Zindagi na milegi dobara was released on July 15, 2011 and is the latest multiplex success at the Indian box office. It appears to be a spin-off of the coming of age, now cult classic Dil Chahta hai that Farhan Akhtar directed in 2001.
The Three Musketeers Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan
Three friends Kabir (Abhay Deol), Imran (Farhan Akhtar) and Arjun (Hrithik Roshan) undertake a bachelors only adventure trip to Spain after Kabir gets engaged to Natasha (Kalki Koechlin). The pact they make together is that everyone gets to pick an adventure sport of his choice during the trip, and the others must join in.
The fun filled trip runs into problems soon enough. All three are battling with inner struggles. Kabir's engagement was prompted by a misunderstanding after he showed a ring originally meant as a gift for his mother's birthday to Natasha, who mistook it for an engagement ring. Imran has just found out that his deceased father is not his biological father (Naseeruddin Shah), a painter who lives in Spain and Imran is anxious to reconnect. Arjun is a money driven financial broker who has not got over a broken affair that falls apart largely due to his hectic, unpredictable work schedule.
Their first encounter in Spain is with a happy go lucky diving instructor Laila (Katrina Kaif) who redefines Arjun's views on life. But Natasha wtnesses Laila's growing friendship with the threesome during videoconference calls and starts to doubt her fiance, putting their relationship under strain.
A Sequel to Aamir Khan's Dil Chahta Hai?
It would be impossible not to be reminded of the 10 year old, coming of age cult classic, also based on the stresses and strains that a friendship between three young men is subject to. This time Zoya Akhtar rises to the occasion. Her direction is deft, the dialogue crisp and witty, and performances by both male and female leads noteworthy. However the film's predecessor explored far more serious issues.
A review would be incomplete without mention of the cinematography that is outstanding. The picturesque locales of Spain are a treat for armchair travelers.
Shankar Ehsaan Loy's Music
The trio come up with a youthful, peppy soundtrack. Musical hits such as Senorita and Sooraj ki baahaon are ruling the charts. But the choreography is a let down and looks downright amateurish. Not even Hrithik's fluid dance moves can salvage the foot tapping dance track at the end.
Tina Chaudhuri - I am a freelance writer based in the US. My topics of interest include movies, travel, food, and creative writing/fiction. An avid ...
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