Movie Review: With Love (2026)

With Love (2026) arrives as a gentle, nostalgia-soaked romantic drama that clearly knows its audience—and plays to that strength with confidence. For a debutant, director Madhan shows remarkable clarity in tone and emotion, crafting a film that instantly pulls you back into the awkward, innocent, and sometimes painful world of first love.

Right from the opening, the film leans heavily into nostalgia. School corridors, stolen glances, unsaid feelings, and the quiet heartbreaks we all remember too well—Madhan recreates these moments with sincerity. Yes, some situations feel familiar, and the narrative doesn’t take many risks. The climax, in particular, is quite predictable. But what makes With Love work is not what happens—it’s how it makes you feel. That lingering bittersweet charm stays long after the credits roll.

Abishan, in the lead role, delivers a decent and honest performance. He may not be flashy, but his restrained acting suits the character well, especially during emotional moments where silence speaks louder than words. Anaswara looks lovely on screen and brings her usual grace to the role. However, viewers familiar with her Malayalam films might notice similarities in her performance. Her dubbing carries a strong Malayali-Tamil accent, which slightly breaks immersion at times, though it doesn’t entirely take away from her screen presence.

One of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its beautifully written moments. Several scenes feel deeply personal and relatable, but the ice cream shop sequence deserves special mention. It’s easily one of the most memorable scenes in recent romantic films—simple, emotionally loaded, and brilliantly executed. Kavya Anil absolutely steals the show here. Her dialogue delivery, expressions, and timing elevate the scene to another level, leaving a lasting impact.

Technically, the film keeps things neat and unobtrusive. The music and background score subtly enhance the mood without overpowering the narrative, perfectly complementing the nostalgic theme. The pacing remains steady, allowing emotions to breathe rather than rushing through key moments.

Overall, With Love (2026) is not a groundbreaking love story—but it doesn’t try to be one. Instead, it succeeds as a heartfelt, comforting film that gently takes you back to your school days, first crushes, and unfinished love stories. If you’re in the mood for a warm, reflective watch that values emotion over novelty, With Love is definitely worth your time. 💛