Kriti Sanon and Dhanush’s film in love with you, Released on Netflix On January 23, PhD students across the country laughed and criticized. The controversy centers on the scene where Kriti’s character, Mukti Beniwal, a psychology research scholar at Delhi University, claims to have submitted a 2,200-page thesis, leading many to question the academic accuracy of the film. The film, which originally premiered in theaters on November 28 last year, became a trending topic as research students shared their reactions online, especially on X (formerly Twitter).

PhD students expressed disbelief at the idea of ​​a thesis exceeding 2,000 pages, noting that most academic institutions require much shorter submissions. A scholar sharing his experience commented, “Everything that is said and done in this film in the name of PhD is almost a joke. I laughed out loud in the cinema hall. I was extremely passionate about my research topic, thoroughly liked and enjoyed the entire research process, but writing the thesis was still very difficult – one of the hardest things I have ever done. I wrote every day, every day, for four years to prepare my 385-page PhD thesis. 2,200 pages is just so incredibly ridiculous.”

Social media was flooded with memes and witty comments. One student wrote simply, “As a PhD student, I will never get over this.” Others questioned the film’s grasp of academic standards, with one comment saying, “I would really like to meet this PhD student who writes a 2,200 page thesis! I know movies take cinematic liberties, but LMAO, dude—at least try to seem a little realistic!!”

Mukti Beniwal’s story involves Dhanush choosing Shankar Gurukkal as his research subject, who struggles with behavioral issues. Despite the academic theme, students felt that the storyline failed to portray the real challenges of academic research. One user explained, “Man, as a PhD student, this part creeped me out. (As did the entire movie, TBH.) Even though I’m in science, I could see how ridiculous this all was. Like, WTF was the idea, and how did the committee pass it, so she went on the defense? Don’t they know there are steps for approval?”

The comments section became a place for humorous take on the film’s portrayal of academia. Some pointed out that a thesis of this length would likely be rejected outright, with one user saying, “It will be rejected outright by your guide for being too long.” Another said, “The professor is going to be like, ‘We’ll shorten it — I’m not reading it all,'” highlighting the impossibility of such a comprehensive submission being accepted.

despite criticism from the academic community, in love with you Performed well commercially. Made on a budget of Rs 85 crore, the film reportedly grossed Rs 148.5 crore at the box office.

The screenplay, written by Himanshu Sharma and Neeraj Yadav and directed by Aanand L. Rai, has also come under discussion as part of a broader conversation about how Indian cinema represents student life and research. This debate has led some audiences to consider the gap between cinematic storytelling and the everyday realities faced by research scholars.

in love with you It was promoted as a spiritual sequel to Rai’s 2013 romantic film, RaanjhanaaIn which Sonam Kapoor was with Dhanush.