The chemistry between the lead pair Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra is infectious and Habib Faisal’s direction is first-rate. Arjun Kapoor makes a fantastic debut. Parineeti Chopra shines again in a complex and intense role, feel critics.
"Story writers Aditya Chopra and Habib Faisal take the age-old plot of a love story between members belonging to feuding families and give it a very nice twist. Faisal’s screenplay does full justice to the story. The first half is fast paced and entertaining. All the characters are well-etched and leave an impression the viewer’s mind," says Mrigank Dhaniwala, Koimoi.com
"Ishaqzaade is nothing you haven’t seen or heard already: the old Romeo-Juliet romance reworked into a small town setting with guns and gore, Yash Raj style. Throw in some French kissing, colourful swearing, street fighting, a righteous mother and some songs and you have Ishaqzaade – love in the times of small town politics," says Rubina A Khan, First Post.
"The plot is racy and the narrative does not waste too much time in establishing the love story. That perhaps can go against the film, since the transition from hate to love for the lead protagonists happen a bit too quickly, leaving the viewer wondering whether it is that easy to love and hate a person," writes Shomini Sen, Zee News.
Arjun-Parineeti's chemistry
"The chemistry between Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra on screen certainly follows the model of the chemistry that was created in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Bunty Aur Babli and Band Baaja Baaraat. It's infectious and that, in my opinion, is the hallmark of the film, besides the script of course. In the initial portions, both Arjun and Parineeti are at loggerheads, bartering cusswords, flaunting guns and trying to be one-up on the other. Their love story towards the middle of the first part is equally electrifying and the portrayal by Arjun and Parineeti gives the film the required sheen," writes Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama.
Direction
"Habib Faisal belongs to a fresh class of writers and film-makers who does away with the beaten to death drama that one gets to watch in films of this genre. Filmed at actual locations of Uttar Pradesh, the story of ISHAQZAADE has universal appeal and could have been set in any of the big cities, but the small town milieu lends the plot a kind of passion missing in large metros. Perhaps, the magnetism towards love is that much stronger in a small town, also the conflict of the people opposing love is manifold stronger likewise," says Adarsh.
"Habib Faisal’s direction is first-rate. The writer-director treads a very different territory after Do Dooni Chaar but manages to make the narrative compelling. Only if he had paid more attention to making the second half crisper, the film would have proved to be a better package. Amit Trivedi’s music is very good. The songs go with the narrative. Lyrics, by Kausar Munir and Habib Faisal, are fine. Ranjit Barot’s background score sets the pace of the drama. Choreographers Chinni Prakash and Rekha Chinni Prakash make the songs a delight to watch. The production design is excellent. Cinematography, by Hemant Chaturvedi, is eye-pleasing. Aarti Bajaj’s editing is fine. Sham Kaushal’s action choreography is realistic," feels Dhaniwala.
Performances
"Arjun Kapoor makes a fantastic debut. He has a peerless body language and a 'I-don't-give-a-damn' kind of an approach in the movie. The youngster, with his untidy look and impish smile, has already won female reverence prior to the release of the film and after having watched him emote, you can confidently say that he's blessed to depict this rebellious character in his launch vehicle itself. He comes across as fiery and rustic and at the same time self-assured and assertive in this reckless and intrepid character," feels Adarsh.
"Parineeti Chopra is simply fantastic in this high-voltage drama. Playing the part of a spirited gun-toting girl, she is not the regular timid, decorous, withdrawn Hindi film heroine. She portrays the violent behavior coupled with the audacious and brash attitude with aplomb," he adds.
"Arjun Kapoor makes a fine debut as Parma. He emotes well, acts with a swagger and dances delightfully. He has a very good screen presence as well. Parineeti Chopra, whom we loved in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, shines again in a complex and intense role. She looks very good and acts like a song. Arjun and Parineeti’s on-screen chemistry and excellent performances are the highlights of the film. Gauhar Khan, who plays courtesan Chand, does very well. All the supporting cast members provide very good support," says Dhaniwala.
"Debutant Arjun and one film old Parineeti (Ricky v/s Ladies Tailor) are ably supported by the character actors who fit their roles. There are no familiar Bollywood supporting character actors, perhaps that’s what makes them real. Even though there are no big/known names, it make for a watchable fare. To add to the oomph factor is Guauhar Khan in a cameo and her Chokra Jawan Hua act," writes Shaheen Parkar, Mid Day.
"Parineeti Chopra is simply fantastic in this high-voltage drama. Playing the part of a spirited gun-toting girl, she is not the regular timid, decorous, withdrawn Hindi film heroine. She portrays the violent behavior coupled with the audacious and brash attitude with aplomb," he adds.
"Arjun Kapoor makes a fine debut as Parma. He emotes well, acts with a swagger and dances delightfully. He has a very good screen presence as well. Parineeti Chopra, whom we loved in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, shines again in a complex and intense role. She looks very good and acts like a song. Arjun and Parineeti’s on-screen chemistry and excellent performances are the highlights of the film. Gauhar Khan, who plays courtesan Chand, does very well. All the supporting cast members provide very good support," says Dhaniwala.
"Debutant Arjun and one film old Parineeti (Ricky v/s Ladies Tailor) are ably supported by the character actors who fit their roles. There are no familiar Bollywood supporting character actors, perhaps that’s what makes them real. Even though there are no big/known names, it make for a watchable fare. To add to the oomph factor is Guauhar Khan in a cameo and her Chokra Jawan Hua act," writes Shaheen Parkar, Mid Day.
Conclusion
"On the whole, Ishaqzaade, a volatile and intense story with ample doses of fanatical romance, should appeal to a pan-India audience. This broadly engaging love story has a winsome pair who deliver dexterous performances, besides popular music and several poignant moments, which should appeal to fans of mainstream films. Go for it!" Says Adarsh.
"On the whole, Ishaqzaade is an entertaining fare which works on the strength of its first half and the performances," concludes Dhaniwala.
Tweet review
Rohit Vats, IBNLive.com
10:34 AM: Rivalry at its best. Arjun Kapoor excels in the initial scenes.
10:38 AM: Parineeti Chopra looks fit for the role. She is full of energy.
10:59 AM: Parineeti Chopra shows nuanced acting skills. The writer has given her a very well written character.
11:02 AM: #Ishaqzaade is a passionate love story. These guys can make you fall in love.
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