Direct Ishq movie review: Arjun Bijlani, Nidhi Subbaiah and Rajneesh Duggal's love story is meant for the single screens only!

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The characters are just too loud and city audiences will find it tough to relate to them.

Last week we had two romantic films at the theatres Sanam Re and Fitoor. The two were positioned as unforgettable love stories but Direct Ishq is none of that. It is a masala love triangle aimed at the single screen audience.

What’s it about

The plot is simple, a bhai from Benaras and a townie fall for the same girl. The only difference is the girl, Dolly Pandey (Nidhi Subbaiah), is a firebrand who wants to establish herself as a leading Indian rockstar. Kabeer (Arjun Bijlani) helps her for his own interests but eventually falls for her. However, the bhai, Vicky Shukla is sure of his deewangee and goes behind her to Mumbai to marry her. Will Dolly choose Vicky or Kabeer is what it is all about? It is a hackneyed story with loud characters. In fact none of them really endear themselves to you. But then, the entire tone of the film is a masala one and it stays true to that sentiment.

What’s hot

The film is clearly targeted at the single screens and the presentation is apt. Thankfully, it is too short so none of the proceedings get unbearable. They have captured the local lingo well though it’s kinda OTT at times. Some of the one liners are funny especially Vicky s conversations with the Gods. Nidhi looks good and has done a decent job throughout the film. Rajneesh is also likeable and has good screen presence. Arjun does a decent job but the typical song and dance routine does not suit him. Rehguzar and Duwa Mein are two good tracks. The cinematographer has captured Benaras from a touristy view.

What’s not 

This is just not a film for the metro or urban audience. There is no story besides a triangle between a small town aspiring singer, a hotheaded but lovable local boy and a townie. The language is too localised and people from the interiors will relate to it. There is an absence of a plot and the ending is too abrupt. It looks like the makers did not want to drag it at all. The film talks about rock music and independent artistes but does not have a single super hit track. There are stereotypes like the gay musician which is sad since the lead singer is shown like a breaker of taboos. The guys playing Rajneesh’s cronies look a lot older to him though they are at times funny.

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What to do

Direct Ishq has nothing to write home about. However it is a non-pretentious film!

Rating: 1.5 out of 5

Reviewed by Sreeju Sudhakaran

* Poor

** Average

*** Good

**** Very good

***** Excellent