Vishal Bhardwaj’s films are hard to review because they are immensely fun to watch. They suck you into the game and drama and you just want to lie back (ok, pay attention) and enjoy the show, not wanting to take any notes, as the layers unfold one after another.

Ishqiya revolves around Babban (Arshad Warsi) and Khalujaan (Naseeruddin Shah) who are on the run from their boss Mushtaq (Salman Shahid). They find refuge in Vidyadhar’s house. Their friend is no more but his widow Krishna (Vidya Balan) tends to them and they both fall in love with her in their own way. When things go wrong and their lives in danger, Krishna takes charge of the situation.

Not once do you think Ishqiya is directed by a debutante because the direction is deft. You know that Abhishek Chaubey knows what he is doing because a subject as rustic, bold and real as Ishqiya cannot be directed by a clueless or timid first-timer. Tarantino’s and Bhardwaj’s influences are evident and the film can be described as a caper or black comedy. Whether it is action, drama or seduction, Chaubey makes sure each scene has the desired impact. With numerous twists and turns and unpredictable characters, he keeps you engrossed and guessing all along. In fact, many people were speechless and shaken after watching the movie and had to let the impact sink in.

Ishqiya is a simpler film than Kaminey because it has fewer characters and a straightforward narrative. But the climax is reminiscent of the chaos of Kaminey. Also, the scene where they show children in villages being trained to use guns, will take you back to City of God.

Ishqiya wouldn’t have been half as powerful if it hadn’t been for Vishal Bhardwaj’s beautiful, lilting and lingering music and background score. If Dhan te nan didn’t leave you after Kaminey, Dil toh Bachcha hai ji will haunt the recesses of your mind long after you’ve seen the film. The background score is rustic, European and reminiscent of Kill Bill, especially towards the end. As usual, he uses a lot of tracks from the 70s to enhance the narrative. And Ishqiya wouldn’t have been half as fun if it hadn’t been for VB’s trademark cheeky, sexual-innuendo laced sense of humour and dialogue. We love the way he weaves foul language into memorable one-liners.

The camerawork (Mohana Krishna Agapu) is splendid, capturing the earthy beauty of Wai, the sleaziness of the red light areas and the hustle-bustle of Faizabad. Some shots will leave you breathless.

As expected, Naseeruddin Shah is effortless and flawless. With his restrained performance and quiet manner, he beautifully brings out the ways in which love has jazzed up his life. But he also leaves no stone unturned when he gets into a brawl with Arshad over Vidya. We haven’t seen him in a role like this in a while.

With her layered portrayal of Krishna, Vidya Balan adds another impressive performance to her resume after Paa. Her character is grey. She is a desirable desi bombshell dressed in simple yet vibrant Indian wear that helps her exude sensuousness. Yet there is an innocent and vulnerable side to her. Her chemistry with Arshad, especially in the tastefully shot lovemaking scene is sizzling, while with Naseeruddin Shah, it is more relaxed. You love the strength and the element of madness her character possesses.

As the uncouth, clever and lusty Babban, this is Arshad Warsi’s finest and most important performance since the Munnabhai series. With his surma-lined eyes, different dialect and unrefined body language, he becomes the character. Warsi holds his own opposite Naseeruddin Shah.

All the other actors, whether it is the cowardly steel magnate Kakkar or Vidya’s two-faced, dangerous husband, hen-pecked Mushtaq (Salman Shahid), the kinky Mamta or the clever Nandu, each character is perfectly cast.

Abhishek Chaubey is definitely a director to watch out for. If his first film is this explosive, we can only wait in positive anticipation for his next. takes you to the unpredictable and lawless interiors of India and makes sure it is a fun and eventful ride all the way. Hop on!

Janhvi Patel/ Hill Road Media