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Sweet Dreams review: A sweet and fun love story that you can vibe with!

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Sakshi Sharma
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Sweet Dreams review

Sweet Dreams is like the Instagram aesthetic brought to life—a film that grows on you and taps into the contrast we live in where chasing picture-perfect moments makes us overlook the beauty of the present!

Dreaming about a better life, especially the one that we yearn to live one day, is a timeless notion. While dreams that fuel our everyday aspirations aren’t a concept we devised today, the modern paradox is that the chase for that ideal life often plays out more on social media than in reality. It leaves us with a lingering sense of dissatisfaction, as if we are missing something only to crave more constantly. This is what is explored in Sweet Dreams—a quirky, magic realism that, despite its initial absurdity, eventually grows on you if you let it!

The story begins in a dream where Kenneth (Amol Parashar) and Dia (Mithila Palkar) are on a cool, flirty date, only to realise that they are complete strangers who have been mysteriously recurring in each other’s dreams. And so their search to find one another in real life kicks off a dreamy journey, taking them through Alibaug trips, bonfires, art studios, garage sales, and more dream encounters. Since it’s a modern-day "destined to meet" story, the language has to be dominated by social media, where stories, posts, and hashtags play a crucial role. Imagine Kenny and Dia’s lives turned upside down, like in the Nolan-esque narrative, where nothing makes sense at first, but everything falls into place if you go along for the ride. 

In all fairness, the idea of meeting your soulmate in a dream seems strange, right? But given how Bollywood has defined our delulu reality where airport chases and rom-com clichés make it feel like falling in love, this doesn’t seem too far-fetched! Yet, how far is it practical to buy this absurd concept today? This is why Victor Mukherjee’s film finds its right cord when it spins realistic optimism on magical realism, blending whimsy with a dose of reality. Kenneth isn’t searching for a dream girl—he’s recovering from heartbreak and seeking friendship with his partner. On the other hand, Dia is looking for something but doesn’t know what she wants. In a way, together, their dream-induced quest becomes a mirror reflecting forgotten realities and self-discovery. No wonder strangers in dreams so carefully constructed feel familiar, as if their dream world holds a version of truth they’ve long overlooked.

Also Read: Sky Force review: Who needs a story when Akshay Kumar’s heroics take center stage?

Every frame of the film is dominated by and reeks of Pinterest. Everything feels meticulously curated - rooms, cars, and studios to clothes resembling a vision broad come to life. Who wouldn’t love to steal some wardrobe and decor ideas! It’s like the film literally bought into the idea of dressing in real life as dream-like visuals, as every place that the characters are in feels like an over-the-top imagined version of reality. This is why, at first, the film might feel too whimsical, with dialogue seemingly pulled straight from Instagram affirmation pages. Until it all starts to blend in, much like the film itself, which slowly creeps up on you, growing more engaging as the absurd premise and quote-worthy dialogues turn into something strangely resonating. 

The 90-minute film is an acquired taste, where the initial scepticism—mirrored by Kenny and Dia’s friends questioning their dream obsession—gradually gives way to hopeful optimism. As the story unfolds, you find yourself invested in their journey, rooting for them to meet, and the film starts to feel more genuine. After all, it just takes one moment to change perspectives, and for me, that was the Alibaug trip where the film started to rope me in! Both Amol Parashar and Mithila Palkar fit seamlessly into their roles. Kenneth, an eco-conscious influencer and recycling artist, has a quiet, introspective demeanour that contrasts with his 100K follower social media presence, and Parashar brings a soulful charm to the role. Dia, still adrift in her career but passionate about music, feels unsure of herself—a role Palkar plays with her signature relatable charm, reminiscent of her Little Things' Kavya.

Sweet Dreams may not be a profound, deep soul, stirring, or groundbreaking film, but it stands out in a sea of confused wannabe rom-coms that often misrepresent or judge today’s youth. It offers a slice of optimism without feeling preachy, and while it may not linger in your mind for long, it’s a pleasant enough experience, perfect for background viewing or cosy evenings. And sometimes, that’s precisely what we need - a film that doesn’t ask for much but leaves you feeling a little lighter.

Sweet Dreams is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar!

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mithila palkar Disney+ Hotstar Amol Prashar Sweet Dreams