that lacks personality, noting that when the narrative doesn’t fully convince, the same emotional beats start to feel uncomfortable rather than moving.
Desai also raises one of the most important criticisms of the film — the shifting perception of its central character. What is meant to be seen as innocent longing can easily come across as unsettling obsession. Dinesh’s constant observation of Meera, his decision to lie about their relationship, and his awkward emotional expression make the character feel, at times, less like a romantic underdog and more like someone difficult to root for. This thin line between charm and discomfort becomes one of the film’s biggest weaknesses.
Across other publications, the response remains equally divided. Rajiv Vijayakar of Koimoi calls it “a near-perfect love story that stays with you long after it ends,” appreciating its emotional sincerity. Gayatri Nirmal of Pinkvilla notes that the film “catches pulse in the second half,” suggesting that it eventually finds its rhythm.
But the criticism quickly outweighs the praise. Titas Chowdhury of News18 describes the film as “simplistic” and says it underserves Sai Pallavi while leaving Junaid Khan stuck in a flat role. Rishabh Suri of Hindustan Times calls it “a one-time watch” that falls short of emotional impact, reinforcing the idea that the film never fully builds on its premise.
The lack of spark is a recurring complaint. Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express bluntly states that the film has “no zing,” while Nandini Ramnath of Scroll.in remarks that “even the luminous Sai Pallavi can’t rescue” what she calls a dull and gimmicky film.
Some critics go further in describing the experience. Grinnell Jacinto of Bollywood Bubble compares it to “a cold, under-flavoured ramen on a snowy night,” a fitting image for a film that looks warm but feels emotionally undercooked. Meanwhile, Subhash K. Jha of The Statesman offers a softer take, suggesting that while flawed, the film still carries a poetic charm through its setting and lead performance.
One area where critics do find common ground is the performance of Sai Pallavi. Even in negative reviews, she is consistently highlighted as the film’s strongest element — bringing sincerity and emotional depth to a character that often feels underwritten. Her ability to humanize the film’s most implausible moments is widely acknowledged.
In contrast, Junaid Khan’s performance has received a more mixed response. Critics frequently point out that his portrayal lacks nuance, with some even suggesting that his interpretation of introversion feels exaggerated or awkward, further weakening the film’s emotional core.
Ultimately, Ek Din becomes a film of contrasts. It has a strong emotional idea but a weak narrative execution. It looks beautiful but feels hollow. It wants to be a sweeping romantic experience, but often ends up feeling repetitive and predictable.
The result is a film that may appeal to viewers who enjoy slow, sentimental love stories, but struggles to leave a lasting impression beyond its surface. As many critics suggest, the film asks the audience to feel deeply — but doesn’t always give them enough reason to do so.
Film Info:
Film: Ek Din
Cast: Sai Pallavi, Junaid Khan, Kunal Kapoor
Director: Sunil Pandey
Writers: Sneha Desai, Spandan Mishra
Genre: Romantic Drama
Language: Hindi
Release Date: 1 May 2026
Based On: Thai film One Day (2016)
Critical Reception: Mixed to Negative
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