Ishq Express Review - Ritvik Sahore & Gayatri Bhardwaj's Journey Of Unspoken Love Reaches The Destination In Time

Ritvik Sahore and Gayatri Bhardwaj feature in Amazon Mini TV's latest mini movie, Ishq Express. You know, this formula of love blossoming during a train or bus journey is quite old but always effective. Frank Capra's Oscar-winning blockbuster It Happened One Night (1934) started the trend, and I wonder how that one movie can still continue influencing filmmakers and writers even after 9 decades. Watching Raj Kapoor and Nargis in the shoes of Clarke Gable and Claudette Colbert in Chori Chori (1956) felt really good because we had that additional boost of great music, which Hollywood films always lack. Otherwise, it was a simple copy and paste. In the 90s, we saw Pooja Bhatt romancing Aamir Khan in the new remake, and I realised how influential and iconic Capra's film was, even for Indian filmmakers. After several remakes and adaptations over the years, today we have Tanmai Rastogi's attempt at restoration, but it's a little different from what we expected in the conclusive part, including the storytelling format and release platform.Ishq Express is about Aarav (Ritvik Sahore) and Tanya (Gayatri Bhardwaj), who meet on a train and have a fantastic journey together. Without their realisation, they form a bond, maybe even love, during this short period of time. What follows is a cute love story with the duo entangled in mutual, yet unspoken feelings for each other without any pretence, judgement, or any inhibitions. As expected, Ishq Express takes you on the same ride you have been on before, with the only change being a modern touch to the characters, places, contact mediums, and feelings. Earlier, it was about a boy and a girl sharing a meal or tea. This time around, it is a cigarette. That's how modern and urbanised we are nowadays.The story seemed a little overexposed to the cliches, and even the comedy factor was missing. Tanya and Aarav share a few interesting conversations that should interest the youth, but for adults, I don't think that would create any excitement because they have been through all these tactics years ago. However, the concept and surroundings work for the betterment of the product. You stay engaged and connected to the story because it does not bore you and also offers a few good moments once in a while. I was expecting a little shorter narrative than 90 minutes (including credits), which might have made a difference in the viewing experience.For performances, Ritvik Sahore as Aarav will attract the female audience for sure. His cuteness and expressions will be loved by girls because he looks so much like "marriage-material," or "one woman's man," whatever they call it. The female lead, Gayatri Bhardwaj, looks like a perfect urban girl. Her character has that control we miss in today's heroines. She is well-composed and constant. Going over-glamorous would have ruined the natural values of Tanya, so I am happy that they didn't go that way and Gayatri also didn't disappoint with her performance. The supporting cast has also done a fine job of keeping you in the story.Written and directed by Tanmai Rastogi and Saurabh George Swamy, Ishq Express is a steady ride for sure. It may not reach the top gear, but it does not go off track either. Watching the same old story usually bores you, but if it doesn't, then surely there is something. Ishq Express has that 'something'. Making the usual story watchable is a big task, and Tanmai and Saurabh have completed that tough task, so let's appreciate the duo for it. Their idea, or should I say experiment, of taking the conclusion to a new level while remaining true to traditional methods is what allows the film to arrive safely. As a whole, Ishq Express is a sweet little journey of true, unfiltered, and unspoken love, and today's youth should hop on it.