The characters are the film’s greatest strength. Ayushmann Khurrana’s portrayal of Prem is nuanced and sympathetic. He is neither a flawless hero nor a caricature; his insecurity is palpable, rooted in social expectations and self-doubt. Bhumi Pednekar, in her debut role as Sandhya, delivers a remarkable performance: confident yet vulnerable, proud yet yearning for acceptance. Their chemistry is grounded in reality — often clumsy, sometimes strained, but gradually warm and sincere. The supporting cast, including Pankaj Tripathi as the stoic-hearted friend and Sanjay Mishra in a memorable cameo, adds texture without overshadowing the central couple.