Body Double! This manipulative cinematic term seems to well represent the promotion of this psycho-thriller that is full of dark horses in it. Tanushree Dutta spilled the beans two days before its release as the infamous news flashed like a wild fire. After Manisha Koirala and Meghna Naidu, she seems to be the third leading lady in Bollywood who have rebuked their producer for being manipulative in projecting them in bold scenes. 'Raqeeb -rivals in love', a dark psycho thriller proves to be a sore thumb for its producers as they failed to get desired number of theatres for its release. Besides, the film failed to generate any hype or hoopla due to it lackluster music and below average face value.

The shrewd publicity of film being manipulatively shot with "body double" seems to be the only promotional factor but unfortunately even this gambit has misfired. Producer Raj Kanwar who had been cult directorial figure in the film industry with almost dozen films to his credit has faced the brunt. After the debacle of 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye', he has propelled his dialogue writer Anurag Singh into the director's seat. 'Raqeeb-rivals in love' falls in the suspense thriller cadre and revolves around four major characters. It's a story about a girl and three boys who are bound with threads of destiny, hope, lust and betrayal. The film works as an erotic thriller where lust and betrayal play as leading emotions among lead characters.

'Raqeeb-rivals in love' shares some resemblance to Abbas-Mustan's 'Humraaz', Vikram Bhatt's 'Jurm' and Ken Ghosh's 'Fida' in terms of scripting and execution. It revolves around an ambitious theatre actress (Tanushree Dutta) attracting a young business czar (Rahul Khanna) for wealth and money but finally ditches him. This young and bewitching girl seeks the help of his love partner (Jimmy Shergill) in physically eliminating Rahul. The film works from the mindset of a scheming wife (Tanushree Dutta) who makes things work her way against all odds. The "whodunit" factor films should be complemented with reliable performers, an engrossing plot and the quizzical surprise element that can bind viewers to screen. The film delivers all and comes as a welcome surprise despite its unconventional theme and subject.

'Raqeeb-rivals in love' revolves around Sofie (Tanushree Dutta), a theatre actress who desires a luxurious life. She has the sensual and physical charm that can entice any man in the world. She is a mysterious character and her life revolves around three men - Remo Matthews (Rahul Khanna), Sunny (Jimmy Shergill) and Siddarth (Sharmaan Joshi). Remo (Rahul Khanna), a software tycoon is a successful entrepreneur with all luxuries at his doorstep. His phenomenal success has provided him with everything except for a woman's love. Remo, shy-n-introverted man by nature was always apprehensive of approaching woman.

On one fateful day he is blessed with a blind date to Sofie as a gift from Siddarth (Sharmaan Joshi), his trusted employee-friend which results in his marital bond. Siddarth is an extrovert playboy and completely opposite in contrast to Remo. Sunny (Jimmy Shergill) is a struggling film actor and a stylish young man who loves to drive bikes and has been trying to make a future for himself in the film world. He is madly in love with Sofie and she loves him too but his financial and social status comes in the way of her love and she looks for someone who could get her all in life. Sofie chooses Remo over Sunny for the former's colossal wealth and finally marries him. Destiny has its own verdict as Sofie gets attracted to Sunny after her marriage with Remo.

The old love between Sofie and Sunny is rekindled and blossoms into burning an extra marital affair. The love finally takes a dangerous turn as they both decide to kill Remo. The plan is inhumane as they decide to hide Remo's asthma medicines and then aggravate his asthma. After the aggravation of asthma attack, Sunny pretends of firing bullets at Remo to aggravate his condition. Even the post mortem report will disclose it a natural death and no one can suspect any foul play. The big day arrives to execute the plan but there is anti-climax. Sofie double-crosses Sunny and finally he is arrested for Remo's murder. The story moves with interesting sub-plots that finally culminate into predicted end for the film.

Debutante director Anurag Singh succeeds as good story teller as he maintains the interest of the viewers. The plot of extra marital affair has been trendy for last couple of years but lately it has lost its sheen. Tanushree Dutta delivers her finest performance after series of worthless performances in the recent past. No wonder the actress is engrossed in unwanted controversy but her attributes in this psycho thriller can be applauded. Tanushree's make-up (dull and weary) may be a disappointing factor but she still manages to interact with the audaciously cunning character with her bold scenes.

The erotic bedroom and bathroom scenes should attract front benchers and it can strike a big surprise in single screen theatres. Jimmy Shergill's peculiar hair style (blonde) and his recent desire to be placed in negative shades have rejuvenated his acting career. Jimmy excelled in negative shades in 'Eklavya-the royal guard' and now he impresses in an attire of an obsessed lover. The actor has been making news for his indifferent caricatures and delivers a praiseworthy performance. Rahul Khanna fits into the role of an urbane business tycoon and delivers an honest performance. Sharmaan Joshi comes out to be the best of the lot as he shows his flair for acting in the role of playboy. After his impressive work in 'Life in a…Metro', he comes up with another remarkable performance.

Preterm's music is a big disaster as it has proved to be the biggest disappointment for the film. Except for "Jaane Kaise", none of the soundtracks makes any significant impact. The soundtracks like "Channa Ve Channa" and "Dushmana" are too flashy and jarring for ears to digest. Cinematography (Fuwad Khan) captures the exotic beach locations of Thailand in the sensuously paced soundtracks. Choreography (Raju Khan) works well in tracks like "Dushmana" but there is nothing spectacular about it.

Anurag Singh's depiction of three men falling in love with one woman is handled well and the suspense builds on as the film proceeds. The debutante director has good flair of presentation and has handled unconventional and unusual theme with care. The film suffers heavily from poor promotion, ordinary music and weak face value. Despite all such negative factors, the film opens in limited theatres and this will be a big disappointing factor as it will face restricted audiences.