Crew Review: 'Ishq Express' Hits the Tracks!

All aboard the 'Ishq Express'! Bollywood's latest rom-com steamed into cinemas this Friday, March 27, 2026, and the initial reviews are a mixed bag. Starring the fresh-faced duo of Rohan Mehra and Ananya Kapoor, the film promises a whirlwind romance set against the backdrop of a cross-country train journey. But does it deliver? Let's dive in.

'Ishq Express' is directed by seasoned filmmaker Karan Johar (no relation), known for his family dramas and feel-good movies. The soundtrack, already topping charts, is composed by Pritam, adding another layer of anticipation. The film follows Rohan, a software engineer escaping an arranged marriage, and Ananya, a free-spirited artist searching for inspiration, as they accidentally meet on a train bound for Goa. Predictably, sparks fly – but not without the usual dose of Bollywood drama, misunderstandings, and meddling relatives.

Audience Reactions: Love it or Leave it?

Early audience reactions have been polarized. While the younger crowd seems to be lapping up the film's vibrant energy and catchy songs, critics are calling it formulaic and predictable. "It's the same old story, just repackaged," quipped one critic from Filmfare. However, social media is buzzing with positive comments about Rohan and Ananya's chemistry. "They look so good together! #IshqExpress is my new favorite rom-com," tweeted one enthusiastic fan.

Box office numbers for the opening day are decent, with the film collecting an estimated ₹12 crore. Whether it can sustain this momentum through the weekend remains to be seen. The success of 'Ishq Express' will heavily depend on word-of-mouth publicity and its ability to connect with a wider audience beyond the die-hard rom-com fans.

OTT Release and Future Prospects

For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their homes, sources say 'Ishq Express' is likely to have its OTT release on Netflix India approximately 6-8 weeks after its theatrical run. This makes it a potential hit for the streaming giant, tapping into the massive Indian audience hungry for light-hearted entertainment.

Speaking to News Reporter Live, trade analyst Taran Adarsh reportersays, "'Ishq Express' has the potential to be a sleeper hit. The music is a big draw, and the lead pair has a certain charm. However, it needs to overcome the criticism of being too predictable to truly succeed."

What to Watch Next?

If 'Ishq Express' leaves you craving for more Bollywood romance, you might want to check out the recently released 'Dil Dhadakne Do 2' (available on Amazon Prime), a sequel to the 2015 hit. Alternatively, for something completely different, the action-packed 'Tiger 3' (starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif) is still running strong in cinemas. And for cricket fans, keep up with all the live scores here!

For a deeper dive into movie reviews and the latest happenings in Bollywood, head over to our Movies & Reviews section. And don't forget to stay tuned to Entertainment News for all the latest updates!

Meanwhile, another film generating buzz is 'Mission Mars 2.0', a sci-fi thriller touted as India's answer to Hollywood blockbusters. Stay tuned for our review next week!