Movie Review: But 'Dear Zindagi', Where is the Script?

The much awaited Shah Ruh Khan, Alia Bhatt starrer, Dear Zindagi released today to packed cinemas. Directed by Gauri Shinde and produced by Gauri Khan, Karan Johar and Gauri Shinde under the banners Red Chillies Entertainment, Dharma Productions and Hope Productions respectively, Dear Zindagi is a comedy drama, and is an attempt to understand the Millennial, and their lives. While the movie’s central character is Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan plays a cameo role, supported by Ira Dubey, Kunal Kapoor, Ali Zafar and Angad Bedi. This is Gauri Shinde’s second movie, the debut being English Vinglish starring Sridevi -- a film that beautifully dealt with India’s obsession with the 'Queen's English'.

Synopsis

The story of Dear Zindagi revolves round the budding cinematographer, 20-something working girl Kaira (Alia Bhatt), who is in search of a perfect and meaningful life. After a series of heartbreaks, Kaira meets Dr Jehangir Khan aka Jug (Shah Rukh Khan), an unconventional thinker and a psychiatrist. The film then proceeds to show how Jug helps Kaira find a new perspective in life. Gauri Shinde has written the story and screenplay for the movie and has managed to delve into a very unique topic; one that is simple and yet very meaningful and pertinent. Since the time the teaser was released, the audience has been waiting to see the movie not only because of the uncanny pairing of Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt, but also due to the quirky dialogues which seem to have touched both the older generation’s as well as the Millennial’s hearts. The movie has good production values and music, cinematography and selection of beautiful locales are the attractions on the technical front.

Music

The film’s music has been composed by Amit Trivedi and can be best described as easy, enjoyable, fresh and light hearted. 'Tu Hai' and 'Love You Zindagi' are the best tracks from the album. Arijit Singh again creates magic with his vocals with the title song 'Dear Zindagi'.

The Audience Reviews

Entertaining, engaging, and pertinent; while the film showcases how to find comfort in life’s imperfections through a brilliant screenplay, it seems to be the very slice of life of the masses and has already won the hearts of the First Day First Show audience. Here are a few reviews and tweets by the audience: #DearZindagi is non compromising, breaks conventions, abundant usage of English n scoffs at what's regularly acceptable, follows its own pace Sum films make u part of their paradigm n start owning u. #DearZindagi gets u emotional, makes u romantic, makes u laugh. Dialogues r amazing. Few films stay with you long after credits roll. #DearZindagi is one. What a sweet and beautiful film! Congratulations, @gauris @karanjohar! It's such a joy to watch @iamsrk on screen! His charm and presence take #DearZindagi to an altogether different high. One of his best! How can @aliaa08 surprise every single time? What a phenomenal performance! Not one note wrong. She and @iamsrk create magic. #DearZindagi. Genius is knowing when to stop! It's not a movie, it's a therapy.I'm so in love with #DearZindagi @iamsrk @aliaa08 @RedChilliesEnt. #DearZindagi is a fresh & a terrific film that stands out in Bollywood. @iamsrk and @aliaa08 chemistry is charming and genuine. In #DearZindagi @iamsrk steps completely out of his comfort zone and delivers a serious, mature, and a riveting performance. Simply amazing.

Here's What Critics Say

While the performances by the actors, as well the essence of light-heartedness with a positive message of the movie have touched a chord of all viewers, there have been mixed reviews, mostly good, from the critics. Meena Iyer of the Times of India said: "Feisty Alia, one of the better actors of the current generation, turns in a nicely nuanced performance. And SRK in his sober-avatar possessing infinite gyaan tempts you to seek out a therapist. If you're in the mood to do some soul-searching this weekend, this film could do it for you." Rohit Bhatnagar of Deccan Chronicle said: "One film old director Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi is a slice of life film but you might or might not connect with it. Dear Zindagi is definitely a one time watch this weekend but enter the theatre at your own risk since the journey of Kiara may hit you or it may pass by without even moving you. Watch this film only for amazing performances and nothing else." So friends, it is time to book those tickets, arm yourself with cola and popcorn and sink into the comfortable chairs at the movie halls and enter the world of Dear Zindagi. Happy Movie Watching!

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