Directed by: S. S. Raju
Written by: Ratheesh Ravi
Based on: Ishq by Anuraj Manohar
Produced by: N. V. Prasad, Paras Jain, Vakada Anjan Kumar
Starring: Sajja Teja, Priya Prakash Varrier
Cinematography: Sam K. Naidu
Edited by: A.Vara Prasad
Music by: Mahati Swara Sagar
Production Company: Mega Super Good Films
Release date: July 30, 2021
Running time: 115 minutes
Country: India
Language: Telugu

iQlikmovies Rating: 2.5/5

Child actor Teja Sajja has turned into a lead actor lately. The young hero who recently impressed the audience with his 'Zombie Reddy' joined hands with director SS Raju and came up with a romantic thriller titled 'Ishq: Not A Love Story'. The interesting caption has already grabbed the attention of the audience and the teaser and trailer of the film also felt promising. Malayalam beauty Priya Prakash Varrier who recently played a crucial role in 'Check' is playing the female lead in this movie. Written by Ratheesh Ravi, the movie finally got a theatrical release today on July 30th, 2021. 'Thimmarusu' also clashed with it at the box office today. Here is the review of the film.

Story:
Siddhu (Teja) and Anu (Priya) is a couple. They have feelings for one another. On the occasion of Anu's birthday, the couple goes on a long drive and spends some quality time together. When they were about to have an intimate moment in their car, a person who claims to be a policeman begins moral policing and almost tyrannizes them. Unfortunately, the incident results in a series of dramatic events that result in a twisted ending.

Performances:
Teja Sajja leads from the front with his intriguing performance in the movie. His physique suited well for his role and his amazing performance can be considered as the plus points of this film. Priya Prakash breathes life into her character and showcased variations in her role very well. She leaves an impact on the audience with her beautiful performance. Ravindra Vijay is terrific in his role and has delivered an honest performance in the film. His energetic performance added more strength to the film. The rest of the characters also made their presence felt.

Technical Aspects:
Director S. S. Raju has executed the story really well. The way he has dealt with the complicated story in an engaging way is really impressive. Also, he has come up with some interesting twists in the film and his pace of narration is definitely worth appreciating. Production values by the Mega Super Good Films banner are very rich and became one of the plus points of the film. Music by Mahati Swara Sagar is top class. His catchy tunes made the movie even more impressive. Cinematography by Sam K. Naidu is top-notch. He has produced some brilliant visuals for the film. Editing by A.Vara Prasad is clean.

Verdict:
The gripping storyline can be considered as the major plus point of this film. The film starts off as a beautiful love story but there is much more to it and the entire first half is about establishing the characters. The second half will be the game changer and every important character changes their colors which makes the audience even more involved in the story. The riveting story, impressive twists, performances, and music can be considered as the plus points of this film. Overall, 'Ishq' is definitely a must-watch movie that will definitely give a thrilling ride for the audience.

Plus Points:
Performances
Plot
Twists
Dialogues

Minus Points:
Slow start
Few lags in first half

Final Verdict: Ishq offers a thrilling ride!