Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, released on February 9, 2024, is a sci-fi romantic comedy that tries to mix a quirky premise with Bollywood’s usual flair, landing somewhere in the middle of the road. Shahid Kapoor plays Aryan, a robotics engineer who falls for SIFRA (Kriti Sanon), a super-intelligent robot designed by his aunt (Dimple Kapadia), only to grapple with the absurdity of their “impossible love story.” It’s an ambitious swing—human meets machine in a rom-com wrapper—but the execution is just okay, delivering a film that’s watchable yet forgettable.

Shahid Kapoor brings his reliable charm to Aryan, playing the goofy, lovestruck guy with enough energy to keep things moving. He’s got some funny lines and a breezy vibe that works in the lighter moments, though the role doesn’t stretch him much beyond his comfort zone. Kriti Sanon, as SIFRA, is the standout—she nails the robotic quirks, from stiff gestures to a flat “theek hai,” and looks stunning doing it. Her performance adds a spark to an otherwise predictable arc, even if the script doesn’t fully capitalize on her potential. The supporting cast—Dharmendra as the quirky grandpa, Dimple Kapadia as the aloof scientist—adds some flavor, but they’re more window dressing than substance.

The concept is the film’s hook: a man falling for a robot could’ve been a fresh twist on Bollywood romance. The first half leans into this, with cute meet-cutes and a playful vibe that’s easy to enjoy. The visuals—glossy LA beaches, vibrant Mumbai homes—are polished, and the soundtrack, with catchy tracks like “Laal Peeli Akhiyaan” and “Akhiyaan Gulaab,” keeps the mood upbeat. But the screenplay, by Joshi and Sah, loses steam fast. The second half pivots to tired family drama and wedding tropes, diluting the sci-fi angle into something that feels like every other Bollywood flick. At 141 minutes, it’s not a slog, but it overstays its welcome with subplots that go nowhere—like a rushed climax that tries to tie up loose ends but feels abrupt.

There’s some fun to be had—SIFRA’s robotic antics in a human household get a few chuckles, and the leads’ chemistry is decent enough. But the film never digs into its own ideas. Is it about love transcending boundaries? The ethics of AI? It hints at both, then shrugs and moves on. The direction is competent, the production slick, but it’s all surface-level gloss without much depth or punch.

Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is an average affair—neither a disaster nor a must-see. It’s got moments that entertain, a solid cast doing their thing, and a premise that sounds cool on paper, but it doesn’t stick the landing. I’d give it a 2.5 out of 5 stars—fine for a lazy weekend watch if you’re in the mood for something light and undemanding, but don’t expect it to linger in your thoughts. It’s just there, doing its job, and that’s about it.