Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Review

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a fun film. One that asks you to live life till the last moment. Set on an extended bachelors party with his friends, Kabir (Abhay Deol) just proposed marriage to his girlfriend Natasha (Kalki Koechlin). Before he could get into commitments of the knot he plans to go on a holiday with his best buddies, writer Imraan (Farhan Akhtar) and stock broker Arjun (Hrithik Roshan).

Though Arjun is too tied up with his work, all the three set on a road trip to Spain. The journey which intended to be full of carefree fun, eventually teaches them to overcome their personal insecurities and fears. It help them break out of the box and leave behind the emotional baggage of the past. The trip changes the trios life forever. The journey brings them face to face with some interesting people which includes Laila (Katrina Kaif), who is a delightful driving instructor.

Clearing all the rumours related to the film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is surely a buddy film like Dil Chahta Hai or for that matter any of the films that portrays male bonding. However comparing both the films will not be fair. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has an independent script, which deals with different problems of life altogether. The content and writing by Reema Kagti and Zoya Akhtar are totally different and well executed.

Plus Points

Director Zoya Akhtar is one more addition to the new brigade of filmmakers in Bollywood. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is real, right out of life. Zoya has successfully managed to bring the offbeat elements in mainstream commercial cinema. The intricacies of human life, behavior has beautifully been portrayed in the film. It is a horrendous task to shoot a travel film that too with a story involving multiple characters. Zoya makes something big with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Reema and Zoya have penned the script with a lot of intricacies from real life.

Dialogue (Farhan Akhtar) are fresh and impactful. The exquisite cinematography is another eye treat for the audience. In an era of loud numbers composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have come up with tunes that will sooth the youths instantaneously. Especially, the songs 'Ik Junoon' and 'Senorita' are most appealing.

Loop Holes

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara comes with its share of blemishes. Starting off, the film caters to only a section of audience who understand the urban life of India well. People who love masala films will find it difficult to connect with the flick. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has it all, entertainment, amusement, commedy, emotions, drama, but each element has been treated differently. The film is basically refined to suit the appetite of mature and cinema literate people.

Meanwhile, the first part of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara fails to some extent, as far as drama is concerned. The comic scenes also fail to evoke fun. Scaring strangers in a restroom, mocking at Doordarshan, etc doesn't gel well with the suave personalities of the characters presented on-screen. If to evoke laughter was the intention then surely the scenes fall flat. The first half is more of a Sapian tour.

One more point that goes against the film is the time. After sometime one get restless and the film seems to be dragging. The pace of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is lethargic at some places. Zoya could've managed to ruthlessly cut down the length of the film. Probably, it would have helped in final impact.

Performances

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara no doubt has the most high-spirited cast. The bonding among the three buddies in the film are beautifully presented. Hrithik is in terrific form, trying hard to outdo himself by pushing his limits. Expressing every emotions with his eye, Hrithik includes extreme intricacies in his acting. The much-hyped kissing scene in the film is also aesthetically filmed.

Farhan is totally different this time. This is the first time he is playing a funster onscreen. It should not be forgotten that not a veteran at acting, playing a fun filled person on-screen in definitely not a joke. Farhan, gets it right and becomes a scene-stealer on most of the occasions. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara bring out Abhay Deol from his off-beat light and reaffirms his potential in the mainstream filming. Abhay is in supreme form playing the role of a rich, well brought-up youngster. He has strikingly balanced between light and dramatic moments in the film.

Katrina is a revelation with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. She proves her substance in the film. Kalki infuses life into the character of a Mumbai girl belonging to the upper crust. Naseeruddin Shah is remarkable in a cameo and so is Deepti Naval. Ariadna Cabrol doesn't get much scope.

Over All

On the whole, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara with its share of plus and minus points successfully impresses the viewers. Definitely the film is not for typical masala film lovers. Spectators with refined tastes and sensibilities, who are more evolved, mature and cinema-literate can gear up to have a treat this weekend. More than anything else go for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara to have fun.

Cast & Crew

Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Producer: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani,
Story & Screenplay: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti
Music: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Cinematography: Carlos Catalan
Editing: Anand Subaya