Ishqiya

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Nazrudeen Shah, Arshad Warsi, Vidya Balan
Director : Abhishek Chaubhey
Music : Vishal Bharadwaj

Vishal Bharadwaj (music director turned director) had given distinguished films like 'Maqbool', 'Omkara', 'Kaminey' etc in the past. In the new film 'Ishqiya', he is not in the role of a director, he is the producer, music director and the co-writer here. The film is directed by debutant Abhishek Chaubhey (former assistant to Vishal) and it has got an unusual star cast like Nazrudeen Shah, Arshad Warsi and Vidya Balan. This is yet another different role for Nazrudeen Shah after the remarkable film 'A Wednesday', Arshad Warsi has got a big role after 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai' and Vidya Balan is here after the success of 'Paa'.

'Ishqiya' is the story of two thieves (Nazrudeen Shah and Arshad Warsi), who reach the border village of UP. They reached there after escaping from their boss, whom they have to pay the debts. They were planning to meet their old friend in the village. When reached there, they came to know that he is dead and his wife (Vidya Balan) gave them a shelter in her house. When came to know about their problems, she told an idea to make money for their needs. Thus they had planned to kidnap a rich business man from the city. In between, we are shown, these two friends getting an affair with the widow. The senior one is mentally attached and the other guy interested in sexual relationship. This affected the bondage of friendship between the two heroes in the later areas. Anyway after a vigilant observation for days, they had worked out their plan. The controversy regarding the death of heroine's husband and the associated facts are revealed in the climax.

The choosing of location like Gorakhpur and the rural areas of UP gave a different mood here. The village scenes reminded of the films like 'Gangajal', 'Sarfarosh', 'Anthapuram' (telugu) etc. No need to give special comments on the performance of the versatile actor Nazrudeen Shah, he is as usual excellent. Arshad Warsi handled his role well. The chemistry between two actors were good. Vidya Balan had also done justice to her role. The argument scene regarding the music director of old hit 'kuch dil ne kaha...' from the film 'Anupama' between the senior hero and heroine felt different. The usage of old hindi songs in the bg is a good thing. The second half is more interesting compared to the first.

Cinematographer Mohana Krishnan had given excellent frames. Hitesh Sonik has given a good background score which gave the required feel, action sequences by Jai Singh are notable. Co-writer and director Abhishek Chaubhey had made the film as an entertainer that can attract all section of audiences.

'Ishqiya' shown in the unusual environment of north east India, is a watchable movie. It seriously discusses friendship, love and revenge matters in the humor background...


Rating : 7.5 / 10

Kaminey

Medium : Hindi
Starring : Shahid Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra
Director : Vishal Bharadwaj
Music : Vishal Bharadwaj

Till watching the hit movie ‘Jab We Met’ and analyze his performance, I have got a chocolate image only for the bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor. He is also popular as the ex-lover of glamour girl Kareena Kapoor. Now he has come in a dual appearance in an action film named ‘Kaminey’ (which means “scoundrel”). The film is directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, who gave films like ‘Maqbool’, ‘Omkara’ etc. He came to the field as a music director, doing films like ‘Maachis’, ‘Chachi 420’, ‘Satya’, ‘Dhaya’ (malayalam) etc. Ronnie Schrewvala, who usually takes different subjects, is the producer of ‘Kaminey’.

This is the story of twin brothers Charlie and Guddu (done by Shahid Kapoor) who lived in the streets of Mumbai. As it has to be, both are having contrasting characteristics. Charlie is having a slip of tongue every time he speaks; he says “F” in place of “S”. He is involved in illegal gambling and under world activities. Guddu is a soft guy; he is having a break down in speech fluency. He loves the girl (Priyanka Chopra), who is the sister of a criminal gang leader. Both of them decided to leave the place. Her brother chases them. Charlie, on the other hand, being an enemy is cornered by the police and some notorious gangs. Thus Guddu reaches the hands of police and what all confusions that happen in a double role story is shown here also, but seriously. Anyway in the end, the lovers are safe.

The attraction of the film lies in its presentation and the performance of all the artists, especially Shahid Kappor and Priyanka Chopra. By experience, Shahid is matured and has given a stable and unique show. Priyanka has also given her best. From the style it is evident that the director has inspired the style of foreign films like ‘City of God’ and ‘City of Men’, in which the story happens in the background of underworld gangs and their activities.

The first half of the film is slow. It creates a lagging and some portions create confusion on the viewers also. But later the film takes it’s real pace when the two characters are targeted. The scenes involving the police and their agreement with the criminals inside the train and the climax are notable. Cinematography by Tassaduq Hussain is excellent. “Danta Daan…” is a catchy number by Vishal Bharadwaj.

‘Kaminey’ is a different attempt from Shahid Kapoor, which enhances his journey to stardom.

Rating : 7.5 / 10