Ishqiya(2010) was a whole new experience to the viewers in terms of story, narration and execution. However, it wasn’t just another film that could have a sequel. Yet, the makers took the challenge and penned the script. While many sequels fail to provide the same satisfaction as the earlier part, Dedh Ishqiya is an exception. It’s much better than the first part and provides wholesome entertainment, in Vishal Bhardwaj-Abhishek Chaubey style!
The story of the movie: Khalu(Naseeruddin Shah) arrives at Mahmudabad to participate in a competition of poets, held by the widowed Begum Para(Madhuri Dixit), in order to find a perfect match. Babban(Arshad Warsi) too lands up at the competition, to take Khalu back to his old profession, that of a conman. However, he gets smitten by Begum’s confidante, Muniya(Huma Qureshi). Soon, Khalu-Babban realize that all is not what it seems and a conspiracy is being hatched, that can lead to disastrous consequences. And the duo gets invariably sucked into it.
I enjoyed Ishqiya but had issues with its second half which was too quick, compared to the leisurely-paced first half. Dedh Ishqiya thankfully has a slow but uniform pace from start to finish and it keeps one very neatly engrossed. The opening sequence is terrific and the film gets better as the drama shifts to Mahmudabad. The entire Nawab culture with poets, shayari et al is shown in the most realistic manner possible which makes for a great watch. The language used is chaste Urdu but no worries if one doesn’t quite know it well – the film has subtitles, which I think was a terrific idea!
The humour is brilliant and incorporated very neatly in the narrative(watch out for Naseer-Vijay Raaz confrontation at night – HILARIOUS!). At the same time, the mystery bit is very well executed, which immediately makes one curious about the characters and their true intentions. The film drops a bit in the second half but jumps back to a high from the competition finale sequence. The climax was much unexpected and watch out for how a classical song is incorporated in a contrasting situation – hats off! At the same time though, a lot of questions arise in viewers’ minds and one wonders if such cinematic liberties were required in a film that is into such realistic space. But it was fun and hence, one lets it pass.
Dedh Ishqiya is embellished with some brilliant performances. Madhuri Dixit-Nene looks stunning and plays her character of a Begum with aplomb. She shines the most in scenes where she’s depressed, terrified and enraged and that’s where truly comes out as a performer. Naseeruddin Shah as always was perfect and what surprises most is how real he looks like a Nawab-cum-poet! Arshad Warsi was outstanding! It’s no easy task to maintain a position in the midst of performers like Madhuri and Naseeruddin but Arshad comes out with flying colours. He evokes the maximum laughter and amazes with his screen presence! Huma Qureshi too puts her best foot forward. She was damn impressive in her entry scene(when she gives the speech in chaste Urdu) and during the finale. Vijay Raaz(Jaan Mohammed Khan) is the surprise of the film! The actor, believe it or not, overshadows the principle cast of the film in several scenes. An actor and a performance to watch out for! Manoj Pahwa(Noor Mohammed Italvi) has a significant part to essay and does well. John Vijay(cop) was impressive. Salman Shahid(Mushtaq Bhai) was lovely in the cameo appearance. Others do a good job.
Vishal Bhardwaj’s music is alright and it’s not something that will be remembered for a long time, as compared to the first part’s music. However, the music is well-incorporated in the narrative. Hamari Atariya is the best of the lot. Zabaan Jale Hai comes at a great moment in the film and same goes for Dil Ka Mijaaz and Jagaave Saari Raina. Setu’s cinematography captures the mystic and intrigue element of the nawabi palace wonderfully. Clinton Cerejo’s background score is exhilarating. Payal Saluja’s costumes were very appealing. Darab Farooqui’s story had potential. Vishal Bhardwaj’s dialogues were the highpoints and the use of chaste Urdu was like an icing on the cake. Special mention should also go to Dr Bashir Badr’s poems. Vishal Bhardwaj-Abhishek Chaubey’s screenplay has its moments. Abhishek Chaubey’s direction is smooth and much better than what he attempted in the first part. Maybe he could have done away with few of the cinematic liberties. But overall, a great effort!
Some of the best scenes:
Babban gets caught by Mushtaq
The robbery at the jewellery store
Khalu meets Begum Para
The songs Zabaan Jale Hai, Hamari Atariya, Dil Ka Mijaaz and Jagaave Saari Raina
All scenes of Jaan Mohammed Khan and Noor Mohammed Italvi
Confrontation between Khalu-Babban and Jaan
Babban-Muniya’s sexual encounter
The last 30 minutes of the film
On the whole, Dedh Ishqiya is an intriguing and highly entertaining flick. The entire Nawab setting, performances, characters, hilarious moments and climax makes for a great watch. Also, it moves at a slow but uniform pace from start to end which is an added plus. The film has started on a poor note but it has the potential to grow with each passing day. And with no competition till Jai Ho’s release(Jan 24), Dedh Ishqiya can emerge as a commercial hit as well, hopefully!