Review: Ishq - Nitin comes back successfully

Hyderabad: If you love a girl and her brother completely disapproves of your love, then 'Ishq' is the perfect film for you as you can learn some tips from Nitin on how to win your love.

For a change, the actor opted for a director who is technically sound and values sensibilities of audience and it pays off for him in the end. He could have done it earlier for resurrecting his career a long time ago.

The film is a love story between Rahul (Nitin) and Priya (Nithya Menen). Script that one has witnessed numerous times, Rahul falls for Priya at first sight and a coincidence lands them together sharing a flight seat besides each other.

Their flight to Hyderabad is diverted to Goa due to bad weather conditions in Hyderabad and as the bond develops between them Rahul promises to Priya that she will have a good time with him in the beach paradise until weather conditions restore in Hyderabad.

Both have a gala time in Goa and Priya falls for him after he saves her from a bunch of guys who plan to molest her. While Rahul is about to propose to her, he comes to know that she is the sister of Shiva (Ajay) with whom he shares a rough past. What ploys does Rahul resort to win his Ishq forms the rest of the story.

First things first, when a director is presenting a story that has nothing new to offer in terms of content he should be careful with the way he handles the screenplay.

And that is what Vikram Kumar does with ease over here. He clearly knows his limitations and he overcomes it by churning out an exciting screenplay which is cleverly woven together with interesting moments.

He keeps the film simple though he had every chance of going big with long action and chase sequences. He ensures that scenes between Rahul and Shiva strike right chords to keep the viewer at the edge of his seat and uses Shiva's frustration to dish out comedy. He also strikes balance between engrossing you and entertaining you simultaneously.

Cameraman PC Sreeram has a role or to play in the film as he gives the film the look that is needed the most. An important ingredient when one is making a routine love story. He emphasises the lead characters emotional states by cutting to close ups constantly. Master at work!

Nitin delivers the goods as Rahul, but he could have curbed his histrionics which resemble Pawan Kalyan in some sequences. Dude, you have all the necessary requirements to stand on your own without mimicking anyone!

Nithya Menen gives out what is expected of her irrespective of her role which takes a backseat in the second half. Together, their chemistry hits the right notes as the romance is clearly visible in their eyes.

Ajay comes to terms with his role and he is to watch out for in the film. He justifies his role which has many dimensions- psychotic lover, loyal son and a livid brother who at any cost is not willing to accept Rahul as his sister's love. Rohini, Sindhu Tolani, Nagineedu, Ravi Prakash and Ali in a cameo played their parts.

The film has its share of flaws. A dialogue or two in the climax was surplus. Even though it was substandard to see PC shooting the flyover sequence which sees Nitin driving Nithya's family back home by using ancient technology it is he who gives the film life by canning songs masterfully.

Shades of his work in 'Sakhi' are at full flow in 'Ishq'. Music by Anup Rubens and Aravind Shankar are an added advantage with 'You Are My Everything' standing out.

Rounding up, 'Ishq' is all the way a Vikram Kumar's enterprise with able support from his lens man. The only question that arises after watching 'Ishq' is that why has Vikram directed only one Telugu film till now, 'Ishtam'. Situation is sure to change.