Sharp Urdu wit and strong performances make this a worthy watch.
Verdict tier Recommended, most critics liked it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Dedh Ishqiya received a strongly positive critical reception, with the large majority of reviewers recommending it as one of the better Hindi films in recent memory. Critics most consistently praised the writing and dialogue, particularly the Urdu-inflected shayari and witty lines crafted by Vishal Bharadwaj and Gulzar, alongside Abhishek Chaubey's direction and the performances of Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi, and Huma Qureshi. A handful of critics noted that the film falls short of the original Ishqiya's spark, with some pointing to pacing issues, a Tarantino-esque climax that divided opinion, and the absence of Vidya Balan's intensity as factors that prevent the sequel from being fully flawless. A minority dissent came from Komal Nahta, who found the high-flown Urdu dialogue alienating and the film dull for mainstream audiences.
7 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 33 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
This is a rare joy. It's a genuinely smart film. It's beautifully, lovingly shot. The music aids the narrative instead of distractingly taking it hostage. It's the most quotable Hindi movie in years. It's a sequel that leaves even a highly original first-part far behind. And, for a film so accessible, it's armed with the most cunning, most delicious twist. It's terrific — and a half. Dedhriffic, then.
Top critic
Film review ·
...smarter, funnier, richer and way more gorgeous than its predecessor. If you're a fan of really, really great writing, masterful direction, clever lines, terrific actors, Urdu literature and shayari, Dedh Ishqiya delivers by the truckloads. There's a severely satisfying degree of subtext beneath the front layers of Dedh Ishqiya, and homages are only a part of the film's intelligent satirical touches. But don't let metaphors and subtext get you down, Dedh Ishqiya is first and foremost a very entertaining movie. Plus it's got a generous dose of cinematic 'moments', and a terrific special effect – romance between Naseer and Madhuri Dixit.
Top critic
Film review ·
Dedh Ishqiya gives the UP badlands a light cloak of humor and, to the viewer - we're happy to note - a bold reveal that is more suggested than emphasized. The twist in the tale is one you can spot from a mile away, but it's nicely done. I'm going with four out of five for director Abhishek Chaubey's Dedh Ishqiya. Like heady wine, it delivers a welcome kick.
Top critic
Film review ·
From dilkashi to junoon, the start and end point respectively of Khalujaan's take on the seven stages of love, the film has them both and everything in between and beyond.
Top critic
Film review ·
Replete with florid dialogue and competent performances, too, the sequel to Ishqiya (2010) is good to put it plainly, but not quite in the class of the outstanding first edition which was free of, for want of a better word, snafus. Moreover, the earlier femme fatale played by fierce fervour by Vidya Balan, is sorely missed.
Top critic
Film review ·
There is a lovely running gag about the stages of love and a gorgeous climactic shoot-out. Best of all, the film gives us women who are unapologetically scheming and lusty. They break all the rules and get away with it. It's wonderfully refreshing. And yet, Dedh Ishqiya doesn't have the seductive sparkle that Ishqiya did.
Top critic
Film review ·
There is much to be liked in the film, and I wish all of it had been as good as the scintillating bits. The trouble is not just with the pace. Some of the lines, terrific as they are, seem to be added in just so that the characters can revel in their own perfect Urdu delivery.
Film review ·
The costumes, the characters, the cleverness, the construction of each scene…everything about this one is a treat. Yes, the dialogue if often obscure, with the high proportion of Urdu that colours it, but more is said with the eyes than with the tongue, which makes the entire film a pleasure to watch.
Film review ·
...a worthy follow up to the widely admired ISHQIYA. Powerful writing, superb direction and outstanding performances make DEDH ISHQIYA a must watch. Just don't miss it!
Film review ·
'Dedh Ishqyia' is creatively the best continuation of B-town's popular series after Munnabhai. It is vintage, refreshing, stirring, satisfying, witty, edgy, stylish and open-minded, sexy, snaky and oomphy. B.O. may continue to feel proud for its 'Dhoom' by those masala 'Dabangg' entertainers but nothing is cinematically as satisfying as 'Dedh Ishqyia' in the B-town series and desi spaghetti con genre.
Film review ·
Dedh Ishqiya makes desi go dangerous all over again. It's a whopper of a start for Bollywood in 2014. In a line, not to be missed.
Film review ·
Dedh Ishqiya is a sexy film. Mystically poignant, grippingly lucid, dark, subtle and so invigorating-ly well performed. It's not everyday that you stumble upon near perfect films which entertain you so enthralling-ly... Abhishek Chaubey topples the standards he set by his last film Ishqiya and delivers a more intricate and more pioneering work of outright genius.
Film review ·
Watch this film; the world outside would have gotten mellower and more beautiful when you come out of the theatre. Why dedh and not do, did you say? Fellini and his 81/2 should perhaps be thanked for that.
Film review ·
There's so much to be savoured in the film -- from the performances, aesthetics, music, and the story itself. You don't watch a film like this, you soak it in!
Film review ·
It constructs the dynamics of love and redemption from the rubble of a lost world . It gets its indomitable storytelling power from the writing and dialogues. The four principal actors, as well as Vijay Raaz and Manoj Pahwa, imbue broad and bright shades to their fey characters. Here's a world of poetry and parody that never co-existed anywhere else.
Film review ·
The writers have also pushed the envelope as far as portraying the relationship between the two prime characters is concerned. For those interested in poetry, there is a lot to appreciate here, especially the many verses of Dr. Basheer Badr. Dedh Ishqiya is sight for sore eyes. Go for it.
Film review ·
It's dark, sardonic and funny. Don't miss 2014's first great Hindi film. The actors lift up the written material. Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi carry forward some of the fantastic chemistry they displayed in Ishqiya, both playing off each other's strengths. Madhuri Dixit-Nene fits into the role of a nawabi begum like a hand to glove.
Film review ·
Abhishek Chaubey's 'Dedh Ishqiya' is entertaining, intriguing and humourous. He sure knows how to tell a gripping story peppered with generous doses of wit.
Film review ·
With a cast boasting of pro names of showbiz like Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz, Arshad, Huma and last but not the least, Madhuri, `Dedh Ishqiya` is a dark gem for the connoisseurs of this genre. Madhuri exudes a charming aura on-screen, and Huma rules every frame she appears on. The chemistry between Madhuri and Naseer saab looks a tad forced perhaps because of their wide age gap, but we will go for the madcap tricks cooked up by the duo Babban and Khalu.
Film review ·
Dedh Ishqiya is a royal affair, one that promises to offer you more than your money's worth. Watch out for Shah's Nawab act in the film, Bhardwaj, Gulzar and Chaubey's rustic and raw dialogues, Dixit's Begum act and her Kathak performance.
Film review ·
For all the cinema lovers, who prefer acting and story over masala, it's time to book your seats.
Film review ·
Dedh Ishqiya's success can be attributed to the taut story of Darab Farooqui which is aided by Chaubey's fine screenplay, Vishal Bhardwaj's rib-tickling, naughty dialogues and Dr Bashir Badr's lovely Urdu poems. Chaubey conjures a quaint, lyrical and extravagant world, which he uses to highlight the waning wealth of feudal society. The film is at its best when characters poke fun at each other.
Film review ·
The genre is the same. It is totally Tarantino-esque in its tone, making light of goons with guns. Though Tarantino by now has started employing his time-tested technique to make overtly strong political statements (Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained). This film doesn't. It's hard to tell whether that's for the better (probably not).
Film review ·
Vishal Bharadwaj's dialogue keeps you in splits. Naseer is back in super-form after straying in outings like Jackpot. Ditto Arshad. Madhuri looks gorgeous but the dhak-dhak girl (now woman) falls short on the oomph meter, as compared to Vidya Balan in Ishqiya. Huma Qureshi is interesting.
Film review ·
Slow, long and yet it balances between taking its poetry too seriously and dumbing it down for our benefit. Only a few spots you wish were polished a tad better.
Film review ·
The film's pace is slightly leisurely which may be a bit trying at times. Also, Dedh Ishqiya's music works within the context of the film but unlike Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya is devoid of hummable numbers like Dil toh Bachcha Hai Ji and Ibn-e-Batuta. But, that should in no way deter you from taking this cinematic journey which is more layered and complex than Ishqiya.
Film review ·
...it's texture, dialogue, and performances - make it good enough to hold up in a repeat viewing. And that's a lot more than you can say about the majority of other films.
Film review ·
...falls just a step short of being flawless and that's only because of the Tarantino-esq climax. But in the rest of the portions, the film, as promised, "Dedh" (One and a half) times the fun of the original.
Film review ·
With so much going for 'Dedh Ishqiya', there's no reason why you shouldn't plan a trip to cinemas this weekend.
Film review ·
...quite a colourful montage of cinematic gems. Dedh Ishqiya is a taut film. It's a worthy comeback for Madhuri Dixit Nene. It's a great start to the movie calendar year.
Film review ·
The film contains an ode to the lyricism of classic Urdu poetry, mobsters as well as the familiar two-against-the-world formula that has powered so many legendary films. Chaubey weaves all of this together to create a fictional India in which you'll love losing yourself. Madhuri, Naseer and Arshad dazzle in this delightful film.
Film review ·
If you want to have fun this weekend, Dedh Ishqiya would be the ultimate choice. When it comes to acting, Dedh Ishqiya is endowed with some great performances. Like Ishqiya, Naseeruddin Shah as Khalujaan and Arshad Warsi as Babban, again getting into the skin of their characters and showing some extra ordinary performances. Credit must be given to Abhishek Chaubey's direction, good story and strong narration.
Film review ·
On the whole, Dedh Ishqiya is a dull fare and will not find favour with the youth. Classes may like the film but that will be a very small section of the audience. Its high-flown Urdu dialogues are a dampener. It will end up entailing heavy losses to all concerned.
Film review ·
When I am despirited by the crassly sexist ethos that governs Hindi films today, Ishqiya is one of the films I like to think of. Here too, like the first, Chaubey keeps his light, humorous touch intact without failing to smuggle in the class and gender politics crucial to the story.
Film review ·
To give away any more of the plot would be unfair, but suffice it to say that the quirky characters are why the film seems so engaging. As Muniya, Begum Para's confidante and shadow, Huma Qureshi puts in a confident performance, but there are so many such performances in the film, it is hard to pick one.
From our readers
19 ratings · user score 7.1
Probably, after MUNNA BHAI series' Munna-Circuit jodi, now Khalujaan-Babban have taken over. (Khalu like aalu, bhalu, kaalu, lalu, wagerah, wagerah...) Khalu in Urdu stands for maternal aunt's husband. Such raw and boiling "chemistry" can put the chill out from this winter. Naseeruddin Shah (63, Iftekhar/Khalujaan) by merely being in a frame makes it classic. Arshad Warsi (45, Razzaq Hussain/Babban) is the most under-rated actor, who still hasn't got his due. Had Amitabh invested his billions in Arshad instead of the perennial struggler, he'd've recovered his investment with handsome gains by now. You need to have a sound knowledge of Urdu language to grasp the subtleties and fineries of this beautiful language. Otherwise everything'll go over the head and one may not enjoy the bickerings and tu-tu main-main. Absolutely brilliant. Dialogues are simply delectable. You will remember them long after. Cinematography too is mind-blowing. I know Photoshop is an excellent makeup software. But what should I do when I am against makeup itself. I prefer natural beauty. And what can one say about the Photoshop queen Madhuri (46, Begum Para). She looks like Babban's mother but tries looking like Huma Qureshi (27, Muniya) babe (mother/aunt-niece jodi.) That charming smile isn't the same. Time and again "comebacks" can take its toll. Why can't she rest and watch the younger heroines' movies. After her insensitive and gross Saifai 1-crore nautanki, she may've been consigned to where she should be. She may have "lost" a chunk of her fan-following and wonder if a few hundreds will patronize it. The movie's chances r grim. I pity her and sympathize with her desperation. Women-centred flicks never fared well barring a few. She must have invested heavily in this movie and the next "comeback" GULABI GANG. She is ready to give "tough" competition to TV vampish tai and sasu ma and... Couldn't she learn something from Sadhna!!! I must appreciate her optimism to go on re-inventing herself. I wonder if her kids will know her through her screen presence only as mother is 'shooting'. Shraddha Kapoor and Amrita Puri are in item numbers that are not exactly needed. Although the movie boasts of six songs, none are actually hummable. Vijay Raz (50, Jan Mohammed, politician) is in a class of his own. Words don't do justice to what he brings to screen. Kudos. He is ably assisted by Ravi Gosain (Liyaqat Ali) and Manoj Pahwa (50). Marvellous actors dotting the Indian acting scene instead of the crass moneyed non-actors. '-[ DI may not compete with its prequel ISHQIYA (2010) but it is an excellent encore to male bonding. Naseer-Arshad will win many awards for their roles. They tug at the heart-strings. I will wait for Part 3 too if this male team remains. But they should avoid Photoshop heroines. Makeup stage tak OK hain heroines le le. Har din aisi film nahin aati.
Much like Munna (Sanjay Dutt) and Circuit (Arshad Warsi) are integral part of Munnabhai series, Khalu (Naseeruddin Shah) and Babban (Arshad Warsi) are the integral part of our own Desi crime comedy series Ishqiya. Ishqiya wasn't a crowd pleaser so its sequel Dedh Isqiya also does not aim the masses. Instead with its Urdu dialogs every now and then to support its atmosphere and honest story telling, it requires your patience and attention so that you can enjoy the quirky and intelligent dialogs written by Vishal Bhardwaj. The movie is most enjoyable whenever you witness the electric chemistry between our leads. New actors include another veteran Madhuri Dixit, fierce beauty Huma Qureshi and ultimate performer Vijay Raaj. Vijay Raaz's character must be kept in the story if they are taking the series forward which they should. Movie looses you sometimes during its long Urdu conversations and the tiring and labored performance by Madhuri Dixit. Intelligent crime comedies and black humor are still to find a place in Bollywood hall of fame but Vishal Bhardwaj and his team promises you that they will not compromise and keep serving you with intelligent stories.
Love The Comedy In The Film and The Artistic Way of Love But It Lacked Heart...Storyline is much similar to The Ishqiya..But the comedy is better here, but other things just fade away a little if you compare it with the 1st One..Anyway not a bad watch at all.Love the Use Of Urdu in the Film
Dedh Ishqiya is easily the sexiest film this year. And the title of the film totally justifies the narrative which follows. It is not entirely a sequel. Yes, there are Khalujan and Babban continuing the same task they did previously, but this time they are bound by a tauter, more light backdrop. We have a new story, involving the once-royal people who haven't lost their grandeur. Naseeruddin Shah shows a side of himself as Khalu which was naive to Ishqiya. The film is a visual triumph of colours which comes not only as a thrilling black comedy like the original, but also a sharp rom-com. There are amazing palaces, sweeping ghaghras and mujre ka gharana. There is profound literature and sufi music. On the whole, this is a film that wins over easily. Watch it for Madhuri Dixit, she is a total finesse here. Above, anything 'Dedh Ishqiya' is a more productive narrative than the original, because it celebrates itself with sincerity. I'm going with 4 out of 5 for the film. Its 'Dedh', but for me 'Saadhe Aath'.
Credits
Naseeruddin ShahKhalujaan
Madhuri DixitShahi Begum
Arshad WarsiBabban Hussain
Huma QureshiMunira Aslam Zia ul Bano
Vijay RaazJaan Mohammad
Manoj Pahwa
Amrita Puri
Shraddha Kapoor(Item Number)
Bhuvan AroraYoung KhaluHindi films like Dedh Ishqiya
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