NASEERUDDIN SHAH, ARSHAD WARSI, VIJAY RAAZ, MANOJ PAHWA, RAVI GOSAIN, MADHURI DIXIT, HUMA QURESHI

SYNOPSIS: Khalujan (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban (Arshad Warsi), work for a local gangster Mushtaq. Both of them stole a necklace from a jeweller and then while escaping from police they get separated. The necklace is with Khalu and Babban is on a search for him, as gangster Mushtaq starts harassing Babban to get the necklace. While, searching him, he lands up in Mahmudabad and finds that Khalu is there for a celebration, conducted by Begum Para (Madhuri Dixit), in which she will choose her husband. Well, he is there to take back Khalujaan, but falls in love with Muniya (Huma Qureshi) a confidant of Begum. But, even Muniya has a plan to kidnap Begum and capture her property. What’s next? With whom Begum will get married? Will Muniya succeed in kidnapping Begum? This is the rest of the story.

STORY, SCREENPLAY AND DIALOGUES: The story of the film ’Dedh Ishqiya’ is set in Uttar Pradesh like its prequel ‘Ishqiya. Protagonist Khalujaan and Babban are same as in the first part and they take the story forward along with new characters Begum Para and Muniya. The story of the film doesn’t impress much, but the twist in the tale which takes place before the climax, holds the audience to exit from the theatres. The screenplay of the film which is written by Vishal Bhardwaj and Abhishek Chaubey is jerky in first half, but in second half it moves smoothly, however the pace is very slow which makes the audience yawn. Dialogues of the film are quite good at some places.

PERFORMANCES: After the disaster of ‘Aaja Nachle’, Madhuri Dixit makes her come back with ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ and unfortunately the actress fails to impress. Although she tries hard, but seems that she has forgot how to act. Naseeruddin Shah is an excellent actor, but he is also just ok in this film. Huma Qureshi has done a good job and the actress shines in few scenes. Arshad Warsi entertains and he is the only relief point in the film and delivers some funny lines. Vijay Raaz is excellent in his part. Manoj Pahwa gets wasted in his small role. Rest of the cast is just ok.

DIRECTION, CINEMATOGRAPHY AND EDITING: Abhishek Chaubey had done a wonderful job in the prequel of this film and the expectations were very high from him, as ‘Ishqiya’ was critically as well as commercially successful. But, this time somehow he fails to meet the expectations of his audience. Most of the scenes are very lengthy and there are hardly any moments which brings laughter. A. Sreekar Prasad could have done editing better and Abhishek should have asked the editor to edit the length of the film, while Setu’s cinematography is good.

ACTION, BACKGROUND SCORE AND MUSIC: Action in the film is strictly ok. The music of the film is given by Vishal Bhardwaj and it’s a big letdown. Abhishek being the director of the film could have asked Vishal to give a better music.

CHOREOGRAPHY, LOCATIONS AND PRODUCTION VALUE:Choreography by Birju Maharaj and Remo D’souza is good. The locations of the film are ok and the production value is normal.

OUR VERDICT:  Over all If you have enough of time to watch a movie which has never ending climax and poor & artificial performance by Madhuri, you may watch it. Otherwise this film won’t work. It’s an average movie.