Rating – *** (3/5)
Cast: Ritvik Sahore, Gayatri Bhardwaj, Anshuman Malhotra, Rohan Khurana, Himika Bose & more
Directed by: Sahir Raza
Highway Love Season 2 brings Kartik and Inaaya’s evolving love story into new, more mature territory, following their struggles in a long-distance relationship. The show takes a deeper look at how romantic bonds are tested by distance, communication gaps, and life choices. While the first season focused on the lighthearted beginnings of their romance, this season delves into the complexities that arise when two people try to maintain love across time zones and different expectations.
The season begins by showing how Kartik and Inaaya have been trying to navigate their relationship despite being miles apart. Kartik, now living in Barcelona, and Inaaya, still in India, face the inevitable issues of long-distance love. What starts as a slow-paced narrative, reflecting the gradual disintegration of their connection, sets the tone for the central theme of the season: the emotional toll that distance can take on a relationship.
One of the strengths of the show is its portrayal of real-life struggles in modern relationships. Kartik and Inaaya, despite their feelings for each other, start to grow apart. The show realistically captures how such relationships can slowly lose their spark, with both characters drifting into their own lives. This shift is subtle but effective, as it reflects the natural evolution of a couple dealing with the strain of being apart.
However, the slow pacing of the first half may not appeal to all viewers. While the gradual unraveling of Kartik and Inaaya’s relationship feels authentic, it sometimes drags the plot, leaving the audience craving more movement. The early episodes could have benefited from tighter storytelling or moments that introduced more tension earlier on, rather than waiting for the inevitable drama in the later episodes.
The turning point in the series comes when Kartik unexpectedly returns to India just as Inaaya plans to move to Barcelona to be with him. This back-and-forth movement adds an element of unpredictability, but it also feels a bit contrived. It’s one of several moments in the season where the story leans into romantic drama clichés. The timing of their plans to reunite feels too conveniently tragic, and the resulting miscommunications between them—highlighted by their separate infidelities—introduce familiar, overused tropes in romantic storytelling. Both characters kiss other people in moments of vulnerability, leading to heightened drama when these indiscretions come to light.
While the storyline of betrayal is familiar, the emotional fallout is handled with nuance. Instead of giving viewers a dramatic confrontation or a tear-filled breakup, the show opts for a more restrained approach. Kartik and Inaaya, rather than imploding, begin to question whether they are truly meant for each other. This subtle approach to conflict is a refreshing departure from the loud, over-the-top reactions often seen in other romantic dramas. Their eventual decision to leave things open-ended rather than forcing a conclusion feels authentic to their journey and the uncertainties of love in real life.
The performances of the lead actors carry much of the weight of the show. Both Kartik (Ritvik Sahore) and Inaaya (Gayatri Bharadwaj) are portrayed with a sense of realism that makes them relatable. The chemistry between them feels genuine, even as their relationship starts to unravel. The supporting cast also adds depth and while it often feels like they are only there to further the central couple’s storyline, they provide apt aid and stand their own.
One of the downsides of the season is its reliance on predictable plot points. The “miscommunication trope,” where both characters make assumptions about the other’s actions without having an honest conversation, feels a bit tired. This is especially evident when their respective kisses with other people are revealed. These moments of mistrust and anger are handled in a way that has been done in countless other romantic dramas, reducing some of the impact they could have had if the writers had taken a more original approach.
Overall, Highway Love Season 2 delivers a decent exploration of long-distance relationships, with all their highs and lows. It’s a more mature and realistic take on love than the first season, though it suffers from occasional pacing issues and reliance on familiar romantic drama clichés. The open-ended conclusion might frustrate some viewers who prefer a more definitive ending, but it also leaves room for further development of Kartik and Inaaya’s story. While not without its flaws, the show remains engaging due to its grounded characters and its willingness to explore the messy, imperfect side of love.