We come across lot of people in our lives who appear confused, strange, weird and most of the times taking unjustified decisions. Even when they are treated well, they are never happy and might even run away from such kind-hearted people. Obviously, such people get judged, shamed and even abused. But what made them be like that is not what many like to ponder. Dear Zindagi tackles all these issues and does a fairly nice, though not an awesome job. But the goings-on are interesting and keep viewers hooked. The performances are also quite memorable!
The story of the movie: Kaira (Alia Bhatt) is a small-time cinematographer who’s facing issues with her relationships, professional and personal, and even her landlord. Circumstances compel her to go to her parents’ house in Goa. She dreads the occasion since she’s not in good terms with them. However, during this trip, she chances upon Dr Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a psychiatrist with a difference. Jug, as he likes to be called, attempts to bring a change in Kaira’s perspective and that forms the crux of the film.
Dear Zindagi gets slow after a point but begins on a great note. No time is wasted as Kaira is quickly introduced and also her equation with Raghuvendra (Kunal Kapoor) and Sid (Angad Bedi). Kaira is not an all-white person. She has shades of grey and has several negative qualities. But one can’t help but get drawn into her world. Things get better when she shifts to Goa and even great when Jehangir makes an entry, after around 55 minutes. And obviously, the best scenes are the ones where Kaira speaks with Jehangir. The manner in which he simplifies life’s complications with his ideas and anecdotes make for a great watch!
Dear Zindagi sadly has its share of blemishes. The entire childhood angle of Kaira is a bit difficult to digest. Kaira blasting in front of everyone gives a strong deja vu of Highway although it’s a great scene. Also, the issues tackled in the film will be difficult for all viewers to relate. In fact, for a section of audiences, it won’t be categorized as issue in the first place. At certain places, the film gets quite slow and one wishes for things to speed up, but this happens for just a couple of minutes.
Dear Zindagi belongs to Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan. Alia is in top form as she’s the protagonist in the film. She has played challenging characters before (Highway, Udta Punjab) and this is not as challenging but not easy to master either. But she effortlessly slips into the character and does great. And she looks lovely – special mention should also go to Anaita Shroff Adajania for her great costumes! Shah Rukh Khan as always wins hearts. Contrary to reports, he has a VERY important part and it’s not a cameo. The focus obviously is on Alia but SRK has good enough amount of screen footage on him. And he plays the part so beautifully that everyone would wish for a Jehangir in their lives! Kunal Kapoor has the most significant part out of all 4 men. And he does quite well. In fact, Dear Zindagi makes us realize that Kunal deserves to be seen more! Ali Zafar (Rumi) has a superb entry and manages to impress. Angad Bedi is hardly there and is okay. Aditya Roy Kapur impresses although, again, he’s there for a just a scene. Yashaswini Dayama (Jackie) who impressed a lot in Phobia does a yet another great job in this film. She’s an actor to watch out for. Ira Dubey (Fatima aka Fatty) also does well. The actors playing Kaira’s parents and the irritating uncle-aunty do a fine job. Rohit Saraf (Kiddo) gives a fine performance.
Amit Trivedi’s music is subtle and not that great. Except for Love You Zindagi, no other song stays in the mind for a long time. His background score however is better. Laxman Utekar’s cinematography is quite pleasing. The locales and beaches of Goa are nicely shot. Rupin Suchak’s production design is damn good. Alia’s Mumbai pad and Jehangir’s work place is quite appealing. Gauri Shinde’s story is quite nice, contemporary and unconventional. It is relatable as well but not for everybody. Dialogues are simple, funny and hold a lot of weight. Screenplay is great but could have been crisper and more convincing, especially in the second half. In fact, this convincing factor is very crucial. If it was convincing, the film would have raised a lot but sadly, that doesn’t happen. Gauri Shinde’s direction is more or less fine. The English Vinglish spark is missing but then that film had a near-flawless script in hand. However, this was no easy film to make and Gauri deserves brownie points for managing to sustain interest right till the end!
Some of the best scenes:
1. Kaira’s entry
2. Kaira and Raghuvendra at the airport
3. Kaira and Raghuvendra at the nightclub
4. Kaira takes the landlord’s call and thereafter
5. Kaira’s conversation with her parents and their friends on her first day in Goa
6. Dr Jehangir’s entry
7. All scenes of Kaira and Dr Jehangir
8. Kaira’s scenes with Rumi
9. Kaira blasts during the party and thereafter
10.The last scene
On the whole, Dear Zindagi is a nice slice-of-life drama that talks about a lot of important issues of present-day world with regards to love and relationships. Alia Bhatt delivers yet another brilliant performance while Shah Rukh Khan wins hearts with his subtle performance and a lovely character. The film sadly is at places quite slow and not fully convincing. The reach will be limited as a result. But the film is sure to find its supporters and one thing is for sure – everyone would wish for a Dr Jehangir in their lives!
My rating – *** ½ out of 5!