Review of Dedh Ishqiya (2014) by Nilesh J — 15 Apr 2014

Dedh Ishqiya (???? ??????? ) is definitely a movie with actors, Urdu dialogues, editing, cinematography, sets, costumes of class. Madhuri Dixit looks gorgeous and radiant as widowed Begum Para Jaan and one can't take eyes off her when she is on screen. Huma Qureshi as Muniya stands at par with her effortless performance. Combination of small time thieves Khalujan alias Ifthekhar (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban alias Razzaakh Hussain (Arshad Warsi) is great with their banter, blame-games and all. They con a jewellery store owner and flee with an expensive necklace. Ifthekhar walks into the swayamwar of Begum. His pretense as poetry-spouting nawab to woo Begum is played with ease. Babban is full of energy and very natural in his attempt to woo Muniya. Unrelenting Jaan Mohammad is exemplarily played by Vijay Raaz. His efforts to learn Shero-Shayari and to understand the 'Matla' raises laughter. Manoj Pahwa as the poet in captivity and Salman Shahid as an eccentric gang-lord do complete justice to their roles.

Shooting has been done at Mahmudabad Palace near Barabanki. Dialogues are sharp. Urdu sounds so good. It is a complete visual treat to watch Madhuri dance to Pandit Birju Maharaj's choreography. Music is more of classical based and different. Poetries are fabulous. The plot has been developed with great intensity. Storytelling has been done with great finesse.

Dedh Ishqiya is definitely more enthralling than Ishqiya. It is a must watch for people who enjoyed Ishqiya.