‘Ishq Vishk Rebound’ (2024) - Review

Directed by: Nipun Dharmadhikari

Written by: Vaishali Naik, Vinay Chhawal, Ketan Pedgaonkar
Starring: Pashmina Roshan, Rohit Saraf, Jibraan Khan, Naila Grewal
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Country: India
Language: Hindi

Plot Summary: "Ishq Vishk Rebound" centers around the complex dynamics between three childhood friends: Raghav, Sanya, and Sahir. While Sanya and Sahir develop a romantic relationship, Raghav finds himself in the role of their constant mediator. However, when both relationships face turmoil—Riya breaking up with Raghav over his lack of commitment and Sahir parting ways with Sanya over her immaturity—the story takes an unexpected turn as Raghav and Sanya share a kiss. This moment complicates their friendship further as they struggle with their newfound feelings amidst the backdrop of youthful confusion and the search for true love.

Performance:

• Rohit Saraf: Stands out with his comic timing and expressive portrayal of Raghav. He effortlessly transitions between emotions, making his character relatable and engaging.
• Pashmina Roshan, Jibraan Khan, Naila Grewal: Deliver competent performances that suit their roles well. They bring out the youthful essence and the emotional struggles of their characters convincingly.

Technical Aspects:

• Direction: Nipun Dharmadhikari manages to create a light-hearted and entertaining narrative that appeals to the Gen Z audience. However, some thematic elements could have been explored in more depth.
• Cinematography: The visuals are pleasant and effectively capture the youthful and vibrant tone of the film.
• Editing: The pacing is uneven at times, which can be distracting. Some scenes feel drawn out, affecting the overall flow.
• Music: The songs are catchy and fit well within the film’s context, adding to its light-hearted charm.

Strengths:

• Relatable Themes: The movie touches on various aspects of modern relationships, breakups, and the concept of rebound love, making it relatable for the younger audience.
• Humor: The narrative has a good dose of humor, primarily driven by Rohit Saraf’s performance, making it an enjoyable watch.
• Subtle Messages: The film subtly addresses issues of parenting, the impact of parental relationships on children, and the emotional challenges faced by Gen Z.

Weaknesses:

• Predictable Plot: The story is quite predictable and follows a familiar pattern seen in many romantic comedies.
• Shallow Exploration: Some important themes, such as Raghav's parents’ divorce and its impact on him, are touched upon but not explored in depth, leading to missed opportunities for more substantial storytelling.
• Uneven Pacing: The film’s pacing is inconsistent, with certain parts feeling unnecessarily prolonged, which can affect the viewer's engagement.

Personal Take: "Ishq Vishk Rebound" is a modern rom-com that effectively captures the essence of Gen Z relationships and their complexities. It’s an entertaining watch, especially for younger audiences, with its humor and relatable themes. However, the film does not offer much in terms of originality or depth. The narrative is predictable, and while it addresses some significant issues, it does so only superficially.

The film’s depiction of rebound relationships and the evolving nature of love in the digital age is interesting but could have been handled with more nuance. The movie's attempt to blend Western cultural elements with Indian settings is noticeable and might not appeal to everyone. The director had an opportunity to delve deeper into the characters' backgrounds and the societal issues they face, but it remains largely unexplored.

Overall, "Ishq Vishk Rebound" is a decent watch for those looking for a light-hearted, entertaining film with a contemporary touch. However, it lacks the depth and originality to make a lasting impact.

Rating: 2/5