Released on Eid-ul-Azha, June 7, 2025, Love Guru has emerged on the box office as a landmark achievement for Pakistani cinema. Directed by Nadeem Baig and written by Vasay Chaudhry, this romantic comedy stars the dynamic duo of Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, whose on-screen chemistry has captivated audiences worldwide. Here you can check out the full cast of Love Guru.
Produced by ARY Films and Six Sigma Plus, with a budget exceeding PKR 25 crore, the film has not only shattered box office records but also rekindled hope for the revival of Pakistani rom-coms. This article delves into the film’s unprecedented box office success, global collections, audience reception, critical reviews, and the standout performances of its lead actors.
Box Office Success in Pakistan
Love Guru has redefined box office benchmarks in Pakistan, achieving the biggest opening weekend for any Eid release in the country’s history. In its first week, the film grossed an impressive PKR 23.7 crore, with PKR 12.8 crore earned during the opening weekend alone, surpassing the previous record set by The Legend of Maula Jatt (PKR 11.8 crore).
By the ninth day of its release, the film had amassed PKR 29.2 crore domestically, with a single-day high of PKR 5 crore on day three. Packed houses, even for midnight screenings at venues like Nueplex, underscore the film’s massive appeal, with reports of sold-out shows across Lahore and Karachi.
This performance signals a strong appetite for quality Pakistani content, particularly during festive periods like Eid-ul-Azha.
Global Box Office Performance
Internationally, Love Guru has performed exceptionally, contributing to a worldwide gross of PKR 55.3 crore in just nine days. Overseas earnings reached PKR 26.1 crore, with key markets like the United Kingdom (PKR 4.98 crore), North America (PKR 4.73 crore), UAE (PKR 2.7 crore), and Australia (PKR 0.58 crore) driving significant revenue.
The film’s global success is attributed to strategic marketing targeting diaspora communities in the UK and US, resulting in sold-out shows in major cities like Toronto and London.
This international triumph marks Love Guru as the first Pakistani film in three years to achieve such a robust overseas opening since The Legend of Maula Jatt in 2022, cementing its status as a global phenomenon.
Audience Response and Reviews
The public response to Love Guru has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans flocking to social media to praise its humor, music, and the electrifying chemistry between Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed.
Viewers have described the film as a “complete family entertainer,” highlighting its laugh-out-loud comedy, vibrant visuals, and catchy soundtrack, with songs like Sada Ashna, Aa Tenu, and Toot Gaya becoming instant hits. Many have lauded the film for its Pakistani cultural nuances, witty Pashto and Punjabi dialogues, and its ability to deliver a feel-good experience.
Comments such as “Mahira was phenomenal!” and “This movie deserves to hit the 100 crore mark!” reflect the enthusiasm, with some fans even comparing it favorably to Bollywood rom-coms.
However, some viewers criticized the predictable storyline, noting that the trailer revealed much of the plot, reducing surprises. Despite this, the film’s ability to keep audiences engaged with its humor and heart has ensured repeat viewership and packed theaters.
Critical Reception
Critics have offered mixed but largely positive reviews, with praise centered on the film’s execution, lead performances, and visual appeal. Directed by Nadeem Baig, Love Guru has been hailed as a “mature leap for Pakistani rom-coms,” with reviewers commending Baig for crafting a theatrical experience in an era dominated by OTT platforms.
The film’s vibrant cinematography by Suleman Razzaq and Vasay Chaudhry’s sharp, culturally resonant dialogue have been highlighted as strengths, with comparisons to Western rom-coms like Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridgerton. Mahira Khan’s portrayal of Sofia, a stylish architect, has been described as “magnetic” and “flawless,” with her restrained emotional depth earning particular acclaim.
Humayun Saeed’s charismatic performance as Adil, the heartbreaker-for-hire, has been praised for its comic timing and emotional nuance, though some critics noted his casting as a romantic lead at his age sparked debate.
However, detractors have pointed out flaws, including a “clichéd” and “predictable” storyline that lacks originality, with some calling the screenplay “forgettable” and the music, particularly the remake of Aa, a “lazy choice.”
One harsh review labeled the film “bakwas” with “boring” storytelling and gave it a mere 1/5 rating, though this view is an outlier. Despite these criticisms, the consensus is that Love Guru delivers as an entertaining Eid release, with its flaws overshadowed by its charm and cultural significance.
Acting of Lead Characters
Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed are the heart of Love Guru, their chemistry reigniting the magic of their previous collaboration in Bin Roye (2015). Mahira’s Sofia is a standout, with critics noting her “grace, charm, and innocence” as she navigates love and family expectations.
Her styling by Vardah Aziz enhances her screen presence, making her the “undisputed queen of Pakistani cinema.” Humayun Saeed’s Adil is a charismatic blend of humor and heart, with his “mischievous twinkle” and “deadpan humor” stealing scenes.
Critics have praised his ability to embody the role of a matchmaker-turned-saboteur, though some viewers felt his age and appearance slightly mismatched the romantic lead archetype.
Supporting actors, including Javed Sheikh as Khan Sahab, Ahmed Ali Butt as Sofia’s fiancé, and Marina Khan, add comedic and emotional depth, with Butt’s “lovable” performance earning special mention.
Cultural and Industry Impact
Love Guru is more than a box office success; it’s a cultural milestone for Pakistani cinema. Its record-breaking performance has surpassed The Legend of Maula Jatt, signaling a resurgence of the rom-com genre and the industry’s potential to compete globally.
The film’s producers, including Humayun Saeed and Jerjees Seja, have emphasized its role in inspiring other filmmakers to take risks, with ARY Films planning a slate of new projects to sustain this momentum.
The film’s success in diaspora markets highlights the growing global appetite for Pakistani stories, with Mahira Khan’s ambition for the film to cross PKR 100 crore reflecting its aspirational impact. Despite some criticism regarding the lead actors’ age, the film’s ability to resonate with diverse audiences underscores its universal appeal.
Conclusion
Love Guru has cemented its place as a trailblazer in Pakistani cinema, blending romance, humor, and cultural flair to deliver a box office juggernaut. With PKR 29.2 crore in Pakistan and PKR 55.3 crore worldwide in just nine days, it has outshone previous benchmarks and set a new standard for Eid releases.
While the storyline’s familiarity drew some criticism, the film’s vibrant performances, sharp direction, and infectious energy have won over audiences and critics alike. Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed’s magnetic chemistry, supported by a talented ensemble and Nadeem Baig’s vision, has made Love Guru a celebration of Pakistani storytelling.
As it continues its theatrical run, the film stands as a testament to the industry’s potential to shine on the global stage, inspiring hope for a new era of cinematic excellence.
Nikhil Sharma is a seasoned news editor at TheDailyNewsTimes.com, based in India. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in political, entertainment and cultural journalism. His editorial leadership delivers balanced, impactful content for a global audience. Nikhil’s dedication to truth has earned him widespread respect in the industry.
