Romancing Sydney Review: A Sweet Attempt!

Romancing Sydney, directed and written by Anmol Mishra, brings together three loosely connected stories of love, longing, and identity—all set against the backdrop of modern Sydney. At the heart of the film are six characters navigating their desires, fears, and truths.

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Elisa, a sweet and spirited young woman, finds herself entangled with Sachin, a soft-spoken dreamer, in a whirlwind romance that begins with a mishap and turns into a case of love at first sight.

Then there’s Zac and Alex, two athletic performers whose chemistry grew through dance and gymnastics—but beneath the surface, one of them begins to question if certainty in love is even possible. And finally, George, a gentle, awkward soul, works at an antique shop run by the fierce and no-nonsense Lilli. But George has a mysterious past—one that threatens to upend the balance of his life and shock everyone around him. Through a series of intertwined stories, the film takes viewers on a journey of emotions, with dance performances serving as both interludes and expressions of inner turmoil.

One of the most charming aspects of Romancing Sydney is how unabashedly it leans into the sensibilities of classic Bollywood. The film cuts suddenly—and often delightfully—into music and dance sequences, just as old-school Hindi films used to. There’s a sort of dreamy spontaneity to these transitions that feels nostalgic, especially for audiences who grew up on that cinematic language. The soundtrack, too, is full of emotion and variety, making the musical pieces feel like an essential part of the storytelling.

Of the three storylines, the one that stood out the most for me was George and Lilli’s. There’s something effortlessly endearing about their dynamic—it’s funny, occasionally outrageous, and full of that sharp, sassy humor we often associate with older characters who no longer care what anyone thinks. George’s secret adds a surprising funny layer. Their interactions bring a welcome dose of levity and character-driven charm to the film.

That being said, Romancing Sydney does show signs of being a modest production. Whether it’s due to limited experience, a tight budget, or basic technical constraints, the film has an undeniably amateurish feel. That’s forgivable to an extent, but what really holds it back is the writing. The romance between Elisa and Sachin—supposedly the emotional core of the movie—feels undercooked.

Their connection isn’t developed with enough weight or clarity, and instead of growing with the characters, we’re expected to accept their bond at face value. Several scenes that felt unnecessary or meandering could have been better used to flesh out their story. As a result, their final arc lands awkwardly, and the ending to their relationship feels rushed and unsatisfying.

Still, Romancing Sydney has its heart in the right place. It’s a sweet attempt at telling love stories through dance and humor. Though flawed, it captures moments of magic that are satisfactory.

‘Romancing Sydney’ Rating – 2.75/5

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