DEDH ISHQIYA

The story takes on from where they left it off in 'Ishqiya', discovering yet another escapade of Khalujan (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban (Arshad Warsi). The widowed Begum (Madhuri Dixit-Nene) of Mahmudabad is hosting a festival of poetry and music in her mansion to scout for a husband - preferably a poet. The country`s best poets are in town and Khalujan, posing as the Nawaab of Chandpur, is participating as a poet in the festival. Babban too arrives in Mahmudabad to take Khalujan back to their old life, but his plans change the moment he sets his eyes on Begum`s maid and confidant, Muniya (Huma Qureshi), a brash and sexy young woman, who has plans of her own. There's shayari, guns, daring chases and hidden intentions in this game of love.

Director Abhishek Chaubey creates a poetic journey underlined with revenge, drama and deception. Each frame is so beautifully captured and every emotion so brilliantly presented, that you just can't take your eyes off. There are twists, turns and revelations so delicious that you savor each moment of viewing. Perhaps a bit slow in the first half, the mysteriously riveting proceedings in the second half make up for everything. The writing is so good that you hardly find a blemish ever in the screenplay. The characters are built so masterfully that each development seems organic. The comedy too is smart, yet always accessible. There are moments of sheer vividness that excite you in more ways than one. The dialogues by Vishal Bhardwaj are superb, and give this comic-thriller the edge it needs. The music is another soulful enhancement to this already well-rounded product, which blends seamlessly with the screenplay.

The performances, as expected, are top-notch. Madhuri-Dixit is back and how! Her demeanor is gracious and her presence, electric. She looks elegant throughout, despite her age apparent on her face. But she plays a widowed middle-aged woman, thus fitting the role perfectly. Naseeruddin Shah is magnetic too. His performance, as always, absorbs you completely. Arshad Warsi is the most fun of all, and is consistently amusing with his cheeky one-liners and contagious humour. Huma Qureshi also brings about just the right amount of sincerity and palpability to her role of the Begum's confidant. A special mention to Vijay Raaz for his superb performance as the wannabe Nawaab, in love so deep with the Begum that he's ready to kill or die for her.

In all, DEDH ISHQIYA is splendid, riveting and a very clever film that's never obscure. While the name 'Dedh' adds just a half to the part one, this film is definitely a plus one. Do not miss it!