New Delhi, Jan 10 (IANS): The verdict on Abhishek Chaubey's bold film "Dedh Ishqiya" is out. Critics have extolled it as a "genuinely smart film", "deliciously dark film", "rich cinematic experience" and "a gripping fare". Audiences have loved it too. The accolades make it a perfect comeback for Madhuri Dixit.

Seen on the big screen in a lead role after a gap of seven years, the 46-year-old diva made an impressive attempt as a fading 'begum' named Begum Para in the movie.

In the sequel to 2010 "Ishqiya", "Dedh Ishqiya" that released Friday, Madhuri’s chemistry with actress Huma Qureshi has got more accolades compared to her 'jodi' with Naseeruddin Shah.

One of the critics even said there was more chemistry between Madhuri and Huma as compared to Madhuri and Naseer.

Naseer and Arshad, who reprised their roles of Khalujaan and Babban respectively from "Ishqiya", also won many hearts. Of course, Huma has proved that her work in "Gangs of Wasseypur" was not a flash in the pan.

In an industry where colleagues do not praise each other's work often, film fraternity members like Aditi Rao Hydari, Mini Mathur and Sandhya Mridul have showered loads of praise on the entire cast and crew.

Aditi Rao tweeted: "Babban and Khalu should get Jodi of the year- fantastic twosome. Arshad is a champion - respect!"

Mini Mathur described "Dedh Ishqiya" as "fabulous!"

"Funny and thrilling, poetic and lyrical. Brilliant performances by Naseer saab and Arshad, who is a class act," Mathur, seen in "I Me Aur Main", wrote on her Twitter handle.

Sandhya tweeted she has not "seen a pair with this magic since 'Sholay' - Dharamji (Dharmendra) and Amitabh Bachchan. Brilliance from Arshad and Naseer saab again in 'Dedh Ishqiya'!"

"Dedh Ishqiya" has wowed the cinegoers as well. Some of the viewers, who have already seen the film, too took to Twitter to praise the film.

Amit Ashar: "Huma take a bow ma'am! Super work! Absolutely loved the film!"

Khurram Ashraf: "Never thought any film could beat ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, but ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ did it. You rocked it Huma."

Harsh Jain: "Superb Performances by all. Madhuri looked beautiful, Arshad as Babban and Huma as Muniya were too good."

Fariha Khalid: "Madhuri's job outstanding in ‘Dedh Ishqiya’. Brilliant movie. Much much better than the last one. Arshad, well done!"

Shyamal Vallabhjee: "When the on screen magic between Arshad and Naseer shadows the beauty of Madhuri, you know you are in for a cinematic treat."

Aalif Surti: Everything that new age Indian cinema has been trying, Abhishek Chaubey gets it right."