Released on February 28, 2025, Love Under Construction marks JioHotstar’s first foray into Malayalam-language web series, and it’s a charming, if not entirely groundbreaking, debut. Directed by Vishnu G. Raghav (Vaashi), this six-episode romantic comedy-drama stars Neeraj Madhav, Gouri G. Kishan, and Aju Varghese, delivering a breezy tale of love, dreams, and middle-class woes. Billed as a modern mashup of Mithunam and Varavelpu—two Mohanlal classics—it’s a lighthearted exploration of ambition and romance that mostly hits the right notes, even if it doesn’t fully soar.

The plot follows Vinod (Neeraj Madhav), a Dubai-based Malayali with a singular dream: to build a house in Kerala for his aging parents. When he falls for Gouri (Gouri G. Kishan), a spirited young woman with her own aspirations, their whirlwind romance sets the stage for wedding bells—until life throws a wrench in the works. Vinod’s sudden job loss, mounting construction debts, and familial disapproval from both sides turn his dream into a chaotic juggling act. Enter Pappan (Aju Varghese), Vinod’s cousin, whose own romantic subplot adds a delightful twist to the mix. It’s a relatable setup, steeped in the everyday struggles of middle-class India, with a dash of humor to keep things buoyant.

Neeraj Madhav brings a likable earnestness to Vinod, though the role doesn’t stretch his range—he’s solid but not revelatory. Gouri G. Kishan shines as Gouri, infusing her character with quiet strength and charm, though her backstory feels underexplored. The real MVP, however, is Aju Varghese, whose Pappan steals every scene with his impeccable timing and heartfelt evolution from caricature to romantic hero. The supporting cast—Anand Manmadhan as a loudmouth friend, Ann Jameela Saleem as a confident ally, and veterans like Kiran Peethambaran and Saheer Mohammed as disapproving dads—rounds out a lively ensemble that keeps the energy flowing.

Vishnu G. Raghav’s direction is assured, crafting a world that feels authentically Kerala—from the half-built houses and nosy neighbors to the generational clashes over love and tradition. Ajay David Kachappilly’s cinematography captures the lush greenery and cluttered chaos of small-town life, while Gopi Sundar’s score adds a peppy, if slightly generic, backdrop. The dialogue sparkles with wit, especially in the early episodes, balancing sarcasm and sentiment in a way that resonates with anyone who’s navigated family expectations.

Where Love Under Construction falters is in its ambition to blend rom-com fluff with deeper drama. The first four episodes zip by with charm and levity, but the final two lose momentum, bogged down by predictable hurdles and a resolution that feels too tidy. Vinod’s financial and emotional struggles could have packed more punch, but the series opts for comfort over complexity, sidelining potentially richer conflicts. Pappan’s love story, though beautifully understated, feels rushed, and some supporting characters—like Gouri’s mother (Ganga Meera)—are reduced to stereotypes.

Still, there’s an undeniable warmth to Love Under Construction that makes it a cozy watch. It’s not here to reinvent the wheel but to offer a slice of life that’s both funny and familiar—a passive-viewing gem for a lazy weekend. With a tight 30-minute-per-episode runtime, it’s easy to breeze through, leaving you with a smile and a sweet aftertaste, even if it doesn’t linger long in memory. For fans of feel-good fare and Malayalam cinema’s knack for grounded storytelling, it’s a house worth visiting.

Ratings:
Storyline: 3.5/5 – A simple, engaging premise that plays it safe but delivers on relatability.
Performances: 4/5 – Aju Varghese leads a strong cast, with Neeraj and Gouri holding steady.
Direction: 3.5/5 – Vishnu G. Raghav keeps it light and lovely, though it lacks a bold edge.
Cinematography & Music: 4/5 – Visually warm and musically upbeat, it captures the vibe well.
Overall: 3.5/5 – A pleasant, well-crafted rom-com that’s easy to love, if not hard to forget.

Love Under Construction is streaming now on JioHotstar available in Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi. A solid pick for a lighthearted escape.