'Ishqiya' has become an awaited venture

Steamy visuals, colourful expletives, Gulzar's lyrics, impressive star cast - "Ishqiya" promises all this and much more. Coming from Vishal Bhardwaj' stable, the film, which is releasing on Jan 29, will give a rustic feel to the audiences just like "Omkara" did.

Distributed in India by Boney and Sridevi Kapoor's film and television entertainment company BSK Network and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, it has been co-produced by Shemaroo Entertainment and Bharadwaj.

The directorial debut of Abhishek Chaubey, the movie has actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Vidya Balan and Arshad Warsi. It has already become an awaited venture courtesy its songs and promos.

"The film is a blend of romance and suspense. It deals with various aspects of love, lust, complete submission and false love. It is not just about the three central characters; other characters in the film are also connected to it," Chaubey had told IANS.

"I have borrowed my backdrop and settings from reality and I used them to tell the story. It's basically about the emotional journey of these three people," he added.

The story involves two thieves - Khalujan (Naseer) and Babban (Arshad) - who are on the run from their boss. They seek refuge with an old friend and instead meet his widow Krishna. As they plan their escape, their time spent together draws the duo to her.

Khalu with his tinted vision of old-fashioned love and Babban with his lustful eye - both are attracted to her.

The threat of imminent death forces them on a path of violence and betrayal. Set in a rural landscape, "Ishqiya" explores basic human emotions influenced by desire, greed and revenge.

Vidya had to mouth expletives for the movie, which made her apprehensive.

"I was very apprehensive while using those slangs. I have never used them in my real life but I had to because the script demanded. The movie belongs to a certain terrain where slangs are part of their lingo," Vidya had told IANS.

"Abhishek Choubey had to constantly keep giving me a pep talk. Quite often I was stuck because of the language and content," she added.

With only four songs on the soundtrack, the music of the film has already become a favourite among listeners.

Because of its content, the movie has been passed without any cuts with an 'A' certificate.

"I never claimed the film was for children. The content is adult. So I've no problem with the 'A' certificate," said Chaubey.

"Ishqiya" is releasing on Jan 29, alongside Amitabh Bachchan starrer "Rann" and "Road To Sangam".

Indo Asian News Service