Plot: Zara Hatke Zara Bachke follows a couplle who want a house of their own away from their family and use the Indian Government’s flagship program Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to get it.
Cast: Sara Ali Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Sharib Hashmi, Kanupriya Pandit
Director: Laxman Utekar
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review:
Filmmaker Laxman Utekar is a master at threading his films together like beads on a necklace. His unique universe revolves around characters concealing truths from their surroundings, constructing a web of lies that inevitably leads to a comedy of errors, eventually transforming into a deeply emotional and personal journey. Luka Chuppi, a commercially successful film, subtly introduced this concept through an entertaining game of hide-and-seek, while Mimi delved into the accidental motherhood of its protagonist. Now, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke emerges as the centerpiece between the two films. However, the question remains: can this formula continue to surprise audiences as it has in the past?
Unlike his second film, Mimi, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke appears to be an original idea, based on available information. Laxman Utekar, along with co-writers Maitrey Bajpai and Ramiz Ilham Khan, weaves a funny satire that explores people’s aspirations to climb the social ladder and make their mark in the bustling city, only to be held back by their economic circumstances. The film cleverly opens with a couple placing more importance on their dream house than on each other, accompanied by a romantic track that reflects their desire to build a beautiful life together.
In the first half of the film, Utekar and his team skillfully craft an immersive narrative that portrays the struggles of the less privileged in the face of economic recession. They resort to questionable methods to fulfill their dreams, driven by a shared determination. The film employs humor, not of the slapstick variety, but cleverly situational, showcasing Utekar’s understanding of comedic nuance. Additionally, Utekar’s expertise lies in depicting the dynamics of small-town Indian households, capturing the most clichéd yet entertaining arguments. The relatability and enjoyment stem from the authentic portrayal, as if the story was written by individuals intimately acquainted with this way of life.
However, the second half of the film is where Utekar stumbles. The game of hide-and-seek, which has become the signature of this film thread, starts to lose its novelty. While there are intermittent moments of laughter and entertainment, the repetition becomes predictable. One can skip a good portion of the film without feeling like anything substantial was missed. The narrative picks up again when it delves into the complexities of the couple’s relationship, strained by their dreams and the drastic steps they took to achieve them. Unfortunately, an excessively prolonged hospital sequence undermines the story, as it overtly shouts the film’s message instead of seamlessly integrating it.
In conclusion, Laxman Utekar’s Zara Hatke Zara Bachke presents a fresh and satirical take on societal aspirations and economic constraints. The film excels in its first half, showcasing Utekar’s talent for blending humor and portraying authentic family dynamics. However, it falls short in the second half, succumbing to predictability and an overstretched sequence. While the film may not match the surprises of its predecessors, it still offers moments of enjoyment and relatability, courtesy of Utekar’s understanding of small-town life.
Performance: Vicky Kaushal has emerged as the embodiment of relatability in the upper echelons of the film industry. He represents the authentic faces of individuals, rather than being driven solely by vanity. His portrayal of a character bathing in a modest bathroom of a rooftop apartment in Indore, donning his janeu (Holy thread), feels genuinely relatable and grounded. Vicky’s exceptional acting prowess adds another layer of depth to the movie. Although his Indore accent wavers at times, he compensates with his performance, leaving a lasting impact.
Sara Ali Khan seamlessly fits into her role visually, with her previous experience in Atrangi Re aiding her portrayal. She continues to grow as an actress, but it is in the dramatic moments where her glass feels half full. While her expressions convey the intended emotions, her exaggerated body language and gestures during confrontational scenes can be a bit overwhelming. However, credit must be given where it is due – Sara shares a likable chemistry with Vicky, and their on-screen pairing is quite appealing.
The supporting cast delivers their roles with honesty, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. Kanupriya Pandit, in particular, stands out with her impeccable performance. With extensive experience in the television space, she perfectly embodies her character and adds a delightful element to the narrative.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music:
Laxman Utekar, with his background as a cinematographer, brings a unique perspective to his directorial endeavors. He possesses a keen eye for building visually stunning frames and prioritizes storytelling through captivating visuals rather than relying solely on narrative exposition. However, it is difficult to overlook the fact that he tends to follow a predictable path, having traversed it twice before. Perhaps even he struggles to break free from that familiarity.
DOP Raghav Ramadoss contributes to the film with his exquisite cinematography, crafting beautiful frames and utilizing vibrant tones to establish the story’s ambiance. Utekar’s films always boast intriguing art design, with the houses depicted on screen becoming captivating characters in their own right.
The music by Sachin-Jigar is peppy, enjoyable, and filled with romantic and catchy tunes. The album is bound to gain popularity and remain a viral sensation for quite some time. One particular track, “Phir Aur Kya Chahiye,” exhibits a timeless quality that ensures its longevity on the musical landscape.
Overall, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke showcases Laxman Utekar’s clever storytelling, but unfortunately, it falls prey to predictability, which is precisely what is expected to be his unique selling point making it a bit disappointing.
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