Aafat-e-Ishq

I found this movie slow and lacking logic... at the start. As the story unfolded and the layers laid and revealed, it sucked me and I could not stop watching.

When the climax is reached, it isn't exactly an unexpected plot twist... but rather it feels like the story unfolding as it should - further revelation of themes and the plot continuing to suck you in and preparing you for the denouement and resolution... after which you have that satisfied feeling you only get with great storytelling. There is also enough comedy to make the movie fun to watch without it becoming intrusive or forced. If the story isn't enough reason to watch the movie, it also includes beautiful animation sequences perfectly embedded into the story.

A Dark horror/romance movie? I would say it was an experiental movie created by the director which went well, really well. Neha did one of her best jobs in this movie.

Recently I watched Aafat-e-Ishq on Zee OTT. I mean I just accidentally stumbled upon it upon knowing that it was an official remake of Liza , Fox Fairy...Hungarian Award winner. That aspect of it being a remake/adaptation was enough to spike my curiosity as I have always been interested in Indian remakes and had really liked them! Sadak inspired from Taxi Driver and Ghulam...an Indian remake of On the waterfront. There is this article also I wrote on the art of existential adaptation years ago. Anyways...coming back to film, I have to say that I liked it.

I mean...yes there was a slowing down of narrative and at times I felt that it is a bit difficult to watch the film but the characters and the meticulous visual design really made me admire this little quirky film with a heart. Neha Sharma evoked sympathy as the innocent protagonist of the movie who is dealing with a curse serves as the foundation of the film but what really made it different than others was this Burtonesque (Tim Burton) world director Indrajit Nattoji has created. The director is known for his visual art and the posters he had made for the film Sandeep and Pinky Faraar was top notch along with the awesome hand-painted Rang Saari video he directed. The visual flair, love for the animation and the impulse it make it feel postmodern and an experience to go through rather than the movie to watch is present in Aafat-e-Ishq. Deepak Dobariyal as the funny Metal music loving cop is brilliant and I really longed to see more of his character. Namit Das really performed his character well and has a funny and endearing presence throughout the film; only in the end it was a delight to know why he was like that. The best section o the film which is kinda savior the film as far as main stream audience is concerned is the end and has a genuine heartbeat to it !

The movie really felt like an ensemble of curious characters in the tradition of mainstream Indie cinema and that is where it stood out for me. It is clear that this movie was aiming to be entertaining not aiming to be what we call filmy and box office pleaser and that I guess gives it a sort of amateur spirit and visual flair. Aafat-e-Ishq felt like the one made by a painter with a heart who has stepped in the world of cinema and trying to make people see the medium differently. Perhaps that is where it succeeds and also perhaps that is where it fails. Even if it doesn't feel like a movie hasn't worked in totality, it is a effort to be really encouraged and expect promise from. Remember Aks (2001) .when it came audience panned it because it was unusual and surreal and Hindi film audience wasn't ready for that (although it is one of the favorite film of mine). The point is that it was the glimpse of a vision who would claim his place in cinema pantheon later with Rang De Basanti. I don't know why but this movie reminded me of Aks but will this sort of vision will lead to something really remarkable in future. Only time can tell. I am keeping some hope for sure.

Title is misleading. It should be changed. Movie was unique, engaging plot and quirky characters. Definitely worth a watch. Performances were superb. Neha Sharma was a surprise package.

I saw the trailer and decided to watch it. Spoiler alert! The trailer has many spoilers. But it was still unpredictable and fun. Watch if you want a palette cleanser from the run of the mill bollywood films. The movie is quirky and fun. Not the hold your belly and laugh kind of comedy, nor a gory horror flick. In fact I don't know what catagory to put this film in, nor should you have to. Enjoy the visual treat of the picturization and the brilliant performance of Neha Sharma and Amit sial.