Vishal Bhardwaj

Out of all the feelings people have in the world, love is definitely the most unpredictable. Ishqiya also follows the path of love rather unpredictably.  It starts off with Vidya lying on the bed humming ‘Ab mujhe koi’ sung beautifully by Rekha Bhardwaj, the camera pans to her face and at that very moment  you know you are watching something special.

Arshad and Nasseruddin play small time crooks who are on the run with a loot and end up taking shelter from Vidya Balan who is the wife of one of their friend. What follows is a tale of love, seduction, suspense and thrill driven beautifully by exceptional performances by the three main leads. Nasseruddin Shah as Khaalujaan is sweet, caring and romantic in contrast to Arshad Warsi who is boyish, flirty and cocky. Vidya is one of the unpredictable elments in the film (the other being the story itself). She is vulnerable and seductive yet over powering. She gives another powerhouse performance after Paa and it is easily her finest work.

Abhishek Chaubey shows lot of skill as first time director handling scenes with utmost care. The scene where Khaalu looks through the window to Vidya singing is beautifully done. The camera captures the eyes and the subtle smile on Khaalu’s face with perfection. Another scene where Chaubey is superb is the kissing scene between Arshad and Vidya. There is love, seduction and tension in the scene and it is depicted beautifully.

The movie bears a clear mark of Chaubey’s mentor Vishal Bhardwaj in style and sensibility. Vishal Bhardwaj leaves a big stamp with his witty and rustic dialogue. Dialogues are the life of this film along with the music again composed by Vishal. The timing of the original compositions and old SD Burman and Hemant Kumar classics is just perfect. Vishal uses the music as a way of expressing the characters and does a top notch job like always.

On the whole, Ishqiya is a great ride which delivers on almost all fronts. Watch it for the fine performances, quirky dialogues or just as a great piece of cinema. Only a “Sulphate” would want to miss this one.

Rating – 4/5