Movie: Ishq: Not A Love Story
Rating: 2.25/5
Cast: Teja Sajja, Priya Varrier, Ravindra Vijay, Nagaraju
Director: SS Raju
Produced By: Super Good Films
Release Date: 30th July 2021
One of the two remakes releasing today, Ishq: Not a Love Story follows the story of a young couple caught in an unfortunate situation. The story of a road trip turned into a nightmare has with its share of thrills and scares sounds like an exciting premise. But, has the director SS Raju succeeded in re-capturing the magic of the original?
Story: Soon to be married young couple Siddhu (Teja) and Anu ( Priya Varrier) decide to go on a road trip to mark her birthday. The pleasant trip of the couple takes a murky turn when a duo targets the couple and harasses and tortures them physically and mentally. How does the couple react and how the incident affects the relationship of Sidhu and Anu forms the crux of the story
Performance: Comparisons are bound to happen when a movie is remade. While Teja Sajja looks the part and does a decent job at his role, it falters in comparison to Shane Nigam. Teja looks unconvincing in action sequences and falters at putting up a menacing act. Ditto with Priya Varrier who is one of the weakest points of the film. The character requires vulnerability and emotions which she is unable to conjure. Ravindra Vijay is definitely the highlight of the film and looks imposing and intense.
Analysis: The film fails to live up to the positive hype it created with its initial rushes. The casting is one of the weakest points of the film and while the lead pair of Teja and Priya look lovely on the screen, their performance falters at most places. The screenplay is another weak aspect of the film and doesn’t provide the tight and fast feel that a thriller should. The core focus of the film which should be moral policing and relationship dynamics of the young couple doesn’t work out well on the screen.
Plus Points:
Message of the movie
Ravindra Vijay
Minus Points:
Weak performance from the lead cast
Slow screenplay
Music
Verdict: Teja Sajja still reminds us of the child actor that we all saw in early years. While he has come of age and is adept at performing stunts and dance numbers, it would be better if he grooms self with some softer films. The remake doesn’t do justice to the deep message that it set out to give. While the concept is brilliant, Ishq: Not a love story fails in execution.
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