Journey of Love 18+ is a 2023 Indian Malayalam-language comedy-drama romance film directed by Arun D. Jose, who co-wrote the film with Raveesh Nath, based on the story by Rajesh Varikkoli. The film stars Naslen K. Gafoor, Mathew Thomas and Nikhila Vimal. Set in Vadakara in Northern Kerala, the plot centres around Akhil and Athira's love story and the events that lead to their marriage.
Principal photography commenced on 20 January 2023 in Vadakara. The film was released on 7 July 2023 and received mixed reviews from critics.
Athira is the daughter of Raveendran, a political party's local secretary. She is in love with Akhil, a party worker. Athira calls Akhil one day and says she is ready to come with him. Akhil discusses the matter with his close friends, Renju and Pattar. Renju suggests that they should go and meet Rajesh, a tipper driver who eloped and married.
Akhil, Renju, and Pattar go to Rajesh's house and ask for help. Rajesh initially refuses to help them after learning Akhil's relationship is with the local secretary's daughter, but subsequently decides to help them. Rajesh suggests to Akhil and his friends that the wedding should be arranged in a temple in Taliparamba, which will cost some money. On the occasion of a human chain organized by the local political party, a fully charged mobile phone battery is handed over to Athira by Pattar as per Rajesh's instruction. Akhil approaches his mother for money for the wedding, which she arranges through an auction.
A strike led by Athira's elder brother Arjun to the BSNL office turns violent, and the party declares a 24-hour hartal. Akhil and his friends meet Rajesh to talk about the preparations for the wedding, and Rajesh instructs them to make all necessary arrangements as quickly as possible. On the day of the hartal, Akhil and his friends organize the wedding saree, blouse, and thaali. At night, Akhil arrives at Athira's house without anyone knowing and takes her along with Ranju and Pattar, who were waiting outside with a car.
The next day, Akhil and Athira get married at a temple in Taliparamba with Rajesh's help. Akhil's father tells him to stay away for a few days. Rajesh suggests to Akhil and his friends that they should temporarily move to Mookambika for two days. After checking into a hotel, Rajesh receives a call about the death of Athira's grandmother, and everyone decides to go to Athira's house. Raveendran beats Akhil and makes a scene after seeing his eloped daughter with him. Rajesh helps Athira, Akhil, Renju, and Pattar escape. At Akhil's request, Rajesh takes them to Akhil's aunt's house in Kuttiady.
