Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Ek Din is a remake of the Thai romcom One Day (2016). The Hindi movie stars Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi as Dinesh and Meera. Is the Hindi remake better than One Day or will it make you want to watch the original later? Read our review of Ek Din to find out.

A story as old as time… or is it?

Have you ever seen that one nerdy guy in your school or office, whose presence is nearly invisible and whose personality is almost forgettable? Even though they are sweet, modest, and kind, they either hang out with their own lot or just enjoy being alone, observing everyone from afar. That’s Dinesh (Junaid Khan) for you in the movie Ek Din. A self-proclaimed ordinary man, Dinesh works in the IT Department at a firm, helping every colleague with maintenance and backend support, working quietly in the background.

While this IT guy has made peace with his ordinariness, he lowkey wishes his office crush, Meera (Sai Pallavi), would at least notice him. Dinesh yearns to spend one day with Meera where she loves him too. But this dream seems impossible as she is in a relationship with their boss, Nakul (Kunal Kapoor). Will the universe do everything to make Meera and Dinesh meet and fall in love with each other? Or will it remain a distant dream for Dinesh?

Ek Din movie review: The romcom that tries very hard to not be cringe

The way Ek Din picks up its pace, it really feels like everything is going to happen in a span of one day, it’s that hurried. But it still keeps you invested in the story. Set mostly in Japan, Ek Din shows an ethereal landscape that elevates the romcom’s mood. The snowy streets, cute cafés, and vibrant kiosks of Japan, featuring interactive miniatures, make the movie’s backdrop stand out.

Directed by Sunil Panday, Ek Din is visually appealing. But it’s the writing that will make it difficult for you to distinguish whether the movie is sweet or straight-up cringe. The lead pair is a bit of a mismatch, not just in the movie but also in real life. And just when you’re convinced the romcom doesn’t appeal to you, Sai Pallavi will make you stay seated.

The South Indian actor makes her Hindi debut in Ek Din, and what a commendable feature! From the moment she enters the screen to her last frame, she makes every shot count. Unlike other South heroines’ Bollywood debuts, Sai Pallavi isn’t subjected to stereotypes. In Ek Din, she is a Tamilian who speaks Hindi well with a slight accent that sounds natural. The actor nails her role as Meera with utmost simplicity that is endearing to watch.

Junaid Khan, a superstar, sacrificed for a mediocre role like Dinesh

Then there’s Junaid Khan, the nepo baby who amazed us with his debut in Maharaj, only to give us an underwhelming Loveyapa. Now with Ek Din, the disappointment is similar, but it’s not with Junaid’s acting. He acts well, but an awkward nerd falling for a smart girl is not his genre, and directors need to realise this. Even though Junaid gives a nice performance in Ek Din, you’ll find yourself constantly wishing there was more to this character. The actor deserves a role where he has a mind of his own, is rebellious or at least confident, and is dealing with complications in life. It’s time the filmmakers stop sleeping on Junaid’s potential and give him the kickass roles he deserves.

Should you really watch Ek Din?

The romcom is a decent one-time watch, thanks to Sai Pallavi’s incredible acting. The movie misses the mark on comedy due to unfunny jokes, but delivers a worthwhile romantic arc. Also, Japan’s picturesque setting won’t really show up fully on your phone or laptop. Nor would it be that soulful to hear Arijit Singh’s song Ek Din on Spotify first. So, it’s better for you to go along with your bae to enjoy some mushy romance on the big screen.

Ek Din is now running in theatres.

Can you watch Ek Din with your family?: Yes, the movie doesn’t portray intimacy or obscene language.

More from All About Eve

Ginny Wedss Sunny 2 Review: Avinash Tiwary And Medha Shankr’s Terrific Chemistry Saves The Weak Plot

Bhooth Bangla Review: The Palace Is The Only Main Character Of Priyadarshan’s Horror Comedy

Matka King Review: High Risks, High Stakes, But Is The 8-Episode Long Show Worth Betting On?

Toaster Movie Review: Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra’s Movie Is A Wild Ride Of Comedy And Chaos

Dacoit Review: Anurag Kashyap, Mrunal Thakur, And Adivi Sesh Shine In This Unpredictable Crime Thriller