Is 'Ishq Express' Bollywood's Next Big Rom-Com Hit?

All aboard the hype train! Bollywood's latest romantic comedy, 'Ishq Express,' starring the fresh pairing of Alia Bhatt and Rohan Mehra, has officially hit the screens today, March 25, 2026. Early buzz suggests this could be the rom-com of the year, with fans already flooding social media with their reactions. Will 'Ishq Express' deliver the laughs and the love? Let's dive in!

Directed by debutante Anya Sharma and produced by Dharma Productions, 'Ishq Express' tells the story of two strangers, Aisha (Alia Bhatt), a free-spirited travel blogger, and Rohan (Rohan Mehra), a reserved software engineer, who find themselves on a cross-country train journey. Their initial animosity slowly blossoms into something more as they navigate unexpected detours and hilarious mishaps. The supporting cast includes veteran actors Paresh Rawal and Neena Gupta, adding layers of comedic brilliance to the already promising storyline.

'Ishq Express' First Reactions: Is it Worth the Ticket?

The initial reviews are pouring in, and so far, 'Ishq Express' seems to be chugging along smoothly. Critics are praising Alia Bhatt and Rohan Mehra's on-screen chemistry, with many calling it a refreshing take on the classic 'opposites attract' trope. "Alia and Rohan bring a youthful energy to the film that's truly captivating. Their banter is witty, and their emotional connection feels genuine," says film critic Taran Adarsh on Twitter. He gave the film a solid 3.5 stars.

Audience reactions are equally enthusiastic. Social media is buzzing with comments like "Just watched #IshqExpress! Alia and Rohan are amazing together! Go watch it!" and "Laugh riot! Paresh Rawal and Neena Gupta are hilarious as always!" However, some viewers have noted that the second half of the film feels slightly rushed, with a few plot points feeling underdeveloped. The music, composed by Pritam, is already climbing the charts, with the title track becoming an instant earworm.

Box Office Predictions and OTT Release Plans

Industry analysts are predicting a strong opening weekend for 'Ishq Express,' estimating a domestic box office collection of around ₹15-₹18 crore. With no major releases this week, the film has a clear runway to dominate the box office. Talking to News Reporter Live, trade analyst Komal Nahta reportersays, "'Ishq Express' has all the ingredients of a blockbuster rom-com – a fresh pairing, a relatable storyline, and the Dharma Productions stamp. It’s poised to be a major success."

For those who prefer to enjoy their Bollywood flicks from the comfort of their homes, 'Ishq Express' is expected to have its OTT release on Amazon Prime Video approximately 8 weeks after its theatrical release. So, mark your calendars for a cozy movie night in May!

What to Watch Next: Bollywood's Rom-Com Renaissance

If 'Ishq Express' leaves you craving more lighthearted entertainment, you might want to check out 'Dil Dosti Etc 2.0', a campus romance currently streaming on Entertainment News Netflix India. Alternatively, for a dose of action and drama, 'Mission Tiger,' starring John Abraham, is available on Disney+ Hotstar. Bollywood seems to be on a roll with delivering diverse content, catering to every taste. You can also check out our Movies & Reviews section for the latest updates.