Ishq Vishk Review {3/5} & Review Rating
There's a myth in the industry that music video directors/ad film-makers can
rarely make good commercial feature-films. For these makers, form holds more
importance than content.
Also, very rarely does one witness a newcomer exploding on the screen with
amazing talent.
The myth lies shattered. Ken Ghosh is a director to watch. And Shahid Kapur is
the new star on the horizon.
Tips Films' ISHQ VISHK is straight out of Archie's. There's Veronica, there's
Betty. Two girls loving the same guy. There's Jughead too, the confidant.
Shahid and Amrita Rao have grown up together. Amrita is a simpleton ['Behnji'
for the gang!], while Shahid is forever looking for a glamorous companion. The
two go through a tumultuous phase in their relationship when a glamorous girl
[Shenaz Treasurywala] joins the college. Not just Shahid, but all the hunks
can't keep their eyes off her.
Shahid tries a ploy to woo Shenaz and wins her attention subsequently. But,
slowly and steadily, he realises that his heart beats for Amrita, not Shenaz.
The first thing that catches your attention in ISHQ VISHK is the youth factor.
Right from the colours to the body language of every character in the film, it
is evident that Ken Ghosh has targeted the flick at the youth.
The sole problem with ISHQ VISHK is its waferthin storyline. A story like this
has been witnessed time and again by Hindi cinema buffs. But a weak plot gets
sidetracked with the way Ken has treated the subject.
The film has its share of light-hearted scenes, in fact in ample doses. The
nitty-gritty of college life has been presented so minutely that the college
crowd will love it. The dialogues and the witty one-liners compliment the
goings-on so beautifully that it makes the process of watching the film an
enjoyable experience.
While the first half of the film has its share of enjoyable moments, the drama
actually takes place in the post-interval portions.
Ken has handled the emotional moments � between Shahid and Amrita � brilliantly
and your heart does go out for the girl who loves her childhood sweetheart
unconditionally. The sequence in the birthday party, right till the climax, is
proof of good writing, good direction and good acting.
Another asset of the film is its music [Anu Malik]. While practically every song
is a treat to the ears, their picturisation is not just lavish but very
stylised. The dance competition track ['Kya Mera Chehra Romantic Hai?'] is the
best song, picturisation-wise, while the title track is a gem, lyrically
speaking [Sameer].
Cinematography is in keeping with the mood of the film. Dialogues hold immense
appeal for the youth. The sets and the overall look are first-rate.
Shahid Kapur is an actor to watch. He has all the qualities to hit the top slot.
Not only is he good looking, but he is an amazing performer as well. Very
original as a perormer, the youngster has handled the dramatic and emotional
moments with flourish. He is an exceptional dancer as well. All he needs to do
is pick and choose his forthcoming assignments with care, so that the journey to
the top slot is minus hiccups.
Amrita Rao is a revelation. If she was quite okay in her first film, she is
incredible in her second film. Here's an actress to watch. Her emotional
sequences are so powerful that they are bound to melt even the stone-hearted.
Only thing, she needs to go easy on her make-up.
Shenaz is confident. The length of her role is not substantial, but she does
register an impact. Amongst the friends, Vishal Malhotra [Mambo] is excellent.
He compliments Shahid at every step. Yash Tonk is a complete natural. Satish
Shah, Neelima Azim, Upasna Singh and Anang Desai lend adequate support.
On the whole, ISHQ VISHK is a film that grows on you. The film will be loved not
only for the youth factor, but a strong emotional base as well. Hit music and
excellent promotion by Tips will ensure that its investors reap a good harvest
at the box-office.
