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Daawat-e-Ishq
2014 Indian film From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Daawat-e-Ishq (transl. Feast of love) is a 2014 Indian Hindi-Urdu-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Habib Faisal, and produced by Aditya Chopra under the Yash Raj Films banner. The film stars Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur in lead roles, with Anupam Kher in a supporting role. Set in Hyderabad and Lucknow, the narrative follows Gulrez, a salesgirl disillusioned by the dowry system, who devises a plan to scam a prospective groom—only to find herself in a genuine romance.[3]
The film marked Faisal’s second directorial collaboration with Yash Raj Films following Ishaqzaade (2012). Principal photography took place in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, with cinematography by Himman Dhamija. The music was composed by Sajid–Wajid, with lyrics by Kausar Munir and Irshad Kamil.
Released theatrically on 19 September 2014, Daawat-e-Ishq received mixed-to-positive reviews. Critics praised its performances, social message, and soundtrack, though some found its plot predictable.[6][7][8] At the box office, the film earned approximately ₹12.7 crore (US$1.5 million) in its first week of release.[1][9][10]
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Plot
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Gulrez "Gullu" Qadir, a spirited salesgirl from a lower-middle-class neighborhood in Hyderabad, lives with her widowed father, Abdul Qadir, and dreams of emigrating to the United States. Despite her aspirations, her marriage prospects are limited due to their inability to meet steep dowry demands. When her relationship with Amjad collapses after his family demands ₹80 lakhs as dowry, Gullu becomes disillusioned.
Determined to fight back, Gullu devises a scheme to entrap a dowry-seeking groom under IPC Section 498A, which penalizes dowry harassment. She and her father assume false identities and travel to Lucknow, where they target Tariq "Taru" Haider, the charismatic owner of the popular restaurant "Haidari Kebab." During their courtship, Taru and Gullu grow close, and Gullu is taken aback when Taru gives her ₹40 lakhs from his personal savings to meet his father's dowry demand—ensuring that the money does not actually come from her family.
Despite developing feelings for Taru, Gullu executes her plan: she drugs him on their wedding night and absconds with the money. She subsequently blackmails the Haider family for an additional ₹40 lakhs under the threat of dowry charges. As she prepares to leave for America, guilt overcomes her. At the train station, she is confronted by Taru. Gullu returns the money, confesses her love, and apologizes. Taru forgives her, and they reunite, deciding to marry without dowry.
The film concludes with Gullu starting her own shoe boutique named "GULLU," while Amjad, moved by her journey, confronts his own parents about their dowry expectations.
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Cast
- Parineeti Chopra as Gulrez "Gullu" Qadir / Sania Habibullah
- Aditya Roy Kapur as Tariq "Taru" Haidar
- Anupam Kher as Abdul Qadir / Shahriyar Habibullah
- Karan Wahi as Amjad
- Sumit Gaddi as Neeraj
- Poojan Parikh as Tariq Haider's Dad
- Ritesh M M Shukla as Haider staff 6th
Production
Daawat-e-Ishq marked the second collaboration between Habib Faisal and Parineeti Chopra after Ishaqzaade (2012).[11] The film featured the silver-screen debut of television actor Karan Wahi,[12] and was extensively shot in Hyderabad and Lucknow.[13][14]
Soundtrack
The full soundtrack was released by YRF Music on 17 July 2014.[15]
All lyrics are written by Kausar Munir; all music is composed by Sajid–Wajid.
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Reception
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Box office
Daawat-e-Ishq was initially scheduled to release on 5 September 2014, but the date was pushed to 19 September to avoid a clash with Mary Kom. On its opening day, the film collected ₹3.25 crore (US$380,000), followed by an estimated ₹12 crore (US$1.4 million) over its opening weekend.[16] It completed its theatrical run with worldwide earnings of approximately ₹35.58 crore (US$4.2 million).[5]
Critical reception
The film received mixed-to-positive reviews. The Hindu described Daawat-e-Ishq as "a potent recipe," praising its themes and lead performances.[17] The Times of India gave it 3.5 stars out of 5, noting its "heart in the right place" despite minor flaws.[18] Rediff.com also rated it 3 stars, describing it as a film that "oozes charm—platefuls of it."[19]
Conversely, The Indian Express criticized the film for being "annoyingly bland," citing issues with its pacing and narrative execution.[20] Anupama Chopra of Film Companion observed that the film began with promise but lacked narrative drive and energy in its second half.[21] Koimoi noted that the film was "sweet but disappointing," pointing to tonal inconsistencies and an underwhelming payoff.[22] India Today echoed similar concerns, praising the performances while criticizing the uneven writing.[23]
Filmfare called the film a "flavorful entertainer," particularly appreciating the fresh take on social issues like dowry and the "sparkling chemistry" between Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapur, but noted that the plot lost momentum in the latter half.[24] The Daily Eye praised the film’s intention to blend romance with social commentary but remarked that its execution felt "half-baked," with tonal shifts affecting the emotional core of the story.[25] Livemint described the film as "visually appetising but dramatically bland," appreciating the aesthetic and cultural texture of the setting while criticizing its underdeveloped characters and predictable arc.[26]
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Accolades
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References
External links
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