Love On The Campus. Review on Ishq Vishk

Dear friends,

Just saw this movie at Liberty Cinema the day before yesterday and, that too, with 2 of my female friends. None of them were the Shehnaz type though, but the sweet and adorable Amrita kinda girls -- beautiful, charming and innocent. Different minds, different opinions, but very much my taste :)

In a college filled with mini-skirted bimbettes, life can be tough for an intelligent ''behenji.'' Payal may be grabbing big awards, but because of her attire and simple approach, she's teased by the other gals. Even college dude Rajiv, whom she's loved for years, tries to take her for a ride, and doesn't reciprocate her feelings because she is simple and not ''his type.'' All he wants is to do is date the hottest girl in college.

Director Ken Ghosh's Ishq Vishk looks at love life in a contemporary college set-up. While telling the tale of Rajiv, Payal and extra-modern Alisha, it talks of the way the youth approach love and relationships. The movie has a very specific target -- Generation Next -- and people in that age group should easily identify with the subject.

So, move over to Spencer College, and meet Rajiv (Shahid Kapur), who believes that relationships with women shouldn't have commitments. He spends college life roaming around with his best friend Mambo (Vishal Malhotra), who loves ogling at any woman -- even Rajiv's maid servant. ''Kya Bai insaan nahin hoti ?'' he asks :)

When his pals plan a picnic, Rajiv suddenly tells simple-looking college mate Payal (Amrita Rao) that he's in love with her, primarily to coax her to come along. Payal confesses her love too, but things get rough at the picnic, when Rajiv tries to get into a physical relationship.

While Payal is looked down upon for being a ''behenji,'' a surprise is in store for Rajiv, when Alisha (Shenaz Treasuryvala) joins college. The way he tries to woo her, by taking advantage of her craze for Sachin Tendulkar, is funny. Needless to say, the rest of the film tackles which girl Rajiv ultimately wins.

Though Ishq Vishk is primarily targeted at the college crowd, it may be liked by those older people who're willing to forget the generation gap. Of course, the whole approach is very youthful, whether it is Ghosh's direction, Amit Roy's cinematography, Ashley Rebello's costumes or Anu Malik's music. The film, of course, had scope for more humour -- though one experiences a few funny situations, one rarely cracks up with laughter.

Of the cast, Vishal and Yash Tonk (the college love guru) are convincing as Rajiv's buddies. Shenaz is confident, only that she keeps smiling where it isn't necessary, and looking like a VJ where she shouldn't. The length of her role is not substantial, but she does register an impact. Amrita Rao is a revelation and looks extremely sweet. Her emotional sequences are so powerful that they are bound to melt even the stone-hearted. However, she seems to be straining herself in the serious situations.

Shahid has a dream role. Not only is he good looking, but he is an amazing performer as well. Very original as an actor, he has handled the dramatic and emotional moments with flourish. He is an exceptional dancer as well. He, Amrita and director Ghosh lend plenty of fizz to Ishq Vishk. Ghosh could have easily edited out a song or two, but Ahmed Khan's enjoyable choreography offsets their extraneous presence.

To conclude, remember this one saying, I think it is so, so true : ''If you really love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours .... if it doesn't, it was never meant to be.''

Thanks for reading. Take care and God Bless :)