Love triangles are a concept as old as age in Bollywood movies. From Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to the OG Ishq Vishk starring Shahid Kapoor, we audiences love drama and complex emotions. Ishq Vishk Rebound promises to be the modern version of the iconic Bollywood rom-com but struggles to make an impression. After all the complexities and confusing emotions the film’s trio goes through, Ishq Vishk Rebound fails to give the storyline the closure it desperately needs.
It wasn’t the acting that lacked any punch but the storyline and direction. Directed by Nipun Dharmadikari, the screenplay looks patchy and does not give a feel of an unobstructed, engaging love story. The film highlights the concept of ‘rebound love’, a phase where a person falls for someone without actually moving on from their past relationship. I couldn’t stop thinking about Shahid’s and Amrita’s innocent, young love chemistry in the prequel.
The Good Things
Starring Bollywood’s current most eligible bachelor Rohit Saraf(as Raghav), along with Jibraan Khan(as Sahir) and Pashmina Roshan(Sanya), the cast was expected to live up to the hype of the 2003 classic. Raghav’s best friends, Sahir and Sanya fall for each other, but things go south when they break up and Raghav, who still considers himself a better friend than a lover, kisses Sanya.
All the actors play their part well, including the debutant Pashmina. The occasional comic dialogues keep it interesting and the songs are decent. Rohit’s charming screen presence and dance moves can certainly be your motivation to watch it in the theatres. Apart from the main plot, some side plots like Raghav’s, Sanya’s, and Sahir’s innocent relationship with their parents were pleasing to watch.
The Bad Things
The characters appear and disappear as per the story’s convenience and do not give the audience a chance to relate with someone. Only 106 minutes long, it’s one of the shortest films in recent times and could’ve given the characters more screen time and background. Most scenes felt frivolous and lacked depth in serious situations. The rebound of Sanya with Raghav feels almost casual and emotionless, wrapped in the thin veil of comedy.
Rohit Saraf was the only convincing actor, who seemed like carrying the entire movie on his shoulders at times. Apart from the trio, Riya(played by Naila Grewal) comes into the picture as Raghav’s new crush but fails to make an impact, both character and acting-wise. The film still sticks with cliched dialogues and superficial conversations, that feel less natural as the movie reaches its non-existent climax.
Final Verdict
Ishq Vishk Rebound is a casual and breezy watch but I feel could have been so much more. The plot had opportunities to show complex emotions like breakup and rebound love in a way that resonates with not only the young GenZ population but everyone. Does it live up to the hype of the 2003 Ishq Vishk? Probably not. But is it a bad watch? Certainly not. Watch this film in the theatres for Rohit Saraf’s brilliant performance and a decent plot that takes you back to your college days.