The Bollywood rom-com season is officially upon us! Today, March 28th, 2026, marks the release of 'Ishq Next Door,' starring the fresh pairing of Anya Sharma and Rohan Kapoor. Early buzz suggests this could be the light-hearted escape audiences are craving after a string of intense action flicks. But will it live up to the hype?

Directed by debutant director, Neha Mehra, and produced by Dharma Productions, 'Ishq Next Door' tells the story of Sia (Anya Sharma), a free-spirited artist who finds herself unexpectedly falling for her reserved and charming neighbour, Vivaan (Rohan Kapoor). The film promises a classic boy-meets-girl story with a modern twist, exploring themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to take a chance on love.

Early Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Reactions

Initial reviews are trickling in, and it seems 'Ishq Next Door' is garnering a mixed response. While many are praising the chemistry between Anya and Rohan, some critics feel the plot is predictable. Renowned critic, Taran Adarsh, gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, stating, "'Ishq Next Door' is a sweet and simple rom-com that's easy on the eyes. Anya and Rohan have crackling chemistry, but the storyline lacks originality." Meanwhile, other critics lauded Neha Mehra's directorial debut, praising her ability to create a visually appealing and emotionally resonant film.

Audience reactions, gathered from cinema halls across Mumbai and Delhi, have been largely positive. Many viewers are appreciating the film's light-hearted tone and relatable characters. “It was such a fun watch! Anya and Rohan are adorable together,” said one moviegoer outside Gaiety Galaxy. Another viewer commented, “The music is amazing, and the dialogues are so witty. Perfect for a weekend watch!”

Box Office Predictions and OTT Release Plans

Trade analysts are predicting a decent opening for 'Ishq Next Door,' estimating a first-day collection of around ₹8-10 crore. Given the positive word-of-mouth, the film is expected to pick up momentum over the weekend. The success of recent rom-coms like 'Dil Dosti Etc. 2' has certainly paved the way. Reportersays that the film's performance in the coming days will be crucial in determining its overall box office fate.

For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes, 'Ishq Next Door' is expected to have its OTT release on Netflix India approximately eight weeks after its theatrical release. This strategy aligns with the current industry trend of maximizing theatrical revenue before making films available on streaming platforms.

Anya Sharma and Rohan Kapoor: The Next Big Thing?

Anya Sharma, known for her roles in critically acclaimed indie films, is making her mainstream Bollywood debut with 'Ishq Next Door.' Rohan Kapoor, on the other hand, has already established himself as a promising young actor with his performances in web series like 'Campus Diaries' on Entertainment News. This film could very well be the turning point in their careers, catapulting them to superstardom. Speaking to News Reporter Live, Anya said, “I’m so excited for everyone to finally see ‘Ishq Next Door.’ It was such a fun experience working with Rohan and Neha, and I hope the audience enjoys the film as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Meanwhile, if you're looking for something else to watch this weekend, consider catching the latest episode of 'India Premier League' on Live Cricket or binge-watching 'Mumbai Mafia: Police Force' on Netflix.