Producer: Shweta International
Director: Indra Kumar
Cast: Karisma Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Anupam Kher
Music: Sanjeev-Darshan

‘Aashiq’ directed by Indra Kumar is the remake of Telugu hit film ‘Gulabi’. Indra Kumar who has delivered quality and hit films in the past however fails to deliver his best with this. Touted to be a different love story away from the formulaic stuff the film doesn’t deliver as promised and end up being one of those run of the mill kinds that we’ve seen in the past. It is a hackneyed old story just presented in a new way.

The film is about the romance of Chander (Bobby Deol) and Pooja (Karisma Kapoor). Chander is a lively and energetic young man who always believes in helping others and standing up for their cause. His attitude invites enemies who swear to keep him off their path and also attracts the eyes of the rich girl Pooja. Like lovebirds they fall head over heels in love with each other. But life and path of love is not without hurdles for them. While they face family disapproval, there also erupt misunderstandings, with one thing leading to the other. The story takes a turn when Pooja gets abducted by a flesh trader (Rahul Dev) and Chander is held responsible for it. He is arrested but manages to flee the law to save his beloved from the pangs of flesh trade. Chander puts his life at stake and thus his love wins at last.

The film is nowhere closer to director's other films in terms of script and music. The screenplay also doesn’t help it elevate to a different level. The first portions have some light moments and they are thoroughly enjoyable. Johny Lever leave you in splits and Karisma-Bobby romance also carry off well and so you look forward to the post-interval portions as well. But it turns a downer. Also Indra Kumar maneuvers the script according to his preference. The climax only makes the matter worse. Only a handful of scenes stand out in the whole affair.

Sanjeev-Darshan's music is monotonous and some songs appear forced on the script. Rajiv Kaul-Praful Parekh's comedy is fine. Harmeet Singh's cinematography is grilling. Dialogues and action are okay.

Bobby Deol comes up with a sincere performance. Karisma Kapoor also does her part with equal ease. Nasir Khan and Rahul Dev leave their mark in the film. Others like Anupam Kher, Vrajesh Hirjee, Mukesh Rishi, Smita Jaykar, Anjan Srivastava and Mrinal Kulkarni support ably.

There’s nothing to look forward form this dull and monotonous film. The film surely won’t have bright prospects at the box-office.