With Love Movie Review: A sweet, breezy romance that stays with you

With Love hits theaters on February 6 with impressive pre-release buzz, and it lives up to the expectations it sets. Featuring Abishan Jeevinth in his debut lead role alongside Anaswara Rajan, the film also introduces Madhan as a director to watch out for. From the very first frame, the film establishes itself as a light hearted, feel good romantic drama that flows effortlessly.

The story follows Sathya (Abishan Jeevinth), who is reluctant about arranged marriages but agrees to a blind date arranged by his sister. He meets Monisha (Anaswara Rajan), and the two soon discover that they once studied in the same school as senior and junior. What begins as a simple coincidence slowly opens up conversations about first love, heartbreak, missed chances, and the emotions we carry from our past into the present.

The first half is super breezy and instantly likeable. With Love firmly wins you over with its consistent humor and warm storytelling. The film moves effortlessly through moments of first love, innocent heartbreaks, and chance encounters, keeping the tone light and engaging. It is this gentle flow and emotional honesty that makes the film so enjoyable early on.

The second half adds emotional depth without losing its charm. The narrative shifts towards acceptance, understanding loved ones, and confronting personal regrets. Emotional moments are handled with restraint and maturity, allowing the film to remain sweet and dignified rather than melodramatic. The coming of age elements blend beautifully with the romance, making the journey feel complete and fulfilling.

Abishan Jeevinth feels completely at home on screen. His performance is natural and unstrained, making his character easy to root for. There is a quiet confidence in his screen presence, one that is rare for a debutant, and it adds credibility to both the romantic and emotional beats of the film.

Anaswara Rajan brings a refreshing perspective, with the portrayal of back bench girls and their emotional world feeling both original and long overdue in Tamil cinema. Bold and expressive, she is completely at ease, with her Tamil dubbing adding to the character’s authenticity. Kavya Anil adds a gentle sweetness, evoking the warm nostalgia of first crushes.

Technically, With Love is polished and aesthetically pleasing. Sean Roldan’s music plays a crucial role in elevating the film, seamlessly enhancing both romantic and emotional moments. Shreyaas Krishna‘s visuals are warm and comforting, complementing the nostalgic tone of the story. The production values are impressive, especially for a film led by newcomers, making the overall experience even more enjoyable.

In the end, With Love emerges as one of the most endearing Tamil films of the year so far. Sweet, light hearted, and refreshingly original, the film beautifully captures first love and how it remains a cherished memory when looked back upon with dignity. It checks all the boxes of a highly entertaining rom-com and coming of age drama, and its relatability ensures that you fall in love with it almost instantly.

With Love Movie Rating: 3.5/5