Director: Akarsh Khurana and Nipun Dharmadhikari
Rating: **
In the age of digital romance and fleeting relationships, 'Ishq Vishk Rebound' attempts to capture the essence of modern love and the complexities of rebound relationships. This film, an adaptation of the beloved 2003 classic 'Ishq Vishk,' tries to address contemporary themes of love, friendship, and heartbreak. However, instead of delivering a fresh take, it gets tangled in its own narrative, offering a half-hearted exploration of these issues. The result is a romantic comedy that feels both outdated and lackluster.
A Rehashed Storyline with Modern Themes
'Ishq Vishk Rebound' brings back the familiar concept of young romance but fails to modernize it effectively. The film focuses on Raghav (Rohit Saraf) and his friends Sanya (Pashmina Roshan) and Sahir (Jibraan Khan). Sanya and Sahir have been childhood sweethearts, but their relationship hits a rough patch, leading Sanya to find solace in Raghav, who is also recovering from a recent breakup. This sets the stage for a rebound relationship, but the script falls short of giving depth to these modern themes.
Characters Lacking Depth and Development
Raghav, Sanya, and Sahir form a classic trio, but their stories feel underdeveloped. Raghav's character, despite Rohit Saraf's commendable effort, lacks the necessary depth. The film heavily relies on his charm, but lazy writing undermines his potential. Sanya and Sahir's characters, while having emotional backstories, don't evolve significantly throughout the film. Riya (Naila Grewal), another key character, is barely given any screen time or significance, making her role forgettable.
Direction and Execution Fall Short
Directors Akarsh Khurana and Nipun Dharmadhikari, known for their previous works, struggle to bring the same magic to this film. Their apparent fondness for Rohit Saraf shows, but it doesn't translate into a compelling narrative. The movie attempts to address serious topics like mental health and therapy but does so superficially, missing opportunities for meaningful exploration. For instance, Raghav's learning about couple therapy from Sheeba Chadha's character feels forced and lacks impact.
Missed Opportunities in Serious Moments
The film has moments where it could delve into deeper issues, such as Sahir's strained relationship with his father. However, over-the-top cinematography and unnecessary dialogue break the immersion, making serious scenes appear insincere. The film's non-judgmental tone is a positive aspect, but it cannot compensate for the overall lack of effort in storytelling.
Performances That Stand Out
Despite the weak script, some performances shine through. Jibraan Khan, remembered from 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,' delivers an intense performance that captures attention. Pashmina Roshan, making her debut, shows potential in a few emotionally charged scenes but has room for growth. Naila Grewal's limited presence leaves the audience wanting more from her character.
Music and Pacing Issues
While the songs are catchy, their frequent inclusion disrupts the film's pacing. With a runtime of nearly one hour and 45 minutes, the narrative feels cluttered with four songs, detracting from the story's flow.
Conclusion
'Ishq Vishk Rebound' tries to tackle the concept of rebound relationships but falls into the trap of frivolous execution. It offers humor and cheesy moments but lacks the soul and sincerity needed to make it a memorable romantic comedy. The film ends up as a missed opportunity, failing to resonate deeply with the audience.
