It’s morning. The alarm has just gone off, waking you up from your short but deep slumber. Not immediately wanting to wake up, you turn to your phone, scrolling away for a good 15 minutes, soaking up all the world’s information for that sweet, sweet hit of morning dopamine.
Is it just a means of us staying connected to the world, or a way to fill the void of loneliness that surrounds us?
Not only is the above question a line of dialogue from the film, but one of the many mysteries the latest Netflix offering Kho Gaye Hum Kahan attempts to answer.
Call it a breath of fresh air or a warm hug, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan is a coming-of-age film set in the digital age, centering on three childhood friends Ahana (Ananya Panday), Imaad (Siddhant Chaturvedi), and Neil (Adarsh Gourav) as they navigate life, their careers, and complex interpersonal dynamics, while coping with their respective worlds they have created on social media.
A honest look at our ennui-ridden, social-media-overdependent generation, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan hits a little too close to home and will undoubtedly resonate with countless viewers. Accurately depicting how we operate on social media, we are showcased many identifiable and relatable online behaviors that we now consider as something “normal” and “run-of-the-mill”.
The trio of Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi and Adarsh Gourav sparkles with chemistry, lending their on-screen camaraderie some fun authenticity. Respectively embodying the themes of emotional insecurity, validation and recognition, the three young actors successfully capture the film’s darker undertones which culminate into satisfying character arcs.
Add to the mix some foot-tapping music, and some sumptuous cinematography, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan is a perfect visual summary of current times. Reminding us of the joy of friendship and the importance of being present, catch this film for some much-needed comfort viewing this holiday season.
Texts of A Pop Culture Buff 