In the fast-paced world of digital cinema, a trailer is meant to be a tantalizing invitation. However, for Aamir Khan Productions’ upcoming venture “Ek Din,” the release of its second trailer has instead opened a floodgate of skepticism and disappointment. Scheduled for a theatrical release on May 1st, 2026, the film marks a significant milestone as the debut of Junaid Khan, son of Bollywood veteran Aamir Khan, alongside the immensely popular Sai Pallavi. Yet, the conversation surrounding the film has shifted from “anticipation” to “accusation.”
The Remake Dilemma: An Uncanny Resemblance?
The primary bone of contention for the online audience is the film’s narrative DNA. Almost immediately after the trailer’s debut, social media sleuths pointed out that the plot appears to be a beat-for-beat adaptation of the 2016 Thai romantic drama, One Day (Fanday).
The trailer introduces us to an IT professional (Junaid Khan) who is largely “invisible” to his office crush, Meera (Sai Pallavi). During an office trip to Japan, Meera suffers from Transient Global Amnesia (TGA), a condition where she loses her memory for exactly 24 hours. Seizing this window, the protagonist lies to her, claiming to be her boyfriend. While the production house has marketed this as a story where “a day changed everything,” viewers have slammed it as a “rip-off” of international classics. One user noted, “Amir Khan always tries to ruin Hollywood/International classics,” while others compared it to 50 First Dates and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The “Full Movie in Two Minutes” Critique
Another significant grievance voiced by fans involves the editing of the trailer itself. In an era where “spoiler culture” is a sensitive topic, commenters on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) have criticized the production for revealing too much.
“They didn’t even think to rearrange scenes… they put the whole story from start to end,” complained one viewer. The trailer seemingly tracks the entire emotional arc: from the chance meeting and the medical diagnosis to the deception and the inevitable confrontation when the truth comes out. This “linear storytelling” in promotional material has led many to claim they “don’t need to go to the theaters” anymore because they’ve essentially seen the entire film in 174 seconds.
Nepotism and the “Hero” Archetype
The debut of Junaid Khan has inevitably reignited the “nepotism” debate. Despite being the son of one of India’s most meticulous actors, Junaid’s casting has met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate the “average Joe” look required for the character of a tech geek, others were less kind, stating, “Ye kahi se bhi hero actor nahi lag raha” (He doesn’t look like a hero from any angle). The critique extends to the perceived lack of chemistry between the leads, with audiences questioning if even the “powerhouse performer” Sai Pallavi can save a script that many deem “problematic” and “incel-coded” due to the protagonist’s deceptive tactics.
Sai Pallavi: The Saving Grace?
If there is a silver lining, it is undoubtedly Sai Pallavi. Making her highly anticipated Bollywood debut, the actress’s charm and acting prowess are visible even in the brief snippets. Fans have lauded her “looks” and “sweetness,” though some playfully poked fun at her recurring roles involving memory loss, referencing her previous work.
As the countdown to May 1st begins, Aamir Khan Productions finds itself in a precarious position. Will the emotional depth of the performances overcome the “remake” stigma, or will “Ek Din” be remembered only as a missed opportunity? For now, the internet has delivered its verdict: “Not one original thought.”