What Is the Story About?
Ahmed Shaukeen (Vikrant Massey) and Jyoti (Sanya Malhotra) are madly in love. The problem is Jyoti belongs to a powerful rich patriarchal family who won’t accept anyone outside their caste. They are ready to sacrifice their daughter for the sanctity of the family.
What happens when Jyoti’s family sends a professional killer to hunt down the newlywed pair? Did they escape and what happens, in the end, is the movie’s basic storyline.
Performances?
Bobby Deol as Vijay Singh Dagar has been given an excellent makeover. The crude look and the remorseless actions go hand in hand with a chilling effect. There is not much talking to do either. It is therefore a win-win situation for the actor looking for a breakout role since his comeback. He gets to do something new and his weaknesses are not exposed.
The real performers of the movie are Vikrant Massey and Sanya Malhotra. They are superb together and develop chemistry in a short time which is essential for the movie to click.
Vikrant Massey has more layers to his part compared to Sanya, but none dominate the other and come up with balanced acts throughout. That we feel something at the end, is all due to the compelling characters these two have created within a short time.
Analysis
Shanker Raman directs Love Story. In a simple and straightforward story with the honour killing angle.
Many films have been over the last decade involving honour killing angles. What makes Love Hostel stand out is the set-up and the razor-sharp execution with an edge of seat narration.
The opening block sets up the invincible and alarming death threat Dagar powerfully. The maker’s success lies in giving the chill with the look and characterisation. One knows when he is around it will be death and nothing else. It does get a bit overboard at times, but for the most part, Dagar successfully manages to permeate fear down the spine.
Once Dagar’s threat is locked we move to the lovers, a Hindu girl and a Muslim boy. The writing is clearly on the wall considering the threat. It is how the narrative moves to reach the expected result is where it succeeds, partially.
The chemistry between the lead pair, the safe house setup, offer fun and high stakes risk at the same time. We can feel a sword hanging around their neck that will kill them anytime.
Once the action starts with Dagar beginning the hunt, there is no looking back. The patriarchal family and the characters help in filling and extending the length well. Even though there is nothing new one is engrossed in the narrative.
It all finally builds to the ending. After a lot of gun shooting and escaping Love Hostel eventually comes to a shocking but predictable end. One might see it coming a mile away, which is the downside. Also, everything feels to be wrapped up in a hurry. The last act should have been fleshed out neatly to deliver a more compelling and thrilling drama.
Overall, Love Hostel is a gripping new thriller quickie with a predictable honour killing drama. For the grittiness, sharpness and quality casting and performances, it is an easy one time watch even though it has plenty of rough edges.
Other Artists?
Raj Arjun is fine in the small role he gets. He adds a new dimension to the story related to hope. It is essential for the movie to work and does a neat job with it. Akshay Oberoi is wasted. The rest of the cast is spot on with their brief yet impactful roles. Some help in creating additional drama even if appearing randomly.
Music and Other Departments?
Jeet provides the songs in the movie whereas Clinton Cerejo handles the background score. Both have done a good job. If the former helps in providing depth to the love quickly, the latter helps give the racy feeling. Vivek Shah’s cinematography is decent. Nitin Baid and Shan Mahammed’s editing is slick and sharp. They along with the music give a crispy and racy narrative. The writing is to the point so much so that it appears underwritten at half baked at times.
Highlights?
Gripping Narrative
Characterisations
Direction
Editing
Drawbacks?
Feels Rushed At Times
Mixed Bag Climax
Writing (In Parts)
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Love Hostel Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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