Daawat-e-Ishq

The way to a woman's heart is also through her stomach - this twisty idea is enlivened by director Habib Faisal in his collaboration with Yash Raj banner flick, Daawat-E-Ishq which provides a spicy and eclectic romantic affair blending the cuisine culture of Hyderabad and Lucknow. Faisal is known for his penchant to craft authentic middle-class milieu with his rooted characters under the context of relevant social topics,and this time he examines the stigma of dowry practices which has maligned the institution of marriage, but in a lighter vein.

Disillusioned with love and tired of matrimonial encounters with over-demanding prospective bridegrooms, Gulrez aka Gullu (Parineeti Chopra),an shoe-sales girl, hatches a con-plan to avenge her humiliations by duping them into fake marriage and imposing charges under section 498A of anti-dowry act. In that way, she can also get hefty sum of money to fulfill her long-nurtured 'American' dreams. She cajoles her resistant father, Bujji(Anupam Kher) an ordinary high court clerk who succumbs to her emotional blackmail. This leads them to Lucknow, where they stumble upon one of their 'bakras',Tariq Hyderi aka Taru(Aditya Roy Kapur) who happens to be an extraordinary cook. Taru is bowled by the feisty girl's charms ,and while Gullu gets gradually swooned by the aroma emanating from the Biryanis and Kababs of Taru's kitchen, their plan is thrashed sweetly by the blossoming love.

It's a richly textured premise which offers us an irresistible array of starters , a somewhat delicious main course but the dessert spread turns out to be rather bland.Cutting through the colorful nuances of the city of Nizams, Hyderabad, the narrative also presents a warmth-filled camaraderie between the father and her daughter. The film's latter half dwells in the revelry of Lucknow and its rich culinary traditions which forms a canvas for the romance between its protagonists. The Blemishes - it suffers from logic issues. The climax looks hurried and doesn't convince us about Taru's sudden change of heart for Gullu.

These lacunae are however washed off by the spirited performances of the film's central characters. Parineeti Chopra imbues Gullu with full radiance, sparkles and confidence. Its a comfort zone for her to be in her 'feisty' self, but the actress takes an extra leap to get her Hyderabadi diction impeccably right, a trait that was grossly goofed-up by the ace star Vidhya Balan in Bobby Jasoos. Anupam Kher's comical nervousness reminds us of his superbly staged act in Special 26, and he shines in all sequences requiring emotional gravitas. And most importantly, Aditya Roy Kapur makes a revelation, playing the revered restaurateur with a cocky delight.

Dawat-E-Ishq has a fresh and exotic aroma to appetize you, but that doesn't last too long to tingle your taste buds.

A very pleasant, easy-going family entertainer with Desi flavor of Hyderabad and Lucknow! Very importantly, anti-dowry message has been delivered in such a jolly manner in this film. Good direction. Anupam Kher as usual is very convincing as an honest single-father who is willing to sacrifice his entire life-savings for his beloved daughter's marriage, brilliant comic timing. Parineeti somehow fails to convince that she is a a topper / BCom final yr grad student, but otherwise a good - original - performance by her, she is creating her fan following for sure. Aditya Roy Kapoor is maturing as an actor with every film, good to see him play a Desi role. Okay-ish music and background score.

This movie starts beautifully, and draws you in. Wonderful heartfelt performances, soulful and energetic music that fits with the Hyderabadi / Lucknavi cultures - this movie had a lot going for it.

So what was missing? A heroine that one could root for, characters that were consistent. The father is an intelligent, poor, kind hearted typical Indian middle class soul who has spend decades walking the path of honesty and yet he suddenly flips and enthusiastically joins his daughter in her plan of crime because of an accident. This was not believable.

The heroine was obnoxious - a poster child for everything that is wrong with the so-called new feminism. She is ill mannered, rude to guests, downright unethical, selfish, bordering on psychopath, the way she steals money from the hero without any compunction. It is only when she goes down the path a while, that she feels any repentance, which is too little, too faint and too late.

And yet, just for the wonderful performance by all concerned, the beautiful direction, editing and cinematography, watch it. Movies like this should be supported - we have too little of these movies in the industry. Note to the team - next time, strengthen the script!

Daawat-e-Ishq- 2014 Director: Habib Faisal There is nothing new in this story, many people even can predict the movie, But still it's worth watching. Acting of Parineeti and Aditya's is superb. Small small elements and dialogs are very nice. Anupam Kher is a wonderful actor and he proves his mettle once again. He gets into the skin of character and supports the proceedings of movie with grace. Music is just amazing. Dawat-E-Ishq has a fresh and exotic aroma to appetite you.

There will be many people who didn't like the film but I think you can watch this film with your family because the content is very clean and beautiful. Deliciously Amazing

Dawat-e-Ishq is a refreshing take on love, tradition, and the irresistible bond people share with food. Set against the colorful backdrops of Hyderabad and Lucknow, the movie brings together a story that is as flavorful as the dishes it showcases.

I enjoy this movie whenever I watch it. I really liked the role and acting of Aditya Roy Kapur in this movie.

What sets Dawat-e-Ishq apart is its subtle critique of societal norms, particularly the dowry system. The movie delivers its message without being preachy, using humor and drama to spark reflection.

Overall, Dawat-e-Ishq is a refreshing romantic-comedy that serves up a perfect mix of love, laughter, and food. It's a treat for both the heart and the taste buds! If you're a fan of feel-good movies with a meaningful undertone, this one is a must-watch.