“Love Me If You Dare” (2024) is a Telugu-language romantic horror thriller directed by Arun Bhimavarapu and produced by Dil Raju Productions. The film stars Ashish Reddy as Arjun, a daring YouTuber who investigates unsolved mysteries, and Vaishnavi Chaitanya as Priya, a woman with a mysterious past. The story intertwines romance, mystery, and supernatural elements, creating a unique cinematic experience.
The plot revolves around Arjun, who becomes fascinated by the legend of Divyavathi, a ghost haunting an abandoned apartment. Despite warnings, Arjun ventures into the apartment, convinced that Divyavathi is alive. His journey uncovers a web of tragic events, including the disappearances and deaths of several women, all linked to Divyavathi’s past. As Arjun delves deeper, he discovers that Priya, his love interest, has been assuming multiple identities to escape her traumatic past. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Arjun learns that Priya was the girl he had loved since childhood, and his actions were driven by this deep connection.
The film explores themes of love, trauma, and acceptance, with Arjun encouraging Priya to confront her past rather than escape it. The climax reveals a twist: Arjun fakes his death to help Priya overcome her fears, and they reunite, only to discover that the real Divyavathi’s ghost still lingers in the apartment.
Critics have praised the film’s innovative premise and performances, particularly Vaishnavi Chaitanya’s emotional depth. However, the screenplay and pacing have been criticized for being convoluted and lacking clarity. Despite mixed reviews, the film stands out for its bold attempt to blend romance with horror and mystery, supported by M. M. Keeravani’s evocative music and P. C. Sreeram’s striking cinematography.
Overall, “Love Me If You Dare” is a daring experiment in Telugu cinema, offering a mix of emotions and genres, though its execution leaves room for improvement.