By Vivek Ramz

Balalji Real Media's 'Ishtam' is a remake of Telugu film 'Yemaindi Ee Vela'. It's a launch vehicle for debutante director Prem Nizar. More importantly, it's an acid test for the hero Vimal, who after playing rural youngster roles successfully in many films like Pasanga, Kalavani, Thoonga Nagaram has finally got a makeover as a city lad. Also, this film also marks Kajal Agarwal's sister Nisha's entry into Tamil cinema.

What's it about?

Saravanan (Vimal), an IIT graduate from Chennai lives along with Thiyagu (Santhanam) and is in search of a job. He meets Sandhya (Nisha Agarwal) at a shopping centre and the two get into a fight due to some misunderstanding. But soon after, they realize their mistake and fall in love. In spite of opposition from the parents, they get married.

Soon after the wedding, things turn sour between the couple and they decide to break up. They file for divorce and both get ready for a second marriage. But whether they move on to start new life forms the rest of the story.

What works?

Santhanam is the major plus for this film. He has delivered whenever the film cuts loose and drags a bit. Although it's nothing new, his one-liners tickle your funny bone. Shekhar Joseph's cinematography is another positive aspect of this urban centric film. He has done a good job with his camera particularly during songs. Thaman's background music is pretty good but his songs are very average.

What doesn't work?

Though the storyline has the potential to show the city centred romance, director Prem Nizar has failed to bring the same to life. His screenplay is half baked and never gets into details whether it's love, sex or breakup. He shows the city in bad light but finally gets preachy, which doesn't work for the film. Vimal has tried his best, but is not very convincing as urban youngster as his English diction is poor. Nisha scores in glamour but has a long way to go in terms of acting.

What to do?

'Ishtam' is a failed attempt by Prem Nizar and not even worth watching once. Better give it a miss!

In.com rating – 1.5/5