An academically strong Gulrez Khadir has only her father Abdul Khadir taking care of her who starts the groom hunt for his daughter who is forced to work as a sales-girl at a shoe store. Fed up with the constant lies the grooms’ families tell about their qualifications and ultimately demanding excessive dowry from them, Gulrez fancies going abroad for her higher studies deciding to use one such groom to her advantage!
Language:
Hindi
Running Time:
123 min
Rating:
U
Release date:
19 September 2014
Directed by:
Habib Faisal
Produced by:
Aditya Chopra
Written by:
Habib Faisal
Starring:
Aditya Roy Kapoor
Parineeti Chopra
Anupam Kher
Karan Wahi
Sumit Gaddi
Music by:
Sajid Ali
Wajid Ali
Shot by:
Himman Dhamija
Editing by:
Meghna Sen
Distributed by:
Yash Raj Films

What’s Hot

  • The plot is not quite unusual. But the story has been told in an entertaining manner with the protagonist and her father going in search of grooms who demand bribe in order to plan their next step. The novel use of (and dig at) the Indian Law is appreciable.
  • The screenplay is well done for a simple story. When the screenplay shifts from Hyderabad to Lucknow for the groom search, things get a little spicy. It is in fact new that the director has used the charm of food for taking his screenplay and making it tasty to the audience. The screenplay has also been timed perfectly in the just within 2 hours category so as to not make it boring for the audience.
  • Worthy word of mention goes to the cast! Parineeti chopra excels as Gullu, emoting well and so has Anupam Kher fit into a caring middle class father. Aditya Roy Kapur as Tariq has also pitched in with relative ease for his role.
  • The music by Sajid-Wajid gives us some pleasing tunes to listen to. Cinematographer Himman Dhamija has toiled it to take us through the populous localities of Hyderabad and Lucknow and shown us the beauty in the narrow streets.

What’s Not

  • Even though there are enough elements for the story to be translated into a good screenplay, it could have been much better. A well-learned Gullu who makes high level plans is undone by a small error of judgement.
  • The director Habib Faisal could have done a much better job with the fight scene and the tantrums near the climax. It looks like a misfit from the good part of the movie’s storytelling.

Badges

Verdict

Verdict Stamp

The concept of dowry harassment has been dealt with in a unique fashion and the crew of Daawat-e-ishq can be patted on their shoulders for their effort. Despite an average story, Daawat-e-Ishq offers for a palatable watch for its screenplay centred around love through fine acting & of course, tasty food!