Yash Raj films...the most famous Indian banner has been legendary in dishing out some of the most memorable romantic films through the years be it "Kabhie Kabhie", "DDLJ", "Fanaa" or the more recent "Band Baaja Baraat". After a pretty average outing last year, Yash Raj banner is back yet again with their latest venture "Ishaqzaade" which promise to be a hatke love story set against a rustic backdrop. So will this be a worthy successor to its predecessors???

There is a popular saying that power makes a person blind, which makes people strive beyond the realms of imagination even if it means baying against your own bloodline. If wars were waged in yester years to usurp kingdoms, now it's all about playing the dirty game of politics. Similarly, the Chauhans & Qureshis were arch rivals in their quest for unbridled political power. Parma (Arjun Kapoor) was the grandson of Chauhan Sr., an arrogant boisterous individual, while Zoya (Parineeti Chopra) was the free spirited, fire brand daughter of Quereshi Sr. Just as one would expect they were sworn enemies of each other, who was always on the look-out to get one up on the other. But somewhere down the line, theses warring souls takes a liking for each other. However, will their love be able to broker peace between the families???

Habib Faisal has been a regular in the Yash Raj stable over the years partaking the scripting of many a film like "Band Baaja Baarat", "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom" etc. This time around, along with the scripting he has called on the shots as well after his credible debut venture "Do Dooni Char". The first half of the film is really impressive as it explores the protagonists & the fierce rivalry between the duo, but the second half kinda loses way as it offers nothing more than the usual predictable fare. But the film doesnt totally disappoint & part of that credit should go to Amit Trivedi's fantastic sound track be it "Paresha" or "Ishaqzaade" & Hemant Chaturvedi's praise worthy visuals which has been more than capable in giving a realistic rustic feel to the movie.

If I have to say as to what makes me like this film then it would have to be undoubtedly the brilliant performance by Parineeti Chopra, who just make it appear that this role was tailor made for her. After her impressive debut in "Ladies Vs Ricky Behl", this film just reiterates that it wasnt a flash in the pan & she is here to stay. Being a star son has its share of pros & cons, Arjun Kapoor does enter the scene with this baggage being the son of Boney Kapoor. He does have the talent & sparkles in a number of sequences, though there is no denying that he still has got many rough edges to smoothen out. The rest of the crew also deserves praise for their natural performances.

Verdict: The film will have a decent opening & should be able to hold its own. Though not in the league of its erstwhile predecessors, it still wont burn the fingers of the Yash Raj banner owing to the impressive performances of the protagonists. In short, it's worth a try!!!

Rating: 2.25/5

Regards...Ben