Dear Zindagi is this week’s huge launch. Though it’s principally promoted on Shah Rukh Khan’s name, he could be seen in a supporting character, while the leading role mantle will be taken on by Alia Bhatt. Dear Zindagi is directed by Gauri Shinde and jointly produced by Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan has a disappointment in Fan while Alia Bhatt already has two successes this year in the kind of Kapoor & Sons and Udta Punjab. So will Alia prove lucky for SRK?
What’s about it
Kaira (Alia Bhatt) is a promising cinematographer, who is going through serious crisis in her life. She is good at her work, but not getting that big break. Even her relationships in life – be it the men in her life or her parents are screwed up thanks to her very own apprehensions. Yet when things get too much for her mind that is delicate to handle, she decides to consult a therapist.
What’s hot
Make no two words about it – this is a Alia Bhatt film, through and through. The men in the cast, even Shah Rukh Khan, are just there to support her. Dear Zindagi is just another movie that showcases the strong potential of the talented performer. Prepare yourself to be blown away by her utter agony here, in case you were awed by her performance in Udta Punjab. You can’t help but not take eyes off her, when she actually gets into a scene, particularly the ones that show her outbursts. Where she relives her childhood injury, she’s just amazing in her first consultation scene with Shah Rukh Khan and also in the scene. I enjoy the way her character was interpreted by Gauri Shinde. Kaira is a flawed person; you do feel she is mean to her family and her boyfriends. But you can’t help but not because you may start to see the warmth she’s for her friends hate for her. Shah Rukh is a catalyst in her life as he tries to make her solve her life difficulties. The man uses dimpled smile and his natural charm to successful use, and we are sure girls are gonna swoon over him. Nonetheless, what I enjoyed about him the most that he permitted Alia to own the show, as he lets himself be a viewer in those scenes. One of the other leading men, Ali Zafar oozes charm, while Kunal Kapoor brings able support.
As I must say as far as Gauri Shinde’s films go, I adore her debut picture better. It had a tighter narrative than DZ. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean Dear Zindagi is a weak attempt. It has some really fine moments, and natural heat in the event. The final meeting of Alia and SRK is an example of brilliant writing and execution. The tunes by Amit Trivedi gel nicely with all the narrative.
What’s not
We do want the editor had snipped off a few scenes in the 2nd half while Dear Zindagi makes for a feel great viewing. At two and a half hours, the picture is tad too much time and it allows monotony to set in. Alia’s scenes with SRK were presumed to be a highlight of the film. But apart from the primary two scenes and the last one, the remainder are repetitive and overly preachy. It could have also helped if Shah Rukh Khan’s character was more fleshed out, especially since it had been marketed the movie on his shoulders. Individuals expecting this to be a typical Bollywood romcom and out and out Shah Rukh Khan movie, may get disappointed.
What to do
Should you love slice of life movie dear Zindagi will definitely appeal to you personally. A little bit of trimming here and there would have now been great, and it’s not an average Bollywood movie. However that shouldn’t prevent you from not witnessing one of Alia’s best performances and SRK being his charming best.
