Namra Syed Hussain Daawat-e-Ishq- 2014 Director: Habib Faisal There is nothing new in this story, many people even can predict the movie, But still it's worth watching. Acting of Parineeti and Aditya's is superb. Small small elements and dialogs are very nice. Anupam Kher is a wonderful actor and he proves his mettle once again. He gets into the skin of character and supports the proceedings of movie with grace. Music is just amazing. Dawat-E-Ishq has a fresh and exotic aroma to appetite you.There will be many people who didn't like the film but I think you can watch this film with your family because the content is very clean and beautiful. Deliciously Amazing

bobbysing If one considers the sincere presentation, worked upon performances and the important message against the Dowry system in this latest Habib Faisal project, once again coming from the YRF banner, then the intentions are all fine and the film does take you back in that Golden Era when movies used to be made on a social theme with an all Muslim background and characters. But later if you think upon its basic story plot and the unconvincing twist & turns in the script, taking all its major characters for granted going for some silly, unbelievable decisions regarding such a big aspect of one's life i.e. marriage, then the film simply falls flat and offers nothing which can be treated as a Daawat (treat) or Ishq (love) in this so called DAAWAT-E-ISHQ.Having said that, after some great graphics in the opening credits, the film does begin with all impressive content in its first 15 minutes depicting the middle class life of a father (a clerk in the court) and her well educated daughter (working as a salesgirl in a shoe store) living in Hyderabad searching for a decent boy for her marriage. But as it progresses further with a sudden twist dealing with Section 498 (A) of the Indian Law safeguarding a woman's rights in her marriage, it slips down badly with all senseless decisions being taken by every (supposed to be) sensible character in the script falling into the weak trap planned by the duo. As a result, the narration loses the grip post intermission making it a big drag and comes up with all predictable stuff right till the badly handled climax following a typical Hindi film norm of a happy ending.Certainly not the kind of film expected from the maker of DO DOONI CHAAR and ISHAQZAADE, the one major point which simply ruined it all for me was the sudden transformation of a solid honest character played by Anupam Kher who had not opted for the obvious despite being there in the court in his entire life. Further the way Aditya's family agrees to every suspicious demand kept in front of them so hurriedly looked more deliberate and even funny, being far away from anything witnessed in our real lives (when it comes to a marriage).Continuing the recent trend, this is another YRF film with quite a lackluster soundtrack except the catchy title song composed as per the requirement of its basic theme. In the technical department its Cinematography, Editing and Dialogues do try to keep the viewer engrossed in their various individual elements like the outdoor scenes, a fine local set of the eating joint, Hyderabadi accent tried by the actors and the pace giving you less time to think upon the logic. Still nothing works due to the unconvincing plot adapted in a weak script which fails to impress the viewer after its few initial moments in any of the tried genre be it love, con, drama or comedy.Performances have another shock stored in for the fans as probably this is the first film where Parineeti comes as the last name in the list of good performers led by Aditya Roy Kapur and Anupam Kher. In fact many who considered Aditya as the wrong choice for the role (looking at the promos) would get hugely surprised by the excellent manner he has performed so confidently taking a lead from even a veteran such as Anupam Kher. Aditya shines throughout with his charming persona but sadly enters into the film only after a good 40 minutes as per the need of the script. Anupam Kher once again proves his known versatility playing the Hyderabadi father brilliantly, but after a while goes into a stereotyped shell too because of his badly written character going through a sudden illogical transformation.On the other hand, Parineeti for the first time looked like pale to me in a film and the major reason for it remains the writing and the feeble plot adapted. For instance she is supposed to be a topper in her studies and yet goes for such a big and silly con-job like an immature girl knowing nothing. Yes, she tries her best adapting the accent, culture and details of a Hyderabadi girl, but doesn't turn out to be that convincing at all as we have seen in her previous ventures, to be honest. In indicative words, the girl desperately needs to come out of her fixed production houses on an urgent basis.Karan Wahi is OK in a dragging, avoidable portion of the film's first half and the rest of the cast is also just there as per the fixed requirements.In all, the only thing favorable in the film is the loving father- daughter relationship between Anupam Kher and Parineeti, plus its attempt to spread some awareness about the ugly dowry culture followed in our country. However other than that, the film neither has any taste of a delicious dish nor any love in its showcased Ishq as promoted in its title.Above all, I found it really confusing in the end thinking that what was the actual motive of the writer-director for making this film based on such an important issue? Did he intended to make a film against this evil curse of dowry? OR Was he more willing to showcase the girls who take advantage of this particular law and try to extract the maximum out of their husbands playing a wicked game?Frankly I couldn't make out what his real intentions were but may be you can. So the choice is all yours and do let me know if you reach any solid logical conclusion, in case you still decide to watch it.

Jasrick Johal Gulrez (parineeti) hails from Hyderabad and is a topper in sports and academics. But her marriage plans get spoiled as the prospective in-laws demand dowry. She decides to teach a lesson to dowry seeking grooms using the law. She along with her father (anupam kher) shift to Lucknow with new identity as rich people from Dubai. There Gulrez meets Taariq (aditya) a restaurant owner and also a rich man. Both get married and Gulrez uses the law and takes money from him and returns to Hyderabad. What happens from there forms the rest.The director has come up with an interesting storyline and while the presentation was rich, the narrative was just okay. The dialogues were well written. The script was above average but the screenplay was average. The background score was melodious and songs were worth watching. Cinematography was efficient. Editing good. Costumes were well designed to suit the backdrop while the art department was colorful. Aditya Roy Kapur was excellent and he scores the brownie points. Parineeti Chopra looks sensuous and she did her bit as required. Anupam Kher was great as usual. Others had no scope.Coming up with an interesting idea is very hard in the this day in age where in bollywood masala films are raking in all the moolah. It is here where Dir.Habib Fasial should be applauded for making a film on dowry even though it is light hearted and there is scope for a even better film on this subject.The first half revolves around elements of comedy, some romance and interesting moments. The interval bang was neat but the second half gets into a con drama which was not excepted and it needed to be more convincing. Overall, the film is very enjoyable, its entertaining and it tackles a serious subject in a light manner, barring a of couple unexpected not so convincing twists its a enjoyable watch for the whole family.6.5/10

rachnatiwari4 Ever been for a meal to a place known for its quality fare and come away disappointed? We all have occasionally. Daawat-e-Ishq is one example of just such an outing. (YRF...some consistency will do wonders). The story-is of young Hyderabadi Gulrez (Parineeti Chopra in a too pink lipstick) whose prospects for "jahez" are limited and thus she gets no suitable boys-even when they seek her out and fall ostensibly in love with her. An indignant Gullu then hatches a plot which involves snaring a prize catch with promises of much dowry, conducting a false wedding ceremony and then slapping the anti-dowry Article 498 A on them to get them to cough up huge sums as damages-in or out of court. This with the help of her doting but dithery dad (Anupam Kher). Guls however reckons without the rustic but honest charm of Tariq Haider "Taru" (Adiya Roy Kapoor in shirts which would put Govinda to shame) from Lucknow. He is loud, brash and not much to look at but has great insight and also actually wants to marry for love and not money alone. He is also the scion of a family which owns a highly popular restaurant and thus the way to this woman's heart is definitely through her stomach. Between kababs, biryani, shahi tukda and phirni, their jalebi of a love story ferments and soaks up in the "chashni" of friendship and mutual liking. And throws her off her balance... The acting was mediocre across the board. Parineeti was bland and mechanical and did no justice to the chatpata role she had. The only surprise was Aditya Roy Kapoor who thankfully for once was NOT a washed up drunk and even conveyed a fair amount of emotion through surprisingly warm dark melted chocolate brown eyes. The Hyderabadi accents were OK but the Lucknow portrayals were not. Also, for some reason there was a surfeit of pink in the film-from lipstick to an all pink Holi. Two of the songs are lovely-the title track and the Sonu Nigam number- Mannat. Kausar Munir's lyrics impress yet again. Lovely words to be wooed with. The story or rather its enactment lacked depth and was oversimplified. (Excuse me a bit while I go plan my own heist---anyone know where I can get a fake passport made?). There are a few sizzling moments between the lead pair but not enough to make us go "yum". What are missing are the accurate characterisations of people and places as in "Ishaqzaade" or the unaffected spontaneity of "Do Dooni Chaar". These comparisons, though irksome, will be made as the quality of these films is unquestionable. With all the ingredients of a delicious meal (actors, director, producer, music) it fell short of seasoning.