Source - Spotify
“ Insaan ko dibbe mein sirf tab hona chahiye… Jab woh mar chuka ho”
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Introduction
Movie’s Name - Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Directed by - Zoya Akhtar
Genre - Drama, Comedy, Adventure
Original Language - Hindi
Release Date (Streaming) - Nov 30, 2016
Plot: Spoiler Alert!
Three young men take a holiday that changes their lives forever. There seems to be one small little snag however. The first half of the film is low on drama and proceeds as a touristy piece on Spain.
You do get somewhat restless watching the three friends check in and out of hotels, rent cars, play juvenile pranks and indulge in traditional adventure sports like deep sea diving and skydiving.
Of course, there is a lot of friendly bantering too between the friends, as Farhan Akhtar and Hrithik Roshan battle ghosts from the past. And yes, a dash of romance as Katrina sashays into their life as the free-spirited waif with a wild side to her winsome self.
It’s the second half of the film which emerges as a scintillating insight into friendship, emotional growth and bonding. All the three protagonists use the trip to exorcise ghosts from the past and emerge as free, unburdened souls who are ready to face life with renewed vigor. And the bull run at the end of the film becomes a metaphor for the unburdening of repressed fears and unresolved conflicts.
But the beauty of the film lies in the fact that it handles all this emotional 'funda' in a poetic, lighthearted, breezy style which brings a smile to your face. The credible camaraderie between the three male leads is what makes you relate to the film effortlessly.
Their bonding is never sugary sweet of the yeh-dosti-hum-nahi-todenge types and they do have their share of hiccups, which makes it more real and believable. For instance Imran and Arjun share cold vibes over a common fling they had years back.
Yet it never gets malicious and their tendency to stick together makes it charming and assures a smile on your face throughout. Even cinematically, the screen-space amongst the three is perfectly poised with no character (or actor) attempting to overshadow the other at any occasion.
About the Movie
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara movie is about male bonding, and things and situations that challenge friendship.
The story revolves around 3 young men taking a holiday that changes their lives forever. Kabir (Abhay Deol) has just met Natasha. 6 months later they are engaged. He wants to go on an extended bachelor party.
A 3 week road trip with Imraan (Farhan Akhtar) and Arjun (Hrithik Roshan)- his 2 best friends since school. The only problem is Arjun is too tied up with work. After much emotional blackmail and cajoling the boys set off on a journey they were meant to take 4 years ago.
A fantasy holiday they had planned to take after college, which never happened. A road trip where each one gets to do the ultimate sport of his choice and the other two just have to do it with him. Whether they want to or not!
Personal Verdict
Another beauty of the narrative is that it never delves deep into the past of any of the protagonists. Like Arjun has had a failed relationship and Imran is in search of his father who abandoned him before birth.
But none of the conflicts are touched upon through detailed flashback accounts, yet the impact is never diluted. The same applies for Imran and Arjun’s initial apathetic chemistry resulting from their past state of ‘affairs’, which isn’t probed beyond a menial mention.
Moreover Zoya Akhtar’s ability to introduce humor even in the most unlikely serious situations like when the trio get into a squabble or are behind bars is absolutely commendable.
In terms of performances, it’s hard to pinpoint your favourite since all three pitch in stellar acts. If Abhay is the anchor of the group, Farhan’s funster role is full of beans and Hrithik’s metamorphosis from uptight, money-minded stock broker to carefree vagabond is a class act.
Katrina is her usual effervescent self while Kalki is cute, despite being heralded with a ‘chudail alert’ (witch alert). Added embellishments are the pacy dialogues (Farhan Akhtar), the magnificent poetry (Javed Akhtar) and the rich cinematography (Carlos Catalan) which transforms Spain into vistas of colour.
The Bottom Line
The movie entails awesome work performances by Zoya, Farhan, Abhay, Hrithik and Katrina that add spice to the romance in the movie.
Farhan Akhtar’s refreshing flair of comedy and impeccable timing while Kalki Koechlin’s excellent bitchy role of a possessive girlfriend makes the movie all the more spicy to watch. Naseeruddin Shah’s impressive Cameo is also why one must not miss watching this movie.
Director Zoya Akhtar follows up Luck By Chance with another sensitive and entertaining study of people, even as she gives Bollywood its first full blown contemporary road movie.
My ratings for the movie - 5 on 5
You may watch the movie on Amazon Prime - Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Written By - Resmita Barai
Edited By - Umme-Aiman
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