The story of Ishqeria: a girl, a crush, and the mess in between
Ishqeria is fundamentally a story about that feeling—you know the one. That all-consuming, logic-defying obsession with someone who barely knows you exist. The film follows a small-town girl who falls madly in love with the most sought-after guy in college, a premise that sounds like every teen romance ever made, except director Prerna Wadhawan treats it with enough specificity and humor to make it feel lived-in rather than recycled. What unfolds isn't just a love story. It's a journey about growing up, about the gap between who we are and who we pretend to be, and about what it means when life gives you a second chance with someone you never thought you'd see again. The 117-minute runtime gives the narrative room to breathe, letting small moments of awkwardness and connection accumulate into something that matters.
Behind the making of Ishqeria: a delayed arrival and indie spirit
Ishqeria had a notably complicated journey to the screen. Written and directed by Prerna Wadhawan, the film experienced a three-year delay before its theatrical release on September 21, 2018—a gap that's become increasingly common for independent and mid-budget Indian films navigating distribution hurdles. The motion poster dropped in early August 2018, followed by the theatrical trailer on August 29, giving audiences just weeks to discover it before release. The casting of Richa Chadha and Neil Nitin Mukesh in the lead roles brought established star power to what might otherwise have been a smaller indie project. Chadha, known for her work in films like Fukrey and her breakout role in Masaan, paired with Mukesh, who'd built a filmography ranging from thrillers to romantic dramas, created an interesting dynamic—two actors comfortable with character work rather than just star wattage. Radhika Anand handled the dialogue writing, a craft that can make or break a comedy-romance hybrid. The film arrived without major award nominations or box office fanfare, which actually freed it from certain expectations and allowed it to find its audience through word-of-mouth and, later, on streaming platforms.
What makes Ishqeria stand out in the romantic comedy landscape
Look—most romantic comedies from this era rely on either aggressive slapstick or saccharine sentiment, and Ishqeria doesn't quite fit either mold. What's striking is how much the film seems interested in the emotional texture of unrequited longing, the specific humiliation of being invisible to someone you can't stop thinking about. Richa Chadha brings a vulnerability to her character that could've easily tipped into caricature; instead, she makes you feel the weight of that obsession without ever losing the comedic timing. The thing nobody mentions is how hard it is to make a character who's essentially chasing someone else actually sympathetic—it requires a performer who can hold two contradictory feelings at once (this is ridiculous, and it's also real), and Chadha manages that balance. Neil Nitin Mukesh, playing the object of affection, resists the urge to be just a pretty obstacle; he brings actual dimension to a role that could've been one-dimensional. The screenplay's willingness to let awkward silences exist, to let conversations feel slightly off or fumbling rather than snappily written, gives the film a texture you don't often find in mainstream romantic comedies. That said, the film's IMDb rating of 4.1/10 suggests it didn't connect universally—some viewers clearly found it slow or indulgent—but there's a difference between a film that doesn't work for everyone and a film that's fundamentally broken. Ishqeria falls into the former camp.
Where to stream Ishqeria online right now
If you're ready to watch Ishqeria, you can currently stream it on Prime Video. The film's availability on a major platform like Prime makes it accessible to millions of subscribers, and Movie OTT tracks these streaming locations in real time so you don't waste time hunting. The "Where to Watch" widget at the top of this page shows you exactly which platforms are carrying the film in your region right now. Prime Video's extensive catalog of Indian films—everything from blockbusters to indie dramas—means Ishqeria sits alongside plenty of other romantic comedies if you want to binge a few back-to-back. Streaming availability can shift, so if you're planning to watch, checking that widget before you settle in is always smart.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed Ishqeria?
Prerna Wadhawan wrote and directed Ishqeria. She also handled the screenplay, giving the film a singular creative vision throughout its development and production.
Q: Where can I watch Ishqeria?
Ishqeria is currently available to stream on Prime Video. Check the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page for the most up-to-date platform availability in your region.
Q: What's the runtime of Ishqeria?
The film runs 117 minutes, giving the story enough space to develop its characters and romantic tension without feeling rushed or overly padded.
Q: Is Ishqeria based on a true story?
No, Ishqeria is an original screenplay by director Prerna Wadhawan. It's a fictional exploration of first love and second chances rather than an adaptation or true-story drama.
Q: What genre is Ishqeria?
Ishqeria is a romantic comedy that blends humor with genuine emotional stakes. It's classified as both a comedy and romance, though it leans into character-driven storytelling rather than high-concept premises.
Final thoughts on Ishqeria: who should actually watch this
Ishqeria isn't trying to be everything to everyone—and that's kind of the point. If you're someone who connects with romantic comedies that prioritize awkwardness and specificity over grand gestures, or if you're interested in how Indian cinema explores coming-of-age narratives, there's something here worth your time. The performances are genuine, the humor lands more often than it doesn't, and the film's central idea—that second chances matter—feels earned rather than imposed. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay. Not every film needs to be. What matters is whether it speaks to you, and for some viewers, Ishqeria absolutely will.
