Prateik Babbar whose gently intense performance in Issaq has been savaged by most critics has found an unlikely mentor ally and advisor in Ravi Kissan who plays a pivotal part in the film. Not only does Ravi take up cudgels heatedly on the film’s behalf he also plays the protective guardian-angel to Prateik with equal ferocity. Shakespeare would have called it a murder most foul. In spite of Aamir Khan’s rock-solid support Issaq, Manish Tiwary’s rugged adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, has been met with some brutally negative critical reception that has left those close to the project smarting in disbelief. While director Manish Tiwary and leading man Prateik Babbar are still trying to figure out what hit them the far more outspoken and intrepid Ravi Kissan who plays a powerful role in Issaq chose to be very vocal about what he considers a deliberate attempt to sabotage the film. Says Ravi angrily, “Not liking a film is every critic’s right and prerogative. Please feel free to dislike our film by all means. But why these personal comments? Why hit out at Prateik just because he has had some setbacks lately? Others actors too go through a lean phase. Prateik has worked really hard on his body language, voice and performance in Issaq. I think he has a very bright future.” Ravi who has assumed the role of a protective brother in the younger actor’s life, feels there is a lobby operating against Prateik. “I don’t know how or why he has offended people. But there is a lot of hostility towards him. Maybe because he is not media savvy. He likes to keep to himself. That isn’t a crime. Don’t punish the boy for nothing. Look at the way the audience reacts to him in the theatres.” Says Prateik, “Raviji has been a great source of strength and support. I’ve no words to describe how much strength I’ve derived from just being in his company.” Let’s hope this friendship lasts.