“Bloody Ishq”: A Dull and Disappointing Horror from Vikram Bhatt

Director - Vikram Bhatt

Cast - Avika Gor, Vardhan Puri, Jeniffer Piccinato, Rahul Dev

Platform - Disney Plus Hotstar

Rating - 1

Vikram Bhatt’s Bloody Ishq attempts to revive the horror genre with a chilling tale set in a remote Scottish castle. Unfortunately, the film falls flat, offering more frustration than fright. Known for his earlier successes in the horror genre, Bhatt seems to have lost his touch with this latest venture, delivering what might be his worst film to date.

Neha (Avika Gor) awakens in a hospital with no memory of how she arrived. Her husband, Rohan (Vardhan Puri), takes her to a desolate castle on a lonely island, where they are supposedly alone. The film quickly sets the stage for horror with crashing doors, howling winds, and ominous music. However, Neha's well-coiffed appearance and the film's lack of genuine tension do little to build suspense.

The narrative stumbles as Neha, despite a lack of staff and minimal provisions, manages to cook pasta and maintain a pristine appearance. The castle’s eerie atmosphere is undercut by clumsy CGI effects and poorly executed jump scares. The film's pacing drags significantly, with a considerable stretch of mundane scenes before any meaningful horror elements appear.

Avika Gor, playing Neha, is miscast in a role that requires more depth than her performance delivers. Her portrayal of a woman slowly uncovering dark secrets lacks the emotional gravitas needed to engage the audience. Vardhan Puri’s portrayal of Rohan is equally uninspired, and the film struggles to create any chemistry between the leads.

Rahul Dev’s role as Rohan's father, who holds the key to the castle's secrets, is undermined by the film's overall execution. The supporting cast, including Jeniffer Piccinato, adds little to the story, with their characters failing to make a significant impact.

Vikram Bhatt’s direction feels outdated, and his attempt to modernize the horror genre with a Scottish setting falls flat. The script is riddled with clichés and lacks coherence, making it difficult to connect with the characters or invest in the plot. The film’s attempt to blend traditional horror elements with a modern setting is unsuccessful, resulting in a tedious watch.

The film's visual effects are a major disappointment. The CGI creatures, intended to evoke fear, are unconvincing and poorly integrated into the narrative. The frequent use of CGI over practical effects detracts from the horror atmosphere, and the film’s attempts at creating tension through visual gimmicks fall short.

The film's climax is a letdown, offering little resolution to the buildup of suspense. The supposed twists and revelations are predictable and fail to provide a satisfying payoff. By the time the credits roll, the audience is left with more frustration than fear.

Bloody Ishq is a missed opportunity to reignite interest in the horror genre. Vikram Bhatt’s foray into Scottish horror fails to deliver the thrills and chills that the genre demands. With uninspired performances, outdated effects, and a sluggish plot, the film struggles to engage or entertain. It’s a disappointing entry in Bhatt’s filmography and a forgettable addition to the horror genre.