There are many things to enjoy in Dedh Ishqiya - starting with that curious name. Director Abhishek Chaubey's new installment in the adventures of the lovable rogues - Khalujan and Babban - is rich in atmospherics and poetry. There are nawabs, sher-o-shairi, and a courtly old-world romance but make no mistake, this is a twisted theatre of the absurd in which the gamut of human folly - greed, decadence, deceit, stupidity - is laid out for us. Once again, Abhishek and co-writer Vishal Bhardwaj find the vein of humour in the darkest situations, including a stand-off in which many guns are pointed at many heads. The construct feels artificial and the pacing is languid. I also struggled with the Urdu - it was melodious but I wish I understood more of it.  Still, Dedh Ishqiya is worth watching just for Abhishek Chaubey's ambition. He is not constrained by the demands of the box office. I am eager to see what trouble Khalujan and Babban will get into next.

Though I had all kinds of expectations I still walked out with a smile and that's rare, trust me! I liked the film but my problem was with the length, 152 minutes is way too long for this genre!! A pat on the back for Abhishek Chaubey who puts a tough film together and keeps us engrossed throughout. Music by Vishal Bhardwaj is not great here but his contribution in writing the dialogues for this film is the best thing to happen to Dedh Ishqiya. Watch it, you won't be disappointed!

For a Hindi movie critic subjected to cinematic trash week after week, the unenviable job is often an onerous chore. Rare is a Bollywood release that one genuinely looks forward to. Dedh Ishqiya, for sure, is one such atypical film, and certainly not for its capricious title alone. On account of several other worthy reasons, not the least of which is the presence in the cast of the still-incandescent Madhuri Dixit, it has got to be one of this year’s most anticipated releases. Dedh Ishqiya measures up on most counts. Co-writer and director Abhishek Chaubey delivers a delightfully droll thriller set in an upcountry feudal milieu where adorable rogues and unfettered tricksters have a field day. The screenplay is laced with acidic wit, the comic touches are subtly sly, and the on-screen performances are marvellously modulated. Dedh Ishqiya entertains, but does so in a manner that does not trifle with the intelligence of the audience. In other words, here is an exceptional film that does not have to negotiate the kind of facile crowd-pleasing narrative formulations that most Bollywood flicks must necessarily wade through in order to get to the Rs 200-crore mark. Dedh Ishqiya is a must watch.

Abhishek Chaubey’s Dedh Ishqiya, true to its fractional title, lives for those half-lines, teasing and wheedling and coaxing its audience so that we fall in love even before the charms of the final act are upon us. Calling a film "One and a half" instead of "Two" could signal varied intent -- including tributes to Federico Fellini and/or the Naked Gun franchise -- but I’d like to believe Chaubey’s superb sophomore effort shies away from the obvious name because it’d rather be called an equal than a sequel. It’s a marvel.  Speaking of challengers, however, Dedh Ishqiya may perhaps be the story not of the first-billed impostors or either woman, but of the yearning lover who kidnaps poets to furnish his chance at romance. The actors are uniformly smashing. This is a rare joy.  It’s a genuinely smart film. It’s beautifully, lovingly shot.  The music aids the narrative instead of distractingly taking it hostage. It’s the most quotable Hindi movie in years. It's a sequel that leaves even a highly original first-part far behind.  And, for a film so accessible, it’s armed with the most cunning, most delicious twist. It’s terrific -- and a half.  Dedhriffic, then.

‘Ishqiya’ gave us a couple of lovable rogues with a lilting Bhopali brogue, and a tricky leading lady in the wickedest ‘cheent ka blouse’ and a startling line in ‘gaalis’. Director Abhishek Choubey’s debut film had an arresting swagger and a distinct voice, and characters—full-blooded, full-bodied– that stayed with you much after the film was over. But I also missed some of the robustness and the spikiness of the original. The one who had my attention right through was Vijay Raaz, who was last so good in ‘Raghu Romeo’ : as a local `neta’ and unpolished man of means, paying ardent suit to Begum Para, he is marvelous. ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ has its high points, but it isn’t a stayer. Next time I want `dhai’ all the way.