The horror genre in Indian cinema frequently struggles with clichéd storytelling, predictable jump scares, and overly dramatic techniques. Vikram Bhatt’s new film, Bloody Ishq, unfortunately, does little to elevate the genre, instead diving deeper into mediocrity. Featuring the telltale signs of a subpar horror film, it combines amateurish CGI with nonsensical writing, failing to create genuine suspense or intrigue.
While expectations were not high for this project, viewers may find themselves unprepared for the visual catastrophe that unfolds. Bhatt, who has successfully produced competent horror films in the past, misses the mark with this outing.
The film opens dramatically with Avika Gor’s character struggling in the ocean; however, the next scene abruptly shifts to her awakening in a hospital, seemingly months later, with no recollection of her past. She is soon whisked away to a secluded Scottish villa by a man (played by Vardhaan Puri) who claims to be her husband.
In a swift turn of events, Gor’s character, Neha, begins to question her feelings for this man, despite her amnesia. After raising suspicions, she suddenly trusts him after one night together, which raises eyebrows about the film’s portrayal of relationships and agency.
The film quickly devolves into a series of ludicrous scenarios, including a ghost taking control of a ghost hunter while her partner records the event rather than coming to her aid. In another instance, a husband attempts to calm his seemingly deranged wife by suggesting they retreat to the bedroom, further highlighting the misguided portrayal of relationships. Additionally, every character awkwardly integrates English phrases into their dialogue, suggesting a desire to modernize the film’s narrative beyond Bhatt’s previous works, which were often set in the past.
Neha encounters a disturbingly eerie woman who repeatedly appears in her home, yet instead of securing her environment, she seems unfazed. One might question whether her amnesia has also dulled her grasp of reality. Over the film’s lengthy runtime, Neha’s constant trust in dubious characters becomes increasingly frustrating.
The narrative twists and turns so frequently that it challenges the viewer’s ability to keep up, with the only logical choice made by Neha occurring in the film’s final moments.
In an effort to convey urgency and restlessness, Bhatt’s direction falters, compromising the film’s overall tone. What could have seamlessly integrated into the plot later is instead forced into the story’s beginning, disrupting flow. Furthermore, Gor’s performance is reminiscent of a daily soap opera, exacerbating the film’s overacting issues.
The lack of tension in Bhatt’s direction leads to predictable and ineffective scares, while the CGI elicits more laughter than fear, characterized by poorly visualized spirits. Bloody Ishq struggles to find an audience, offering little to recommend even for horror enthusiasts. The true horrors lie in its sluggish pacing, laughable visual effects, and exaggerated portrayals that collectively create an arduous viewing experience. It is best to steer clear of Bloody Ishq to preserve one’s sanity.
Rating: 1/5
Bloody Ishq is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
