Remember any film in recent times that had a perfect amalgamation of commercial as well as art-house cinema woven so craft fully into one? Well, Zoya Aktar’s second outing Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara serves as the ambassador for bridging the gap between two mediums of cinema that are poles apart and this is what makes this film a unique experience altogether .ZNMD had to shed the baggage of Dil Chahata Hai as comparisons were being made since its first promo caught the viewers’ attention and thankfully it does succeeds in doing so as the two films may be similar thematically but are as different as chalk n cheese in terms of characterizations of the protagonists and storytelling.
The story is basically about three friends Arjun, Imran and Kabir who head for their long pending road trip and how this trip serves as a medium of self realization, strengthening of relationships and overcoming of fears, forms the crux of this skillfully executed film. Each of the above three characters though looking simple from the outset are multilayer-ed with either some past grudges or dilemma attached to them. How they sort out their midlife crisis during the course of this life changing journey makes this film an intriguing venture.
For a film on male bonding, the camaraderie between its protagonists is the driving force in making it a success and ZNMD excels in this department as the chemistry showcased by Hrithik, Farhan and Abhay is so believable and realistic that you resonate them as friends for real rather than friends for reel and this is the biggest triumph of this movie.
Although the movie is a cinematic treat in totality but the scenes that make it a repeat watch are:-
The first interaction scene of the trio where they decide the trip schedule gives a slight insight into their characters.
The altercation between Hrithik and Farhan after the phone incident throwing light on their their sour relationship escalates beautifully between the realms of humour and drama.
The scene where Hrithik comes out of the sea putting aside all his in-habitations and past burdens for a carefree life ahead is surely a stuff what classics are made off!
The pranks played by the trio on strangers is sure bring the house down .
The scenes where the trio play games to find out each others problem is thoroughly enjoyable and exudes warmth.
- Scene where Katrina tells Hrithik to enjoy life and live for the moment rather than thinking about future act as an eye opener.
The scenes where Farhan addresses the bag as Bagwati deserves a special mention.
The online interactions between Abhay and Kalki bring smile to your faces.
The scene where the trio get drunk and make fun of doordarshan is a delight to watch.
Farahan’s interaction with his biological father Naseerudin Shah is sure to bring a lump to your throat.
The climax where the three musketeers make a pact about overcoming their fears is simply magical and inspiring.
Technically also the film is on par with any international movie with cinematography and background score being topnotch. The films captures Spain in all its glory and enigma and will serve as a perfect tool of boosting Spain tourism. Dialogues by Farhan Akthar are a refreshing change from what we are used to see in recent movies and are more closer to reality. Poetry by Jaaved Akthar is a sheer delight and provides depth to each character .Music by Shankar Ehsaan Loy should easily rank among their best works with Ik Junoon and Senorita being outright chartbusters.But it is Zoya Akthar’s direction skills and crisp screenplay that provides it the magical touch and makes this film a cut above the rest. Making a road movie is not an easy thing and Zoya Akthar deserves an honorary mention for that!
Performances in this film are ones to be treasured for life. All the characters seemed to be tailor made for their roles.Hrithik Roshan as Arjun shows a rare sight of his acting talent which is far from the larger than life characters he is used to play. The transformation from a money minded snob to a carefree guy is so smooth and believable that it would go down as one of his most nuanced and effortless performance having command over both dramatic and comic sequences.Take a bow Mr Roshan, you are as convincing as a common man as you were as a superhero which speaks volumes of your acting capabilities.
Farhan Akthar as Imran is a complete revelation and brings the maximum laughs with his impeccable comic timing and husky dialogue delivery. As a guy who may be seems to be very happy go lucky and a flirt from outside but deep routed from inside, Farhan is quite natural and is sure increase his fan following after this movie. .
Abhay Doel as Kabir pitches in one of his most restrained performance and is a perfect anchor of the group providing the much required calmness and stability to the interactions.The dilemma of a confused bachelor has been perfectly showcased by him with a rare subtlety.
Katrina Kaif for once has been completely sync with her character and portrays cheerful and full of life Laila with utmost conviction. Kalki Kochien as nagging and possessive fiance does full justice to her role. Naseerudin Shah leaves his mark in a impressive cameo.Rest of the cast provies able support.
Some movies are meant to be enjoyed till they last while some are meant to be cherished for lifetime and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara belongs to the second catagory. Watch it for the mesmerizing performances, foot tapping music, fresh storyline, skillful direction and above all the message it conveys without ever preaching once that life is ment to be enjoyed and lived sans any fears. Missing this would be a crime as such films come once in a blue moon.Without a shadow of doubt the best film this year. Highly Recommended!
Rating:- 1/2