The film revolves around two childhood friends Rajiv (Kapoor) and Payal (Rao). As the two friends grow older, Payal eventually falls in love with Rajiv, though Rajiv is unaware of her feelings. The film emerged as a sleeper hit and launched both Kapoor and Rao's careers. The film was produced by Tips Industries distributed by UTV Motion Pictures.[2][3][4][5]
Plot
College student Rajiv aspires to be among his college's popular students. Nonetheless, his friends Danny and Javed tease him as he does not have a girlfriend. Danny and Javed invite him to a vacation to Alibag. Rajiv's friend, Rocky, suggests that he date Payal for a short period of time and then break-up with her as he does not have anyone to accompany him to the vacation. Nevertheless, Rocky helps Rajiv befriend Payal.
While declaring his love for Payal, who also happens to be his childhood friend, Rajiv asks her to become his girlfriend. Rajiv, however does not believe in serious relationships, and does this so that he could go on the vacation. Payal reciprocates her love for Rajiv and reveals that she has been in love with him since their school days. On the day of the vacation, and after some persuasion, Payal is allowed by her father to go. The pair reside at Danny's beach house along with Danny, Javed and their girlfriends. During her stay, Payal is mistreated by an intoxicated Rajiv, causing her to slap him in anger.
To her shock, she is upset when she learns that Rajiv does not love her. Danny and Javed's girlfriend attempt to explain to Payal that Rajiv wasn't at fault, and that his behavior was caused by Danny. Payal apologies to Rajiv, though he refuses to forgive her and makes her kiss him to prove their love. Payal refuses as she believes that such a gesture isn't necessary. The pair's relationship fall apart and the two challenge each other to find better partners.
Following their breakup, Rajiv questions the possibility of dating the most attractive student the in the college. Mambo, Rajiv's close friend, who had supported the pair's relationship, demands that he and Payal reconcile. Some time later, a new student Alisha enrolls at the college. Rocky encourages Rajiv to woo her and he manages to win her over. Mambo consoles Payal and promises to be there for her and the two become close. Despite the breakup, a deeply hurt Payal, still has feelings for Rajiv.
Despite seeing Rajiv and Alisha together, she continues to stay in contact with Rajiv, even wishing him on his birthday. Rajiv is annoyed after seeing that Payal had wished him first, rather than Alisha, as she was busy with a modelling shoot. Rajiv becomes irritated after seeing Payal and Mambo becoming close. When Payal shows up for Rajiv's birthday party, she becomes emotional and confesses to Rajiv that their love was never real, which is why Rajiv was happy with Alisha and not with her.
Upon seeing this, Mambo and Rajiv get into a heated argument over Payal, causing Alisha to strongly dislike Payal. Alisha learns from a friend that Payal and Rajiv are childhood friends and had always been in love with each other. She confronts Payal and accuses her of stealing Rajiv from her. When Mambo tries to defend her, he is mocked by Alisha, infuriating him. Rajiv accuses Mambo of seducing Payal, causing the two to part ways. Rajiv cannot stop thinking about Payal and how she continued to care for him, even after their breakup. An insecure Alisha endlessly asks Rajiv to declare his love for her. Thinking of Alisha as Payal, he hugs and expresses his love for Payal when he is actually hugging Alisha.
At the college farewell party, Rajiv apologizes to Mambo and they reconcile. He realizes that Mambo and Payal are not actually in love and attempts to win back Payal. Rajiv attempts to apologize to Payal, but she ignores him and pushes him away. Rajiv publicly apologies to Payal, where he expresses his love for her. Payal, who is still upset with him, tells him that nothing is going to change her mind, no matter what he does. Rajiv approaches her and pleads with her. Payal finally forgives Rajiv after seeing his determination. Alisha arrives at the party and after seeing Rajiv and Payal dancing, she realizes that only Rajiv and Payal can be with each other. She apologizes to Payal for her mistreatment of her and conveys her regards to the pair.
The film's music was composed by Anu Malik. Lyrics were penned by Sameer. According to the Indian trade website Box Office India, with around 1,200,000 units sold, this film's soundtrack album was the year's eleventh highest-selling.[7][8]
A sequel titled Ishq Vishk: Rebound, directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari has been announced. It stars Rohit Saraf, Jibraan Khan, Abhishek Kumar, Pashmina Roshan, Jaanam Raaj and Naila Grewa.[9]
