Daawat-e-Ishq (2014)

Good concept, poorly executed.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

A very pleasant, easy-going family entertainer with Desi flavor of Hyderabad and Lucknow! Very importantly, anti-dowry message has been delivered in such a jolly manner in this film. Good direction. Anupam Kher as usual is very convincing as an honest single-father who is willing to sacrifice his entire life-savings for his beloved daughter's marriage, brilliant comic timing. Parineeti somehow fails to convince that she is a a topper / BCom final yr grad student, but otherwise a good - original - performance by her, she is creating her fan following for sure. Aditya Roy Kapoor is maturing as an actor with every film, good to see him play a Desi role. Okay-ish music and background score.

The way to a woman's heart is also through her stomach - this twisty idea is enlivened by director Habib Faisal in his collaboration with Yash Raj banner flick, Daawat-E-Ishq which provides a spicy and eclectic romantic affair blending the cuisine culture of Hyderabad and Lucknow. Faisal is known for his penchant to craft authentic middle-class milieu with his rooted characters under the context of relevant social topics,and this time he examines the stigma of dowry practices which has maligned the institution of marriage, but in a lighter vein.Disillusioned with love and tired of matrimonial encounters with over-demanding prospective bridegrooms, Gulrez aka Gullu (Parineeti Chopra),an shoe-sales girl, hatches a con-plan to avenge her humiliations by duping them into fake marriage and imposing charges under section 498A of anti-dowry act. In that way, she can also get hefty sum of money to fulfill her long-nurtured 'American' dreams. She cajoles her resistant father, Bujji(Anupam Kher) an ordinary high court clerk who succumbs to her emotional blackmail. This leads them to Lucknow, where they stumble upon one of their 'bakras',Tariq Hyderi aka Taru(Aditya Roy Kapur) who happens to be an extraordinary cook. Taru is bowled by the feisty girl's charms ,and while Gullu gets gradually swooned by the aroma emanating from the Biryanis and Kababs of Taru's kitchen, their plan is thrashed sweetly by the blossoming love.It's a richly textured premise which offers us an irresistible array of starters , a somewhat delicious main course but the dessert spread turns out to be rather bland.Cutting through the colorful nuances of the city of Nizams, Hyderabad, the narrative also presents a warmth-filled camaraderie between the father and her daughter. The film's latter half dwells in the revelry of Lucknow and its rich culinary traditions which forms a canvas for the romance between its protagonists. The Blemishes - it suffers from logic issues. The climax looks hurried and doesn't convince us about Taru's sudden change of heart for Gullu.These lacunae are however washed off by the spirited performances of the film's central characters. Parineeti Chopra imbues Gullu with full radiance, sparkles and confidence. Its a comfort zone for her to be in her 'feisty' self, but the actress takes an extra leap to get her Hyderabadi diction impeccably right, a trait that was grossly goofed-up by the ace star Vidhya Balan in Bobby Jasoos. Anupam Kher's comical nervousness reminds us of his superbly staged act in Special 26, and he shines in all sequences requiring emotional gravitas. And most importantly, Aditya Roy Kapur makes a revelation, playing the revered restaurateur with a cocky delight. Dawat-E-Ishq has a fresh and exotic aroma to appetize you, but that doesn't last too long to tingle your taste buds.

Ever been for a meal to a place known for its quality fare and come away disappointed? We all have occasionally. Daawat-e-Ishq is one example of just such an outing. (YRF...some consistency will do wonders). The story-is of young Hyderabadi Gulrez (Parineeti Chopra in a too pink lipstick) whose prospects for "jahez" are limited and thus she gets no suitable boys-even when they seek her out and fall ostensibly in love with her. An indignant Gullu then hatches a plot which involves snaring a prize catch with promises of much dowry, conducting a false wedding ceremony and then slapping the anti-dowry Article 498 A on them to get them to cough up huge sums as damages-in or out of court. This with the help of her doting but dithery dad (Anupam Kher). Guls however reckons without the rustic but honest charm of Tariq Haider "Taru" (Adiya Roy Kapoor in shirts which would put Govinda to shame) from Lucknow. He is loud, brash and not much to look at but has great insight and also actually wants to marry for love and not money alone. He is also the scion of a family which owns a highly popular restaurant and thus the way to this woman's heart is definitely through her stomach. Between kababs, biryani, shahi tukda and phirni, their jalebi of a love story ferments and soaks up in the "chashni" of friendship and mutual liking. And throws her off her balance... The acting was mediocre across the board. Parineeti was bland and mechanical and did no justice to the chatpata role she had. The only surprise was Aditya Roy Kapoor who thankfully for once was NOT a washed up drunk and even conveyed a fair amount of emotion through surprisingly warm dark melted chocolate brown eyes. The Hyderabadi accents were OK but the Lucknow portrayals were not. Also, for some reason there was a surfeit of pink in the film-from lipstick to an all pink Holi. Two of the songs are lovely-the title track and the Sonu Nigam number- Mannat. Kausar Munir's lyrics impress yet again. Lovely words to be wooed with. The story or rather its enactment lacked depth and was oversimplified. (Excuse me a bit while I go plan my own heist---anyone know where I can get a fake passport made?). There are a few sizzling moments between the lead pair but not enough to make us go "yum". What are missing are the accurate characterisations of people and places as in "Ishaqzaade" or the unaffected spontaneity of "Do Dooni Chaar". These comparisons, though irksome, will be made as the quality of these films is unquestionable. With all the ingredients of a delicious meal (actors, director, producer, music) it fell short of seasoning.

Habib Faisal's directorial venture under Yash raj's banner was supposed to be a colourful and yummy treat for the viewers, with.a formidable star cast of aditya,Parineeti and Anupam kher. But what a disappointment it was,If someone saved the day;then it was the star cast who acted excellent in this story less and poorly directed flick. Director tried to bring the Dowry system into limelight through a chirpy and light hearted story, but he failed. The Story started with Bap-Beti's conversation which was good, dailouges were nice and was carrying a message.Karan Wahi debuted in a nice way and did justice to his part. The story revolved round a girl, who tired of getting rejected due to Dowry, tried to turn the things around by taking money from rich guys in name of Dowry assault. Her course led her to a Bright colored Chef,Aditya roy Kapur, whose definition of love was different and surprising...How she conned him and how they fall in love is what Dawat-E-Ishq all about.Parineeti again turned out to be a power house performer, with perfect timing and expressions.Aditya was the only fun element in the movie, he was Desi, Lover, chef and a carefree persona.Anupam kher's role was very okayish.Direction and Script are very poor; music was inappropriate except the Title track Dawat-e0ishq by Javed and Sunidhi.Set and costumes were good as was expected from a Yash Raj movie. What could be a mouth watering spicy Golgappa, turned out to be a tasteless Cucumber soup.Can watch it for Aditya and Parineeti's performance...