Ishaqzaade Movie Review

But overall, it feels stale, this business of using religious differences to divide true love in just this way.

There is much craft on display, and some lovely moments, but the immense promise shown by the first half turns out as hollow as a politician’s.

Sadly, Ishaqzaade isn’t quite as pulsating as the plot line might suggest.

I wonder if the Indian film ritual of intermission also functions as a creative road-block. Because so many fine films derail exactly there; I call it the curse of the second half.

'Ishaqzaade' benefits considerably from Amit Trivedi's excellent soundtrack and Hemant Chaturvedi's sharp cinematography. Faisal creates a believable world with charming characters, and his leads have crackling chemistry.

Much of the films strengths come undone by the use of such tired clich©s as the religious differences that stand in the way of true love, and the sacrificial hooker with a heart of gold.