O Amor Não Tem Razão

Movie Review: Ishqiya (Hindi) 107

If the promos were to be believed, this could have been one of the best made movies of the year. Who could predict that a movie that starred the immensely talented Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi along with the 'Vishal Bharadwaj' tag could only turn into a movie which you would call nothing more than 'Okay, decent'. Nevertheless, as music adds much needed spice, it's still worth your money!

The film opens with Krishna (Balan) in bed with husband Vidyadhar Verma in playful pillow-talk. As Krishna addresses Verma as 'Jahaanpanah' on screen, the audience was quick to append it with 'tussi great ho'; remember "3 Idiots" anyone? Cut to next scene, a blast. Cut again to Khalujaan (Shah) and Babban (Warsi) fleeing with stolen money seeking refuge at the now widow Krishna's village home near Gorakhpur.

The story builds on as Krishna unleashes her femme fatale charms to tame the duo to toe her line. Vidya Balan playing her part to perfection uses her 'desi' sensuality to the fullest while also displaying shades of bravado firing the shotgun when needed. As with Vishal Bhadwaj's movies, Ishqiya too has a rustic setting, foul mouthed characters and a hinterland heart. This flick deals with Kidnapping near the Nepalese border.

By interval time, the narrative just warms up enough to suggest that the trio now plan to kidnap a rich businessman for ransom. Khalu and Babban jump into agreement, given that their booty stands stolen and has to be repaid while on the other, they're taken over by lust and love for Krishna who manipulates their passions, so much so that Khalu junks his old lover's photo & Babban ditches his pal to make love to her.

The film-makers may have planned their hard-sell on the plank that Krishna's role is in shades of grey. Femme fatales have done well for themselves all through history, be it Cleopatra, or in Bollywood, "Karz" or "Aitraaz". But expectations fall flat towards the end as Krishna turns into nothing more than the clichéd vengeful Indian wife. Well, being apologetic was the last thing that one could expect out of a Vishal Bhardwaj film.

Making things worse is the hurried rush of scenes towards the end; as if a student just realized that he only ten minutes left with half the paper still to go. Climax is contrived and destroys the original 'femme fatale in grey' thread. But, its brilliant songs such as Rahat Fateh Ali khan rendition 'Dil to Bachcha Hai' and Singhs Sukhwinder & Mika's 'Ibn- E-Batuta' work like a balm. Try it out and you won't regret watching it.

Ishqiya tells the story of two petty thieves and one young and strong-minded widow. It is a crime thriller cum love triangle and it's rather satirical throughout. It is written by two talents, Vishal Bhardwaj and Abhishek Chaubey, who had previously scripted together such great movies as Omkara and Kaminey, only that this time the one who directs this feature is not Bhardwaj, but Chaubey, who was his assistant. The movie is set in a rustic village in Uttar Pardesh, and Chaubey skillfully captures the atmosphere of this wild rural region. The strength of this film lies in the twisted and multi-layered script and the rather serene narrative style which is flavoured by soulful musical numbers and a touch of dark humour. The witty and well-honed dialogues, the sophisticated camera work, the colourful characters, and the breathtaking cinematography, give the film an engagingly suspenseful yet authentic feel. Ishqiya is highly unpredictable thanks to the many underlying secrets it contains, and they are revealed in very surprising turns, which are more of puzzle pieces. In the meanwhile it gives the audience a chance to watch a true triangular love story, which is brought out on in an ironic sort of way.

That's what makes it an overall enjoyable piece, and it certainly would not have been possible without the film's three leads. It is Vidya Balan who stands out and steals every single of her scenes in her restrained and understated portrayal of the mysterious, highly appealing, deeply yet quietly tormented Krishna. Her presence alone says it all, at times so much that her words are not as needed. Her wordless expressions convey so much of her essence that her true feelings and inner devastation are easily uncovered. Not to forget that she looks smashing hot in her traditional and simple looks, which is only aided by the cryptic screen persona she creates. Both Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi play their roles convincingly, and Salman Shahid provides good support in a negative comic role. Ishqiya feels very much a Vishal Bhardwaj film, and well, he is also the film's producer and music director. The soundtrack is a treat and the songs give life to the film, with such numbers as "Dil To Bachcha Hai" enhancing the narrative. The ending lets the viewers make their own conclusions, but I still wish there was some catharsis, which never came. Anyway, Ishqiya is overall an entertaining film, so I recommend.

From the film making house of Vishal Bhardwaj comes a fresh and most promising talent of Abhishek Chaubey who combines the best from his senior with his own slick raw style to give us 'Ishqiya'. The tremendously talented Naseeruddin Shah plays Khalujaan, joining forces with the comic and astute Babban (Arshad Warsi) to play the notorious duo of Mama-Bhanja who are on the run from Mushtaq (Salman Shahid). Their desperate search for associate goons brings them to Verma's widow, Krishna (Vidya Balan) with whom they are entrapped in a game of lust, lure, deceit, treachery and suspense. 'Ishqiya' is thoroughly enjoyable with the right amount of humour, suspense, sex appeal and some wonderful music.

Khalujaan and Babban have embarked on a dangerous journey into Gorakhpur (U.P.) where the entertainment and thrill comes from the people. While the deadline to repay Mushtaq's debt looms over them, the attraction of Krishna and the yearning for freedom ensures their digression. A risky kidnapping of a millionaire was their desperate attempt of getting the quick money that would buy their freedom but little did they know what fate awaits them.

The plot is not outlandish at all. In fact, the writing is the strength of this film. Vishal Bhardwaj's story and screenplay ensure total capacity utilization of such immense talents in the film. Vidya Balan is outstanding and her recent films prove her capabilities without any requirement for contemporary glamour. She looks beautiful in every scene and her character's traits are easily depicted through her expression. Arshad Warsi has finally bagged a role where he can explore his versatility and strength. He has wasted the years after the Munnabhai series doing some unworthy films. Naseeruddin Shah's aura of excellence can go unnoticed because you only see Khalujaan in the film. It only hits you at a later point that it was all an act.

Vishal Bhardwaj's music and Gulzar's lyrics work magically yet again. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's superb rendition of Dil toh bachcha has the perfect blend of soothing music and rich lyrics that make it the song that will linger in your head for a long time. Ibn-e-batuta is also a very catchy song with Sukhwinder Singh and Mika adding their distinct punch to it. Abhishek has perfectly placed the songs in situations where the lyrics take the story forward. His direction keeps the pace at a very comfortable level with enough humour packed in to make it a joy ride.

The new gen of directors will now adorn their hats with one more feather for 'Ishqiya', a wholesome entertainer.

8.33 on a scale of 1-10.

This is what a good movie is all about - The authentic setting of village life with beautiful cinematography, the 3 main starts were perfect - I for one could not picture any other actress alive in Hindi cinema that could have delivered the role what Vidya played. Everything could be read from her emotions without her saying anything.

You know how good a film is when you can read and feel each character as they interact with each other - almost as good as a book.

Without spoiling the film I urge everyone to watch this gem and really do wish it wins awards it deserves. Hindi cinema needs to embrace these new type of film styles - were all fed up with rich brats in foreign lands scenario. Hope YC and KJ are taking a note from these clever films - you don't need mega stars or million dollar budgets to produce a film.

Whats refreshing is most people who have posted a review have said similar things. So I am glad I am not alone when I think Hindi Cinema needs to encourage directors/writers that produce films like these.

9/10

"Ishqiya" is not for the entire spectrum of audience. For those who have relished "Maqbool", "Omkara", "Dev D", "Kaminey" and were left begging for more, welcome aboard. Your prayers have been answered.

Make no mistake - each frame exuberates passion. Its precise, planned, researched, and executed. Each dialogue and each emotion depicts creative juices. "Youth has the luxury to see thing in black and white, as we mature everything is grey". Indian Cinema has had long stint of black & white characters, its overwhelming to see the maturity and grey characters being fleshed out effectively. Every character even if appears for a small stint has a purpose in the movie and the loose ends get tied up towards the finale.

☼ Naseeruddin Shah:: I am at loss of words for somebody who is an epitome of acting personified. As Big B rightly acknowledged "When Naseeruddin Shah speaks, you simply bow your head and listen". Every scene of Naseer is nothing short of sheen of gold, pure gold.

☼ Vidya Balan:: Now these are the kind of movies, Vidya Balan should be choosing. She manages to carve her identity inspite of being pitted opposite Naseeruddin Shah. In the nutshell, she manages to culminate the intensity of both Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. When Naseer & Arshad sort things out (read that "wash dirty linen in public") it reminded me "Women and money are the greatest dividers". Nonetheless, her character is one of the best in recent years.

☼ Arshad Warsi:: Even though his character gets a low footing compared to Naseer and Vidya, Arshad recycles his Circuit character from Munnabhai and leave a mark as Babban. If Naseeruddin Shah's character personified a seeker of love, Arshad Warsi is balanced with lust overdrive.

☼ Salman Shahid:: I had my brain racking trying to recall the familiar deep baritone voice of this actor. He stood out in "Kabul Express" and its good to see him again.

The sweet voice of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan lingers on the head for a while in his rendition of "Dil Toh Baccha Hain Jee". Thanks to mystical words of Gulzar and wonderful composition by Vishal.

Finally the director qualifies his entry into the league of the Dream Mechants with aplomb. Abhishek Chaubey, take a bow.

After "Ishqiya", you will be waiting with bated breath for something similar to come up and satiate your cravings. Undoubtedly this qualifies one of the best movie of 2010, at least in my wish-list.

PS: I'd do anything for love (Meatloaf). It's a love story, yes!