The 2026 Tamil romantic drama With Love arrives as a gentle breeze of fresh air in a genre often filled with loud, grandiose gestures. Directed by debutant Madhan, this film, released in February 2026, cleverly explores the beautiful chaos of love by connecting past crushes with present-day possibilities. It is a simple, heartwarming story that prioritizes genuine emotions over melodrama, making it a perfect watch for anyone who believes in the magic of first love.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Madhan |
| Producer(s) | Soundarya Rajininchand, Magesh Raj Pasilian, Basilian Nazareth |
| Lead Actor(s) | Abishan Jeevinth, Anaswara Rajan |
| Supporting Cast | Kavya Anil, Harish Kumar, Sacchin Nachiappan |
| Music By | Sean Roldan |
| Cinematography | Shreyaas Krishna |
Story
The story of With Love introduces us to Sathyaseelan, a young man nursing a broken heart and an inherent awkwardness when it comes to romance . Encouraged by his sister, he agrees to a blind date with Monisha, a vibrant and confident woman who is his complete opposite. As the two begin to talk, they discover they were once schoolmates, with Sathya being her senior . This trip down memory lane reveals that both are carrying the weight of unexpressed love from their school days.
Rather than pursuing a conventional relationship with each other, Monisha proposes an unconventional adventure. She suggests they embark on a journey to find their respective first loves—the people they admired from afar years ago—and finally confess their feelings to gain closure . The narrative gently follows this path, exploring themes of nostalgia, regret, and the courage it takes to revisit the past. The emotional tone remains light and hopeful, focusing on the characters’ growth as much as their romantic pursuits.
Review
What makes With Love stand out is its refreshingly honest screenplay. Director Madhan understands that love is not always about grand declarations but often resides in quiet, awkward, and deeply personal moments . The film beautifully balances the innocent, giggly romance of high school with the more mature, complicated emotions of adulthood. It treats the adolescent crushes of its lead characters with respect and dignity, never belittling their feelings even when they seem naive .
The pacing of With Love is deliberately unhurried, allowing the audience to sit with the characters and absorb their vulnerabilities. This approach might test the patience of viewers looking for fast-paced, reel-style romance, but for those who appreciate subtlety, it is deeply rewarding . The film’s originality lies in its premise of two people bonding over their shared mission to fix their pasts, rather than immediately falling for each other. It finds magic in the chaos of love, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected connections lead to the happiest of endings .
Technical Aspects
On a technical level, With Love is a well-crafted film that significantly enhances the viewing experience. The cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna captures the warmth of the characters and the nostalgia of their memories with a soft, inviting color palette. The visuals seamlessly transition between the vibrant energy of school life and the more subdued tones of the present, mirroring the emotional journey of the leads .
The musical score by Sean Roldan is undoubtedly one of the film’s biggest strengths . The songs are foot-tapping and wonderfully encapsulate the confused yet genuine romance at the heart of the story. The background score subtly elevates key emotional moments without overpowering them, adding depth to the narrative. The editing is crisp, ensuring the film remains engaging despite its focus on gentle, character-driven scenes . The overall production quality feels polished, making the romantic drama a soothing and immersive watch.
Performances
The cast delivers performances that are authentic and endearing. Anaswara Rajan, in her first full-fledged Tamil lead role, is the soul of the film . Her portrayal of Monisha is filled with charm and confidence, making her character instantly likable. She brings a sense of agency to her role, ensuring Monisha is not just a love interest but a fully realized individual who drives the story forward . Although her Tamil has a slight Malayalam touch, her expressive performance bridges that gap effortlessly .
Abishan Jeevinth, making his acting debut, is a perfect fit for the role of Sathyaseelan . He excels in the emotional and vulnerable moments, portraying the character’s insecurities and innocence with remarkable sincerity . While some of his comedic expressions rely a bit too much on shrieks, he grows on you as the film progresses, proving he has a strong future in front of the camera . The supporting cast, especially Kavya Anil as Sathya’s school crush Anisha, leaves a strong impression with a dignified performance that adds authenticity to the flashback portions .
OTT Release
For those who prefer to watch movies at home, With Love has secured a prominent digital partner. The OTT streaming rights for the film were acquired by Netflix . Following its successful theatrical run, which began on February 6, 2026, the movie is expected to begin streaming on the platform approximately four to six weeks later, likely around mid-March 2026 . It is anticipated to be available in multiple languages with subtitles.
Rating
3.5 out of 5 stars
This rating is justified because With Love succeeds exactly where it needs to. It is a sincere, feel-good romantic drama powered by convincing performances and a respectful treatment of its subject. While the plot has a few convenient turns in its second half, the film’s warmth, charming leads, and excellent music more than make up for it, offering a comforting and enjoyable cinematic experience .
Conclusion
In a sea of formulaic love stories, With Love stands out for its simplicity and sincerity. It is a gentle reminder that love is often found in the most unexpected places, sometimes even while searching for someone else. This film is a delightful and heartwarming watch for every hopeless romantic.