LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Remember the formulaic, uncomplicated love stories we used to have in the ’90s? Sunny Deol transports us back to that era with his directorial venture — and launchpad for his son, Karan, and fellow debutante Sahher Bammba.

Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas is sweetly refreshing, with no convoluted twists or subplots. It’s predictable, but believable. Karan Sehgal (Karan Deol) is a mountaineer who runs a trekking camp in Himachal Pradesh. Based in Delhi, Seher Sethi (Sahher Bambba), a famous vblogger, goes on a solo trek with him and a love-hate relationship ensues. Over the course of a week, they face odds together, squabble, and forge a connection.

Their performances elevate the film. Deol comes across as sweet, charming, a genuine good guy. But he’s in practically every frame, yet his dialogue delivery is stilted and they really should have rethought that odd chuckle after every line.

Bambba is urban, glamorous and confident, with great screen presence, if a bit high-pitched in dramatic parts. The pre-interval section is a visual delight. The second half is high on family drama and action. As with his father, Karan can apparently vanquish 10 men singlehandedly. He does the Sunny Deol roar, quite convincingly.

The film’s music is a sureshot winner. Sachet-Parampara and Tanishk Bagchi ensured that there are songs for everyone — a party number, a road trip gaana, a soothing track and Punjabi lyrics. Expect a run-of-themill love story, but one that will make you smile.