Prem Keetanu arrives in cinemas today, October 2, offering a lighter option on a crowded release Friday. The Hindi comedy stars Veer Pahariya and Aparshakti Khurana in a youthful tale set against college life.

Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, the film follows a group of college friends navigating friendship, romance and the unpredictability of growing up. Aafiya Sayed, Rakesh Bedi and Nikhil Vijay round out the cast.

The film releases alongside heavyweights: Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam: The Conclusion, Hollywood’s psychological thriller Verity and Tom Cruise’s dark comedy Digger. Trade watchers say the smaller comedy could ride on word of mouth through the long weekend.

October is packed for Bollywood, with Ayushmann Khurrana’s Udta Teer arriving October 9, followed by Rajkummar Rao’s Prahaar and Yami Gautam’s Nayyi Navelli on October 16. But for today, Prem Keetanu is the pick for viewers in the mood for laughs. It is the only Hindi comedy among the six films releasing today, giving it a clear lane with family audiences. Screenings begin this morning across multiplexes and single screens.