Ishqiya

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.

Arshad looks incredulously at the boy in front of him. "Tu Kaise Jaanta Hai Itna Saara Hathyaron Ke Bare Main?". The boy, deadpan, with no suggestion of humour, responds "Yahan Pe Chuttad Dhone Se Pehle, Tamancha Chalana Sikhate Hain". Welcome to a madcap roller coaster ride through a world that most Indian Netizens are not very familiar with, the India that we've kind of forgotten exists, the badlands of UP and its small villages, their on-going caste wars, con-men and utter lawlessness. Using the colourful, invective laced language that characterises the region, it proceeds to poke fun at the madness that passes for everyday life in most such places. And it simultaneously makes us laugh and think, to feel for characters so nicely etched that we cheer even when they're breaking the law.

Arshad & Naseer, Mama and Bhanja, both con-men, are on the run from Naseer's Jijaji, for what exactly we're not sure but it involves some money and some ice. Due to a mix of circumstances which include an unwanted pregnancy and a jail term, they land up at the home of one of their ex-cell-mates, who it turns out has expired, leaving behind his widow, Vidya Balan. Unsure and hesitantly at first, Naseer & later Arshad develop feelings for our spunky but quiet lady. However, the Jija returns. And then the game heats up…

The situations and characters that we encounter are beautifully drawn. The sense of humour or wry perspective that we're offered, remains intact through the film. The dialogue is witty and makes you chuckle non-stop. And the songs, the background music is of exceptional quality. Right from the number of classics liberally laced in different situations (Dhanno Ki Aankhon Main, Pyaar Ka Surma at a brothel, Ae Meri Zohra Jabeen as a ringtone for the Jija) or the semi-classical song that Vidya sings in the beginning or the two flagship songs the zany, peppy 'Ibn Batuta' or the lyrical, romantic 'Dil to Bacha Hai', after a long time in a Hindi film, it was worth the price of a ticket just to see the songs.

Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan light up the screen with their effervescent performances, while Naseeruddin Shah, true to his character remains the stable one. With his surma ringed eyes, ready wit, goofy grin, angry stare and lovable roguishness, Arshad delivers a performance we'd forgotten he was capable of. Vidya doesn't put a foot wrong, playing on the emotions of both the men like a taanpura, sad, melancholic at times and smiling, alluring, teasing at others. For both of them, this film will feature prominently on their CV for some time to come. And Vishal / Abhishek continue their knack of picking an ensemble cast that looks like they belong to the villages…each of the characters we meet look comfortably at home in their rural setting.

more on this film, incl several dialogue references at ApurvBollywood at blogspot, here it shows up as spelling errors. You must watch this film !

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.

The performances by the whole cast has to be given an ovation for they were so enigmatic with their roles & portrayal; and I am so in love with Abhishek Chaubey's direction.

Speaking of noir, the film chiefly talks about betrayal, romance, lust, banditry and crime as a whole. Vidya Balan is the cynosure of the story and revolves around her quest to find what actually happened to her beloved spouse. Naseeruddin Shah & Arshad Warsi's characters follow suit as they try to equal their uncle in terms of money. Things go worse when the characters meet. First comes betrayal, then comes mastermind plan, subterfuge, love, love songs, dreams and all.

The screenplay is tad non-linear and it accentuates the experience. What I loved most is the blank screens that go in line with scenes of anticipation & suspense. The editor did a very good job by dimming the screen and coming back with another frame. The music is mind-blowing; the score of beats, tunes and reverberating rhythm still rings in my head. All aspects are finely matched together to bring out a crime thriller with tint of black comedy. Good cinematography!

BOTTOM LINE: A very well-executed cinema by a newcomer. 2010's one of the best movies. Highly Recommended!

Profanity/Vulgarity: Mediocre | Sex/Foreplay: No | Mouth-Kiss: Strong | Violence/Gore: Very Strong | Alcohol/Smoking: Strong | Drugs: No | Porn: Very Mild

There are many among the new 'cool' generation, who use Desi as a derogatory term in their conversations. Thanks to Vishal Bhardwaj, Desi is the new cool :). Some Bollywood lovers call him Quentin Tarantino of Bollywood, which I fail to understand. Without any disrespect to him and his fans, i would say that I have not seen a lot of Tarantino's work, so i do not know care who he is. However, if we are comparing Vishal Bhardwaj with him, he has to be good :) Having said that, this post is not about Vishal Bhardwaj and he has not directed Ishqiya. It is directed by his protegé Abhishek Chaubey, who does not deny that the movie has Vishal Bhardwaj stamp on it. If you have any doubts about the debuting director's potential, the first few scenes in the movie will answer all of them.

The starting scene of the movie tells a lot about the competent director. The main protagonist of the movie will get you hooked right from this very first scene. You will instantly come to know that you are watching something special. Everything from the sets, costumes, mannerisms and language is so refreshingly different and I am not talking about the much talked about abuses. Yes, abuses are there but they are just a small prop in a large structure. The still water, holy cows, grasslands, dusty roads, glowing eyes of the villagers are captured beautifully. The rustic visuals create an old world charm throughout the movie.

There is no dull moment in the movie. It moves at a brisk pace with smooth transition from one scene to another largely because of the crisp writing. The dialogues are quirky and witty at the same times. That is the most fabulous part of the script. The wit in the dialogues is not forced to put some light humor,it is there because the situation is like that. No one is trying to tell a joke (apart from one latifa as the last wish before death :D) and there are no caricature like comic characters.

Dialogues are witty but they have deep meanings also. It is a very deadly combination to have. Watch out for the one liners on sexism, caste-ism and such wide-ranging topics. I am really inclined to give some examples, but I do not want to add spoilers here. The director touches the most sensitive topics affecting our country like naxalism, law and order, fanaticism in the deepest of manners with just few one liners here and there. And the beauty of all this is, you will be giggling on those dialogues. What audacity !! One of the things which makes the movie hugely enjoyable is its music. We all know what happens when Vishal Bhardwaj and Gulzar combine for an album. The starting scene which i mentioned earlier has Vidya balan humming the song Ab mujhe koi intezaar kahan which is sensual in its unique way. Ibn-E-Batuta kicks the start credits with lot of chutzpah and élan. Then there is a classical song in melodious voice of Rekha Bhardwaj, this is exactly the kind of song we do not hear that often in our movies and yearn for those. And then comes the song of the album, i would dare say that this is the song of the year (i know it is just January .. but still) Dil to bachha hai Ji. What a song, what a fantastic piece of art !! , I think it is one of those songs that will remain in the pubic memory for a long long time. The background score is just about perfect for a thriller. And yes, the use of the songs from the past, which i think is Vishal Bhardwaj way of giving tribute to the Classics is incorporated to elevate the impact of the scenes to another level.

The kind of movie Ishqiya is, it relies heavily on performances. And that is where the casting team of the movie scores the brownie points. Every character fits the part to the T. Right from the child artist to the old woman with the torch have a sense of participation in carrying forward the movie. The goofy don played by Salman Shahid makes us laugh without making any apparent effort towards doing so. Coming to the lead trio, There is no doubt that Arshad Warsi is one of the most underutilized actors in Bollywood. He has really side-splitting lines and he delivers them with aplomb. It is time that the industry gives him the roles, which he is worthy of. Naseeruddin Shah expresses every characteristic of an aging man who falls for a young woman so wonderfully that the viewer almost tends to believe that he has a genuine chance against his younger competitor :). You have to just watch his expressions of his likeness for Krishnaji and the way he tries to woo her is so endearing. Vidya Balan is playing a character which requires her to look madly in love, vulnerable & helpless yet tough & menacing, epitome of grace yet wild & seductive. And at times the camera just had to focus on her face and she manages to express all those wide-ranging emotions without uttering a word ! If this is not class, tell me what is? I just wish she makes the right moves; She has all the ingredients of becoming an all time great.

Ishqiya is the true Indian movie. It celebrates the rural heartlands of India with lot of spunk and style. The only complain i have with Ishqiya is that it ends too soon :) Team Ishqiya, take a bow !!