Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan’s latest venture, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” promised to deliver a refreshing rom-com experience, one that would break away from the usual tropes of Bollywood films. Unfortunately, the film falls short of these expectations and leaves the audience with more misses than hits.
As we step into the world of the Chawlas and Dubeys, we are initially hopeful for a laughter riot filled with fresh humor, edgy characters, and a unique storyline. The movie manages to create a sense of normalcy and relatability in the beginning, but this quickly takes a sharp turn into a loud and cringe-worthy affair. The actors seem to be overacting to unimaginable extents, with dramatic dialogues being thrown at the audience one after another.
One of the glaring flaws of “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” is the reliance on clichéd Punjabi stereotypes. The joint middle-class Pandit family living in a small house seems like a caricature rather than a well-developed portrayal. The filmmakers seem to have served these stereotypes on a platter, portraying a ‘chant’ bahu who allegedly lured their son and accidentally made them consume a cake that contained eggs. These elements not only feel outdated but also contribute to the overall regressive nature of the film.
The disappointment with the movie starts even before stepping into the theater. The two trailers released by the makers reveal a significant portion of the plot, leaving very little for the audience to discover on their own. This not only reduces the surprise factor but also creates a sense of predictability throughout the viewing experience.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” attempts to juggle multiple storylines simultaneously, but it struggles to find a coherent balance. The film leaves the audience with numerous unanswered questions at various points, which only adds to the confusion and hampers the overall enjoyment.
Despite the shortcomings, the film does have its moments. Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan bring their charm to the screen and display glimpses of their talent. Their chemistry is palpable, and they manage to create some heartfelt moments amidst the chaos. However, these bright spots are overshadowed by the film’s overall lack of direction and poor execution.
In terms of writing, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” falls flat. The dialogues lack depth and fail to make a lasting impact. The humor often relies on cheap gags and forced comedic situations, missing the mark of genuine wit and laughter. It becomes evident that the film lacks a strong script, one that could have salvaged the potential for a refreshing rom-com experience.
In conclusion, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” is a missed opportunity to deliver a truly unique and engaging rom-com. The film starts with a promising premise but quickly loses its way with overacting, cringe-worthy moments, and reliance on stereotypes. The trailers themselves reveal too much, leaving little surprise for the audience. While Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan shine individually, their efforts are not enough to save the film from its overall lackluster execution. Ultimately, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” fails to live up to its potential and ends up as a forgettable addition to the Bollywood rom-com genre.