Ishq

Story: The film involves a situation that a love-struck couple gets dragged into, while on a late-night drive.

Review: Shane Nigam starrer ‘Ishq’ clearly says it is not a love story in its tagline. And what the movie has in store are relatable moments that many today face in our society.

Sachi (Shane) and Vasudha (Ann Sheetal) bond over chai, and they make plans to go for a long drive. Their interaction gets laced with the many cute moments one would go through when struck by love for the first time. Ideally, romantic moments should have followed. However, what awaited the couple in Ishq were situations they were least prepared for.

The film gives a glimpse into the kind of moral policing that many are constantly subjected to, on our streets. It also shows how such experiences get etched into the minds of those who have had to go through such ordeals. Shane Nigam effortlessly portrays the character that transforms from a harmless guy to that of a revenge seeker. Similarly, leading lady Ann Sheetal depicts the strength of Vasudha with aplomb. Even Shine Tom Chacko evokes the right emotions in us, through his character that can be termed quite creepy. Leona plays her part well, as his wife.

The constant ogling, sleazy comments and character assassination that women are subjected to, when spotted with men in public, are aptly brought out through the scenes in the movie. The finesse with which the film’s director showcases our society’s double standards when it comes to treating couples or women also deserves a mention. It urges the audience to cheer for the revenge story, and the answers to the many questions triggered within viewers while watching Ishq are cleared at the right junctures of the story.

The songs composed by Jakes Bejoy are tailor-made for the film’s situations, and the song 'Parayuvaan,' by Sid Sriram stays with you.