Pacionsbo
Absolutely Fantastic
Humbersi
The first must-see film of the year.
Hayden Kane
There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes
Maleeha Vincent
It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
marspeach
Aisha, which just came out last summer, is Bollywood's version of a modern Emma. Set in the high society of Delhi, it follows Aisha in her misguided matchmaking attempts. Like Emma and Cher, Aisha is a spoiled rich girl who means well but is really clueless. This one follows the book a little more closely than Clueless did and includes more characters, like the John Knightleys and Jane Fairfax (Aarti). Here, the Miss Taylor character is Aisha's aunt. This version's Knightley (Arjun) is still her childhood friend and brother-in-law's brother, but younger this time. Emma dislikes Aarti, his colleague from America, but she doesn't realize it's because she's jealous. Dhruv (Frank Churchill) is her new uncle's son and they flirt for a little bit but she's just not that into him so he goes for Aarti instead. There is an Elton character, but he's not a pompous jerk at all, just a bit dorky.I thought this version borrowed too many elements from Clueless rather than Emma. Maybe that's inevitable in a modern setting, but I'm not sure. Aisha has a best friend, Pinky, who's only equivalent is Dionne. She disapproves of Pinky's love interest (I won't give away who it is!), like Cher did to Dionne. Like Cher, Aisha loves to shop till she drops. The Harriet Smith character, Shefali, comes from out of town and Aisha gives her a makeover….sounds pretty familiar! Emma never gave Harriet any sort of makeover. She liked Harriet because she was very pretty and sweet already. I dunno, maybe I'm reading too much into it.For anyone hesitant about seeing this film because they don't like Bollywood, I just want to say- don't let that stop you. This movie is very, very Westernized. At least half the dialogue is in English, possibly a bit more. There are some "musical" scenes but the music is Western-style, not the typical Bollywood singing. The characters don't break into song either- rather the music highlights what's going on on screen. These characters behave very much like rich Westerners would (I've read criticisms that it was trying too hard to be American, even) and there are even a couple kissing scenes.I thought this was a good movie, but not great. The production values were obviously very high- everything looked great. Unfortunately, I think that was part of the problem- they focused too much on style over substance. The script needed a bit of work. The whole Jane/Frank story was handled very poorly in particular. Still, it was a fun movie, even though, like Clueless, it's not going to go down as one of my favorites.
Avinash Patalay
There wouldn't be even an iota of doubt with regards to Jane Austen and her novel "Emma". Two things need to be questioned a) The makeover of the plot for Bollywood and b) The writing skills of Devika Bhagat. Certain elements of the plot are given undue importance whilst the part which form the important cog- in-the-wheel are relegated to the background resulting in the entire fare being classified as mixed bag. Sonam Kapoor:: Now no-two ways to shout on the roof-top that "Aisha" leaves no stone unturned to showcase everything that is good about Miss Kapoor. And honestly speaking, it does it well. The new barbie-girl is here to stay and will be a role model for plenty of young girls. The other gender I am sure have found a new face to fall for. Kats, can you hold the position tight please?Abhay Deol:: The production team should be blamed for not being able to cash-on with the popularity and image this Deol carries. In terms of screen time, his role is minuscule and gets any scope to contribute to the proceedings. Even the promos were not utilised to showcase Abhay Deol. Amrita Puri:: Does a fantastic job as a "behenji". You will simply adore her.Ira Dubey:: Though a bit loud, the audience knew what was cooking in the closet. This pair's track seemed to have given more prominence than the lead one. The rest are just about OK. Reinterpretation a classic is akin to walking on a bed of thorns, not everyone's cup of tea. The entire team has failed to get it right.PS: Its "homevideo showcasing Sonam Kapoor" at its glorious best
bobbysing
The entire promotional campaign of AISHA revolved around only one character alone and the film also does the same. It's a Sonam Kapoor show all the way where she luckily gets ample support from her supporting cast too. AISHA is rich in glamour, has a certain class of its own and has also got some breezing romantic elements to offer to the younger generation. So Sonam is here to make another impression on the viewers with her fresh charm and elegant style which is clearly visible throughout the movie till its last frame.But unfortunately, the news is not entirely positive as the compliments given above are strictly meant for the movie before its intermission. Revolving around the story of a funky, fashionable girl who loves to be a match-maker for her friends, AISHA surely manages to impress the audience in its first hour with some good sequences and fine performances. But post interval, it simply starts walking on the same old decayed path of realizing your actual love and then apologizing for the same. Though the movie is not too long in its duration but still it drags a lot in its second hour and has got nothing new in the name of content to sustain the impact generated by its initial reels.Actually the fact is that AISHA heavily relies on its treatment and therefore comes out as only a partially good product as far as its story content is concerned. Any avid moviegoer can easily predict the complete film and its climax, after just watching the first 10 minutes of the movie. Moreover post intermission it loses the pace and one seriously misses all those witty or comic relief moments which are in fact the highlight of the movie in totality. In other words if the makers would had given more stress on its content than on its styling, the film could have been a milestone in the career of Sonam Kapoor.Based on Jane Austen's novel EMMA, and also inspired from "CLUELESS" (1995), the movie has all the colours in the right tone, but the real problem is that the colours are not many. As the movie reaches its end, the characters become lifeless and monotonous, which don't allow them to emotionally connect with their viewers. So, one doesn't really feel overjoyed as Aisha finds her true love in the end. Moreover, the climax sequence of entering the wrong marriage venue seems to be just pushed in without any purpose. Actually the movie should have ended right there, but the director deliberately inserts another love proposal scene which is not enjoyable at all towards the end.On a brighter note AISHA has a refreshing first half and that's because of some brilliant performances by its supporting cast which mostly has debutants making their presence felt.Both Ira Dubey and Amrita Puri as Sonam's fast friends are really a treat to watch. They straight away catch your attention right from their first scene and excel. Especially Amrita Puri who indeed has got the talent to be explored in the right way. Cyrus Sahukar as the dumb rich boy is not loud this time and impresses. Arunoday Singh also leaves a mark with his frank appearance. Anand Tiwari as a middle class boy is lovable but Lisa Haydon as the foreign returned only stands in her scenes without any expression.Taking about the main lead, there is good news for the fans of Sonam Kapoor, since the girl is there in her full form and style. Along with her acting skills she strongly showcases her fashion sense with her great outfits and make-up. Sonam easily carries the whole film on her shoulders and once again proves that she is undoubtedly among the most talented young girls in the tinsel town. She has always managed to do full justice to her roles in the past but for some reasons all her films till date are only partially good and same is the case with AISHA. I really hope in the near future she hits the bull's eye with a bang.However for the fans of Abhay Deol, AISHA may not give them any reason to celebrate as the thinking actor is not present here in his full spirits. Abhay underplays his role well but in absence of a well written character he fails to make the kind of impact he usually does. Still, I loved his silence and one liner dialogues delivered in his own unique manner.AISHA may work for the younger audience due to its elegant production value, eye catching costume designing and Mills & Boon kind of romantic theme. But for the smaller centers, it doesn't have the required merit to make it big. Director Rajshree Ojha has strictly made the movie keeping in mind the cities and multiplexes only. It has some good numbers composed by Amit Trivedi as "Suno Aisha" and "Gal Mitthi Mitthi Bol". But I couldn't understand why a fine party song "Gal Mitthi Mitthi Bol" was saved to be used in the end credits only. In all, AISHA has a refreshing first half but with a not so impressive second, I was only satisfied partially. Yet, for the romantic movies fans, I would like to rate it better than Sonam's last "I HATE LUV STORYZ", but still its quite shallow.
pinkleotard
The film follows the narrative of Jane Austen's Emma, so no surprises there. But the Delhi feel and the performances by the co-stars of the film make it a highly enjoyable experience.I loved the Delhi-ness of the dialogues and the characterisations. The Performances to watch out for are those by Cyrus Sahukar, Amrita Puri and Anand Tiwari - all author-backed roles and performed brilliantly. The film has great styling and great production design but those are the added pluses. The comedy element of the film is maintained throughout. The tone never gets melodramatic or over the top.It remains light and breezy throughout. The music by Amit Trivedi is awesome. It's altogether a sweet and light romantic comedy /chick-flick to be enjoyed with your gang of girls.