Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Long title but simple facts. What will prompt you to watch this movie especially when Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki (recent addition) are all casted in a single movie. I guess casting itself is sufficient. With this kind of casting, the first impression is set. Rest of the week will depend on its quality and on what it delivers.
ZNMD speaks about life and makes you realize the fun if you really enjoy it. Rating – 3.75/5

Story –
When a person in construction business meets an interior designer, what happens? They make a pair. Similar is the setting between Kabir (Abhay Deol) and Natasha (Kalki). Once the engagement is forecasted, Kabir wants to cherish his last days of his bachelorhood and sets on a road trip (location: Spain) along with his friends – Arjun (HR) and Imran (Farhan). So we have three middle aged men go on a three week vacation to indulge in ‘self-selected’ adventures. Each of them has the liberty to select his dream adventure and the other two will have to do it (irrespective of their likings). In due adventurous course, they realize what is life’s another perspective.

Cast – With whom should I start?
Farhan Akhtar – and not Hrithik (atleast not in ZNMD). He has the best role in the movie that of a sponty copywriter. Effortless with great versatility. He enjoys his role (gets the best lines) and you enjoy that on screen.
Hrithik Roshan – is looking clean and cool especially after his last movie. HR plays a character in the movie which lives the hectic financial world. He touches the emotional cord more than any other character in the movie. Just a wish - he should danced more. Remember! he was in Spain.
Abhay Deol – free-flowing and bindaas.
Katrina Kaif – plays the role of Laila, scuba instructor. She is attractive (we all know) and charming (wonderfully done here). Her screen space is limited here but she does full justice.
Kalki – plays the role of Natasha. I would have preferred a fresh face for this role. That might have saved some money. Nothing related to Kalki’s performance though!
Zoya Akhtar - (director and screenplay) is again very impressive. Just recalled how her first movie “Luck By Chance” (read here) presented gratitude to the film fraternity in opening credits. Awesome.

This is an era of DK Bose where families might not feel comfortable to hear it (forget about seeing the movie). Don’t miss this especially with this is kind of K Jo’s casting. Also DO NOT compare with DCH (Dil Chahta Hai). To put it into a phrase – “DCH was more boyz, ZNMD is more mature”. DCH was cult, don’t think ZNMD will reach there. Why? B’coz ZNMD connects you with its idea but somehow you don’t feel that attachment. Subjective!
Movie has superbly advertised Spain as a clean fantasy dreamland. Expect more people to learn Spanish. Expect a rise in prices of air-tickets to Spain. And let’s wait till somebody does a ZNMD the Indian way!

What works: topic, theme, thrill of bachelors-trips
What not: songs (somehow they are chartbusters level), dance (Hrithik! Expectations were higher)

SPEAKing PICtures verdict: Dekh le. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

The theme of this movie has been a self-enlightening one. It has been repetitive and released in cinemas multiple times. I would like to end here with a cult dialogue from the cult movie (Anand) with which I started my Chalo Dilli review (another movie asking you to enjoy life) –

“Babumoshai, Zindagi Badi Honi Chahiye, Lambi Nahin”

ps: I expect viewers to enjoy the saawan-season whole heartedly after watching ZNMD.