Doora Theera Yaana Movie Review: Love, Studied—Not Romanticised

Time of India

12-07-2025

The Times of India
Jul 12, 2025, 1:07 PM IST
3.0
By Susmita Sameera
"Doora Theera Yaana," directed by Mansore, delves into the complex evolution of love—how it begins with a sense of freshness, making life feel magical and dreamlike, but gradually shifts into protectiveness and eventually possessiveness, often leading to feelings of control and discomfort. The film thoughtfully questions whether the love that once brought joy and comfort can remain unchanged over time, or if letting go with dignity is sometimes a more honest path than holding on through constant compromise. Far from being a feel-good romantic tale, this film dissects the often-unspoken emotional baggage that accompanies relationships, offering a raw and reflective take on what love can become when idealism fades.
Akash ( Vijay Krishna ) and Bhoomi (Priyanka Kumar) are IT professionals in Bangalore who also share a passion for music and are part of the same band. The story begins with them celebrating five years as a couple and preparing to get engaged. However, soon after their commitment, tensions arise—Bhoomi feels Akash is growing short-tempered, while Akash feels she's become increasingly nagging. Following a heated argument, they decide to take a one-week road trip—a final attempt to understand whether their relationship should continue or end. This marks the beginning of their emotional journey.
Director Mansore highlights subtle incompatibilities: Akash prefers tea, Bhoomi likes coffee; he is spontaneous and thrill-seeking, she prefers structure and planning; she values quiet time together, while he enjoys being around people. Despite frequent clashes, they also show care, making compromises and small gestures to keep each other happy.
Throughout the journey, they encounter various characters who serve as mirrors to their struggles: Arun Sagar as a free-spirited musician, Krishna Hebbale as an innkeeper, Vijay Shobaraj Pavoor as Akash's childhood friend, Sharath Lohithashwa and Sudha Belawadi as a happily divorced couple, and Sruthi Hariharan as Gowri from Nathicharami. Each interaction adds a layer of reflection, challenging their perceptions of love, compatibility, and commitment.
Doora Theera Yaana unfolds at a slow, steady pace that draws you into the emotional journey of its lead characters. While this immersive approach works in many moments, the predictable flow can make the narrative feel stretched. The film excels in its writing—dialogues often feel like genuine relationship advice worth taking home. The emotional conflicts portrayed may resonate more with the younger generation, while older audiences might find them harder to relate to. Some situations, like the lack of basic communication in a five-year-long relationship or overreactions to small triggers in the beginning, feel slightly unconvincing. Though Vijay Krishna and Priyanka Kumar deliver strong individual performances, their lack of strong on-screen chemistry makes it difficult to root for them as a couple.
What truly elevates the film is its atmosphere—stunning visuals of nature, the rhythm of the road trip, and a standout musical score. From the reimagined Ko Ko Kolike Ranga to the title track Doora Theera Yaana, the music is beautifully written and composed, with the background score adding emotional depth throughout. This isn't a typical romantic film—it's a reflective take on love, compatibility, and the quiet strain that can grow in long-term relationships. For those open to a more grounded and introspective love story wrapped in a scenic travel experience, Doora Theera Yaana is definitely worth a watch.