Genre: Horror/Suspense
Language: Hindi
Release Date: 2024
Introduction
Love Me (also marketed as Love Me If You Dare) is a 2024 Indian Telugu-language romantic horror thriller directed by Arun Bhimavarapu and produced by Dil Raju Productions. The film stars Ashish Reddy and Vaishnavi Chaitanya.
Plot Overview
Released on 25 May 2024, the film follows Arjun, a daredevil YouTuber, and his friend Pratap, who investigate the mystery of a haunted bungalow. Priya, Pratap’s girlfriend, reveals the story of Divyavathi, a ghost haunting the apartment they were to move into post-marriage. Arjun decides to uncover the truth about Divyavathi.
Investigation and Discovery
Arjun believes Divyavathi is alive and tries to connect with her. Pratap and Priya help him, discovering three missing girls with swapped identities. The mystery unfolds, revealing that Priya, who had assumed different identities due to trauma, was the girl they were searching for.
Priya’s Past and Arjun’s Love
Priya shares her traumatic past and identity changes. She initially created the Divyavathi story to keep Pratap away from the truth but falls in love with Arjun, who accepts her despite never having seen her. Arjun fakes his death to teach Priya to face her trauma.
Conclusion and Twist
Priya learns Arjun was her childhood love who had given her a ribbon box. Arjun reveals himself, having faked his death with Pinky’s help. They unite, but it’s revealed Arjun had once encountered the real ghost of Divyavathi in the apartment.
Production and Release
Filming began in late 2023, with Vaishnavi Chaitanya as the lead actress. The soundtrack was composed by M. M. Keeravani, with the first song released on 30 March 2024. Initially set for 25 April 2024, the release was postponed to 25 May 2024 due to delays.
Reception
Post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video and Aha. Critics gave mixed reviews, citing an overdone screenplay and slow pace. Times Now and 123telugu rated it 2.25 out of 5, while 10TV rated it 2.75 out of 5.
