Cast: Vimal and Nisha Aggarwal

Director: Prem Nizar

Rating: 2.5/5

His-her wish

Remaking a hit movie from another language is never an easy thing. While the likes of Jayam Raja and Mithran R. Jawahar have proved themselves successful in the genre, there are many others who have tasted failure.

Debutant director Prem Nizar is one more addition to the list of those who know the knack of 'Tamilising' a flick from a different language.

With 'Ishtam', which is inspired by the Telugu hit 'Yemaindi Ee Vela', he has presented an interesting tale about today's youngsters.

With Vimal (who is doing a city youth for the first time in his career) and Nisha Aggarwal (younger sister of Kajal Aggarwal) in lead roles, 'Ishtam' is gripping from the word go. And there is Santhanam to add pep to the proceedings whenever things take a backseat.

The story revolves around Saravanan (Vimal) and Sandhya (Nisha), who were lovers once and separated now. Thiyagu (Santhanam) is Saravanan's best buddy.

Fate has it that the divided pair comes together in life again. And when they are about to get married, there comes a twist in the tale. Will they be able to enter wedlock? Well, the answer lies in the climax.

Vimal, who is hitherto seen playing rural youngster, is fresh as an urban youth. Nisha, who has done the female lead in 'Yemaindi Ee Vela', repeats her act in a convincing way. Their chemistry is something that will leave you awestruck. However, Santhanam is the scene stealer with his witty one-liners. How does he manage to do this all the time?

Music by Thaman is youthful and effervescent, aptly reflecting the mood of the script. Shekhar Joseph of 'Chandramukhi' fame has done a colourful camera work. Editing is crisp while dialogues are young and fresh.

The second half lags a bit, especially during the emotional encounters between the lead pair. But there is no denying that 'Ishtam' could be the right 'choice' to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day.