The Titans Unite for Arjun Janya's Ambitious Directorial Debut In a year already brimming with exciting Kannada cinema, one film stands poised to make waves not just regionally but across the entire Indian film landscape. "45" is an upcoming Kannada-language action fantasy film directed by Arjun Janya in his directorial debut and produced by Ramesh Reddy under the Suraj Productions banner, bringing together some of the most celebrated names in South Indian cinema. Star Power That Commands Attention The film's greatest strength lies in its powerhouse ensemble cast. It stars Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, Raj B. Shetty, Jisshu Sengupta and Kaustubha Mani in lead roles. This combination represents multiple generations of Kannada cinema excellence, with Shiva Rajkumar's commanding screen presence, Upendra's versatile acting prowess, and the rising star Raj B. Shetty, who has been making significant waves in contemporary Indian cinema. The collaboration is particularl...
The romantic comedy genre is about to get a deliciously twisted shake-up with "Oh, Hi!", the highly anticipated sophomore feature from director Sophie Brooks. Set to hit theaters on July 25, 2025, this subversive rom-com promises to challenge everything we think we know about modern dating and relationship expectations.
The Setup That Goes Sideways
"Oh, Hi!" centers on Iris (Molly Gordon) and Isaac (Logan Lerman), a new couple embarking on their first romantic weekend getaway together. What starts as a picture-perfect romantic retreat to upstate New York quickly spirals into something far more complex and darkly comedic than either character—or the audience—bargained for.
The film explores what happens when a couple reaches a fundamental misunderstanding about their relationship status during what should be an intimate moment, with the situation escalating in ways that blur the lines between comedy and psychological thriller. Early reviews have drawn comparisons to Stephen King's "Misery," suggesting this isn't your typical feel-good romance.
A Stellar Cast Bringing Complex Characters to Life
Molly Gordon, known for her scene-stealing performances in "Booksmart" and "The Bear," takes center stage as Iris. Gordon also co-wrote the screenplay alongside director Sophie Brooks, bringing both her acting talent and writing sensibilities to create a character that's both relatable and unpredictable.
Logan Lerman, the former Percy Jackson star who has matured into nuanced roles in films like "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "Fury," plays Isaac. Early reviews praise the "electric chemistry" between Gordon and Lerman, with critics noting how their performances anchor the film's tonal shifts between romantic comedy and darker territory.
The supporting cast includes Geraldine Viswanathan ("Blockers," "Bad Education") and John Reynolds ("Search Party"), rounding out what appears to be a perfectly calibrated ensemble for this genre-bending story.
Director Sophie Brooks' Bold Vision
Sophie Brooks, whose previous film "You Me Everything" showcased her ability to navigate complex emotional terrain, returns with a project that pushes boundaries even further. The film is described as a "clever and charmingly odd dark comedy" that examines "the highs and lows of modern dating and the ways it makes us all a little crazy".
Brooks appears to be tapping into something particularly relevant about contemporary relationships and the often unspoken expectations that can derail even the most promising connections. The film's exploration of modern "situationships" and dating culture feels perfectly timed for 2025 audiences.
Festival Circuit Success and Critical Buzz
"Oh, Hi!" premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it generated significant buzz for its unique approach to the romantic comedy formula. The film currently holds a 67% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 27 critics' reviews, suggesting a generally positive reception despite—or perhaps because of—its unconventional approach.
Sony Pictures Classics acquired distribution rights, a strong indicator of the film's quality and commercial potential. The studio has a track record of handling films that balance artistic merit with audience appeal, making them an ideal home for Brooks' boundary-pushing comedy.
What Makes "Oh, Hi!" Stand Out
In an era where romantic comedies often feel formulaic, "Oh, Hi!" appears to offer something genuinely fresh. The film "mine's the scenario to explore the perhaps assymetrical expectations in the modern dating landscape", suggesting a deeper examination of how men and women might approach relationships differently in today's complex dating world.
The film's willingness to venture into darker territory while maintaining its comedic core could make it a standout entry in the romantic comedy canon. Early reviews suggest it successfully walks the tightrope between humor and genuine psychological complexity.
Summer Counter-Programming
Releasing on July 25, 2025, "Oh, Hi!" will face competition from big-budget spectacles like "Fantastic Four: The First Steps", but this could work in the film's favor. Audiences looking for something more intimate and character-driven may find exactly what they're seeking in Brooks' twisted take on romance.
The limited theatrical release strategy suggests Sony Pictures Classics is positioning this as a prestige film that will likely expand based on word-of-mouth and critical reception—a smart approach for a film that defies easy categorization.
Final Thoughts
"Oh, Hi!" represents the kind of bold filmmaking that keeps the romantic comedy genre vital and surprising. With its stellar cast, innovative approach to familiar material, and a director willing to take risks, this film has all the ingredients to become a talking point of the summer movie season.
For audiences tired of predictable rom-coms, "Oh, Hi!" promises to deliver something that will linger long after the credits roll. Mark your calendars for July 25—this is one romantic getaway you won't want to miss.
"Oh, Hi!" opens in limited theaters on July 25, 2025, distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.
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