Set against the scenic backdrop of Vizag, Ishq: Not a Love Story tells the tale of Siddhu (Teja Sajja) and Anu (Priya Prakash Varrier), a young couple deeply in love. On Anu’s birthday, Siddhu plans a surprise long drive to a secluded parking spot for some private time. Their romantic escapade is abruptly interrupted when two men, claiming to be police officers, harass and intimidate them. What follows is a chilling ordeal that tests the couple’s patience, courage, and the limits of justice.

As the story progresses, Siddhu transitions from a timid lover to a man seeking revenge, while Anu navigates the trauma of moral policing. The second half escalates into a revenge drama, culminating in a hard-hitting and realistic climax.

Highlights

The story addresses relevant social issues like moral policing and toxic masculinity.
Teja Sajja’s performance effectively portrays a layered character.
Ravindra Vijay’s antagonist is convincingly menacing.
The transition from romance to thriller is impactful, especially in the pre-interval and climax sequences.

Drawbacks

Being a faithful remake of the Malayalam original, it may feel repetitive for viewers familiar with it.
The initial 20 minutes drag before the main conflict begins.
Certain harassment and revenge sequences stretch believability.
Romantic chemistry between the leads is underplayed, reducing engagement for typical Telugu audiences expecting light-hearted romance.
Writing and direction occasionally fail to sustain tension.

Verdict

Ishq: Not a Love Story is a daring Telugu romance that turns dark, tackling moral policing and toxic masculinity. While performances and social relevance stand out, slow pacing and an underdeveloped romantic track hinder wider appeal.
If you’re seeking a love story with a realistic and hard-hitting twist, Ishq offers a compelling one-time watch. Keep your expectations aligned with its intense tone rather than a typical commercial romance.