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Ishtam is a 2012 Tamil romantic comedy film directed by Prem Nizar, a remake of the Telugu film "Yemaindi Ee Vela" which translates to 'What happened this night'. Starring Vimal and Nisha Agarwal in the lead roles, the film is produced by Ramesh and S. Ganesh. This film was Nisha Aggarwal's debut in Tamil cinema. Ishtam narrates the story of young love, marriage, and the complexities of relationships through the eyes of its vibrant characters.

The story centers around Saravanan (played by Vimal) and Sandhya (played by Nisha Agarwal), two seemingly different individuals who are brought together by fate. Saravanan is an easygoing person who enjoys a carefree lifestyle, while Sandhya is more reserved and puts a lot of thought into the actions she takes and the decisions she makes. The pair meet and initially, their interactions are filled with a series of misunderstandings and playful banter, which is a staple backdrop for developing romance in many romantic comedies.

As both characters come from contrasting backgrounds and have dissimilar approaches to life, their romance offers a blend of humor and emotional depth. The movie showcases the sweetness and innocence of their love as it blossoms, along with the inevitable challenges that they face as a couple. These challenges are portrayed with a mix of sentiment and comedy, which is intended to reflect the typical ups and downs of relationships in real life.

Supporting roles are crucial in Ishtam, with the comedic relief primarily provided by Santhanam, who plays the role of Saravanan's friend. Santhanam is known for his comic timing and his character adds a layer of humor and wit to the storyline. He often finds himself involved in Saravanan and Sandhya's relationship, providing advice and commentary that is meant to be both humorous and endearing.

The film delves into the dynamics between traditional values and modern aspirations, examining how young couples navigate the expectations placed upon them by society and family. Ishtam portrays the cultural aspects of marriage in Tamil society and the emphasis on family bonds and obligations. It presents the argument that despite modern influences, some traditional beliefs and values continue to hold strong within families and communities.

Ishtam, as a film, attempts to offer more than just a straightforward love story. It touches on topics such as the importance of compromise in relationships, the discovery of self-worth and identity within a partnership, and the trials that love must endure in order to triumph. These heavier themes are interwoven with elements of comedy, ensuring that the film maintains a light-hearted tone throughout.

With its scenic locations and melodious soundtrack, the film aims to appeal to the senses as much as it does to the heart. Music plays an important role in Ishtam, with the score and songs composed to reflect the emotional journey of the characters. The songs are used to enhance pivotal moments in the film, helping to move the narrative forward and deepen the audience's connection to the protagonists' relationship.

Vimal and Nisha Agarwal's on-screen chemistry is one of the highlights of Ishtam, as they convincingly portray the evolution of Saravanan and Sandhya's relationship from casual acquaintances to a couple deeply in love. The supporting cast also add depth to the storyline, with each character bringing their own unique flavor to the film's overall dynamic.

Despite its familiar tropes and themes, Ishtam strives to present a fresh take on the love story genre by blending traditional romance with contemporary issues faced by young people in their relationships today. The movie seeks to resonate with audiences who have experienced love, have been baffled by its enigmatic nature, or who simply enjoy the rollercoaster ride of romantic comedies that promise laughter, tears, and an exploration of the complexity of human connection.

In conclusion, Ishtam is a feel-good romantic comedy that explores the nuances of love and marriage through the lens of a young couple. With its mix of laughter, sentiment, and classic romance backed by a well-rounded supporting cast, the film endeavored to garner appreciation both from the youth and families, appealing to a wide range of viewers who enjoy films about the enchanting, albeit often perplexing, journey that is love.

Ishtam is a 2012 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.8.