Recall the very old saying: Marriages are made in heaven. Consummated on earth. But haven't we encountered lots of people in real life who try to set things up between friends? Actually, they take upon themselves to make matches and interfere in other people's affairs. That, in a nutshell, is the plot line of movie Aisha.

Let's get one thing in a straight line. You are not exploring virgin territory with Aisha. 'Emma', the Jane Austen novel, has been adapted on movie and television in the past. Although first published in 1815, almost 200 years ago, director Rajshree Ojha and writer Devika Bhagat transport the characters from this novel to present-day New Delhi . But the essence remains the same: A simple plot and an evenly basic love story.

Unlike most love stories that we've witnessed on Hindi screen, there's no long-lasting 'drame baazi' in Aisha, no major hurdles to cross, no parental opposition to encounter, no major conflicts to solve. The director and writer remain authentic to the novel, which prompts you to ponder, wish the relationships were so uncomplicated in today's times.

But there's a flip side as well. The movie runs a little longer (although the running time is 2 hours) and gets painfully slow in some portions. Besides, Aisha lacks the depth of passion and that could be because the makers were trying to make something lighter and breezier. Sweeping the minor complaints aside, Aisha is watchable for two factors mainly: efficient performances, mainly by Sonam Kapoor and Amit Trivedi's super musical score.

Aisha (Sonam Kapoor) is a girl with a simple diktat, 'everyone's business is her business.' Arjun (Abhay Deol) is a boy with even a simpler set of beliefs that, Aisha should mind her own business. Caught in the Delhi upper class world with its own set of social rules, Aisha navigates her world with a great sense of style and even greater optimism.

Caught in her web are her best friend Pinky (Ira Dubey), the small-town girl Shefali (Amrita Puri), the West Delhi boy Randhir (Cyrus Sahukar) and the hunk Dhruv (Arunoday Singh). Aisha will make sure everyone dances to her tune. And all Arjun wants to do is disentangle that web and get Aisha out of an impending sticky mess.

Director Rajshree Ojha and writer Devika Bhagat introduce the principal characters at the very beginning and within minutes, you know their personality as well. The entire first hour is filled with the assorted characters interacting with one another and technically speaking, there's hardly any movement in the story. Actually, the first hour is more of a collage of incidents and moments put together on a beautiful canvas.

But the wheels start moving towards the post-interval portions, when the lead characters (Abhay, Sonam) suffer from pangs of jealousy and the remaining characters find themselves at crossroads as far as relationships are concerned. From this point onwards, Aisha gets more and more engaging. Note the confrontation sequence between Sonam and Amrita, which leads to a bitter outburst by the latter. Note the sequence when Sonam professes love for Abhay at a marriage reception, only to realize later that she had walked into a wrong venue. Note the ending, which is very good culmination. Well penned and well executed sequences!

Director Rajshree Ojha has handled numerous moments well, but how one wishes she would've spruced up the proceedings by coming straight to the point, instead of depicting Abhay and Sonam in sulking moods in several sequences of the second hour. Also, from the writing point of view, Cyrus and Ira Dubey suddenly realize that they are made for each other. Why this sudden pyaar? Didn't they detest each other? Loving the same musician doesn't imply you are made for each other! There had to be a scene or two to indicate that they are drawn towards each other.

The production design is striking. The movie bears a striking look all through. The styling of all characters is up to the mark. The costume designers (Pernia Qureshi and Kunal Rawal) deserve full marks for choosing/making the fashionable outfits. Diego Rodriguez's cinematography is interesting. Music composer Amit Trivedi is in form, displaying his resourcefulness in various numbers such as ‘Shaam', ‘Suno Aisha' and ‘Gal Mitthi Mitthi Bol'.

Movie Aisha is sure to open eyes to the talent of its leading lady Sonam Kapoor, who gives face, form and expression to Aisha. She displays the important characteristic of an actress who has the ability to shift quickly and effectively from one emotion to another. Abhay Deol is a total natural and the fact comes to the fore yet again as you watch Aisha. Although Sonam has an author-backed role, Abhay underplays his part well and registers a strong impact in several scenes.

The movie is supported by a excellent cast. Also, one of the delights of the movie is the cleverly written supporting roles. Ira Dubey is spunky, a damn good actor. Amrita Puri is a revelation, a powerhouse of talent. Cyrus Sahukar is first-rate. Arunoday Singh acts his part well. Lisa Haydon (as Aarti) is underused in a little role. Anuradha Singh is classy. M.K. Raina (Aisha's father) is proficient. Anand Tiwari (as Saurabh) is capable. Sameer Malhotra and Vidhushi Mehra (Aisha's brother-in-law and sister, respectively) have nothing plenty to do.

Overall, Aisha is worthful to watch.