In the bevy of new age directors of Hindi Film Industry enters one more director who is from a famed family of the industry. Having worked as an assistant director for quite some time, Zoya Akhtar marks her foray into the mainstream direction. Does she live up to the expectations, does she deliver a good product? Yes, she does!
Luck by Chance has a clean, good, smooth narration of a not so complicated story, told well, performed well and showcased well. Farhan Akhtar plays Vikram Jaisingh, a wannabe actor among the multitude of people who pour down in Mumbai with similar dreams. He stays with his aunt and has 2 more childhood chums in the same industry.
One is an assistant director to Mahesh Bhatt while the other, like Vikram, is also trying to get his foothold. Konkona Sen Sharma also plays a wannabe starlet, Sona Mishra. Birds of same feather flock together and so do Vikram & Sona & they get close & more closer.
Rishi Kapoor plays a wonderful and charming role as Rommy Rolly (that Rolly couldnt be more apt :)) who is a veteran producer with the mega credit of launching super star Zafar Khan, essayed by a suave Hrithik Roshan (one among the 21 guest appearances in the movie).
Their on going movie Dil ki Aag directed by Rolly’s younger brother Ranjit Rolly (aka Sanjay Kapoor) has a cliched and hackneyed script. Zafar no longer wants to do the movie as he has a better offer in another movie. This is when, by chance and by luck Vikram gets a call for a screen test followed by the offer of the lead role in the movie.
Playing the lead actress is Niki Walia portrayed by Isha Shravani who is the beautiful glam daughter of the 70’s hearthrob Nina Walia (Dimple Kapadia). This is the part where the movie really shines out exploring relationships, personal desires, fame, fortune and ensuing arrogance. The director has done a fine job in bringing out the best in each of her actors without straying away from the theme of the movie. The underlying message she protrays is about being humble, recognizing ones roots, friends and how success changes an individual.
Frahan Akhtar proves that he too can act and is among a rare breed of directors cum actors. His performance in Rock On was no flash in the pan and he stands out tall among all others. His husky voice and well showcased physique does wonders for his role. Konkona & Isha has equal screen time and both don their roles with ease, grace and soothing to the eyes. Rishi Kapoor is the trump card of the movie and he is as charming as ever.
Infact his character and performance in this movie was one, no make that two, better than in Namaste London. Dimple Kapadia is all grace and measured performance. Juhi Chawla plays Minty, Rolly’s wife and has done a fine job of a small role. The way she emotes her dialogues and her mannerisms are pleasing to watch.Overall, though the plot has nothing new to offer, the way it is told, showcased and performed makes this one a very good watch.
Post OSO the trend has been to sashay leading actors in guest appearances in songs. Zoya beats people who invented this aspect at their own game. She has given all her guest appearances a small amount to screen time in small roles. That is very refreshing to watch and gels with the tone of the movie very well. Aamir, SRK, Karan Johar, Jr. AB, Akshaye, Rani, John Ab, Boman Irani, Javed & Shabhana are among the 21 or 22 guests.
Some highlights of the movie are
**The opening track of the movie which introduces all technicians who laboured for the project.
**The endearing role of Saurabh Shukla as the tutor of the acting school.
**The scene where Rolly is trying to woo other actors to perform the lead role in his movie after Zafar walks out.
**The shrewd and calculated behaviour of Vikram when he tries to butter up both Niki & Nina.Finally, do I need to say that the coincidence of watching this movie was sheer Luck by Chance since the hall was houseful and we managed to get hold of 2 cancelled tickets :).