Chaahat - Ek Nasha   Producer: Umesh Chauhan Director: Jai Prakash Starring: Manisha Koirala, Aryan Vaid, Preeti Jhangiani, and Sharad Kapoor Music: Anand Raj Anand Lyrics: Praveen Bhardwaj Genre: Musical Recommended Audience: Adult Film Released on: 11 February 2005 Reviewed by: Shruti Bhasin  - Rating: 1.0 / 10   Let us know what you think about this review

Just when you think that Manisha Koirala can’t sink lower, she stars in one of the most pathetic films in recent times. Its safe to say that Chaahat - Ek Nasha is the worst film of 2005, so far. The year has just begun, and it’s a shame that people invested money in such an awful script.

So we have a pop sensation, Mallika Arora (Manisha Koirala) who has everything. She has fans in the form of another singer, Rashmi Jaitley (Preeti Jhangiani), a lover/boyfriend/music magnate Rahul Kapoor (Aryan Vaid), and a secret admirer in the form of her bodyguard, Jaidev (Sharad Kapoor).

Rahul and Mallika share an intimate relationship. Rahul is a serious guy, who actually wants to commit to his love, but Mallika refuses because she thinks marriage is nonsense. So, life continues . . . Rahul uses a new face, Rashmi, in his music video, and she becomes a sensation. Poor Mallika’s career begins to fade away.

Rashmi and Rahul’s love blossoms and Mallika becomes enraged, due to alcohol and orders Jaidev to kill Rahul. The next morning, Mallika tries to undo her command. What happens next? Man, you don’t even want to know, I was hoping there would be a mass murder and all the characters were eliminated.

The story is really about a singer who becomes nothing but a “has-been star”. Was this film a reflection of Manisha’s career? Whatever happened to the sweet girl in Saudagar and 1942: A love story? Where are those acting skills she displayed in Khamoshi and Agnisakshi? Is this the same actress who won an award for Company, 3 years ago? Its shocking, that Manisha used to be a fine actress, but she has become the female MITHUN. Remember when he used to act in all those stupid Z-grade films? Well, if she is trying to accomplish this, she’s not far off.

As for Aryan Vaid, he is not appealing or charming as Rahul. Preeti Jhangiani has only acted well in one film: Mohabbatein. If she feels she needs to work as a sleaze artist, then I doubt she’ll make it far. Sharad Kapoor is wasted in his role.

I don’t know what the director was thinking when making this film, but there is nothing worth remembering. The movie, being based on singers, should’ve had a strong soundtrack, but alas, no success in that department either; it has perhaps 1-2 songs that will appeal to viewers, but that’s all.

Overall, avoid at all costs, not unless you are still a Manisha Koirala fan.