Crew Review: 'Ishq Express' Arrives, But Does It Deliver?

All aboard the 'Ishq Express'! Bollywood's latest rom-com, starring the fresh-faced duo of Rohan Mehra and Ananya Kapoor, finally steamed into cinemas this Friday, April 5, 2026. The film, directed by seasoned filmmaker Karan Johar (yes, *that* Karan Johar!), promises a whirlwind romance set against the backdrop of a cross-country train journey. But has it managed to capture the hearts of the audience, or is it just another train wreck?

The film follows the story of Rahul (Mehra), a software engineer escaping an arranged marriage, and Priya (Kapoor), a free-spirited artist on her way to a life-changing exhibition. Their paths collide on the 'Ishq Express,' and predictable (but hopefully charming) chaos ensues. Early buzz suggested strong chemistry between the leads, and the vibrant cinematography showcasing India's diverse landscapes was also heavily promoted. The music, composed by Pritam, already has a couple of chartbusters, including the catchy title track and the soulful 'Dil Ka Safar.'

Initial Audience Reactions: Mixed Signals for 'Ishq Express'

Opening day collections clocked in at a respectable ₹18 crore, slightly below expectations considering the star power involved. Social media is abuzz with initial reactions, and it's a mixed bag, to say the least. While some are raving about Rohan Mehra's undeniable charm and Ananya Kapoor's infectious energy, others find the plot predictable and the humor a tad stale. "Rohan and Ananya are adorable together," tweeted @BollywoodFanGirl, "But the story felt like a rehash of every other rom-com."

Kriti Sanon, who attended the premiere, said, "It's a fun, light-hearted movie, perfect for a weekend watch! Rohan and Ananya have done a great job."

Critics Weigh In: Is the Journey Worth Taking?

Critics are also divided. While praising the film's technical aspects, many have pointed out the lack of originality in the storyline. Renowned film critic Rajeev Masand gave it a 2.5-star rating, stating, "'Ishq Express' is visually appealing and has a decent soundtrack, but it fails to offer anything new in terms of narrative. It's a comfortable watch, but not a memorable one." Ouch!

reportersays that box office collections over the weekend will be crucial in determining the film's fate. A strong showing could solidify its position as a crowd-pleaser, while a significant drop could spell trouble. The film is competing with holdovers like 'Tiger Zinda Hai 3' and the critically acclaimed drama 'Gully Boy 2,' making its journey even more challenging.

OTT Release and What's Next

For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes, 'Ishq Express' is expected to premiere on Amazon Prime Video approximately eight weeks after its theatrical release. So, if you're on the fence, you might want to wait for its OTT debut.

Meanwhile, if you're looking for something else to watch this weekend, 'Gully Boy 2' is still going strong in cinemas, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of Mumbai's underground rap scene. Or, if you're in the mood for some international flavor, check out the latest season of 'Stranger Things' on Netflix India. You can also follow all the live cricket action on News Reporter Live.

'Ishq Express': Box Office Collection Update

As of today, Sunday, April 5th, the 'Ishq Express' has chugged along to collect approximately ₹45 crore worldwide. While not a blockbuster by any means, it’s holding its own. The film's performance in the coming week will be a key indicator of its long-term success. All eyes are now on whether this romantic journey can gather enough steam to reach its destination at the box office. For more Bollywood news and movie reviews, keep checking News Reporter Live!