Movie Review : Dear Zindagi

Release Date:  November 25, 2016

Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi, Ali Zafar

Director: Gauri Shinde

Genre: Drama, Romance

Duration: 2 hours 31 minutes

Definitions of love and life keep changing with time, and people, especially the young generation, often get confused about things that would bring them real happiness. Dear Zindagi explores the ups and downs of life and comes up with a theory that teaches the audience to stop looking for a perfect life, and rather look for joys in the ever-present imperfections. Such imperfections can be people, relationships, situations and the experiences one has over a lifetime.

Dear Zindagi follows the story of Kaira (Alia), who is a promising cinematographer and follows a bohemian approach to life. However, her personal life is going through some tough challenges, as she is heartbroken and not sure about where her life is heading, what she really wants, and what would make her happy. She seeks solace in her other relationships, but her confusions about love, life and happiness prevail. Unable to resolve her confusions and anxieties on her own, she seeks help from Dr. Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh), a renowned therapist. Dr. Jehangir turns out to be a godsend for Kaira, as he conducts a thorough review of her life and provides the right wisdom and knowledge to help her see life and relationships in a new perspective.

Dear Zindagi is writer-director Gauri Shinde’s second directorial film, the first being English Vinglish. Although, the first one was better, Dear Zindagi has its own attractions that come with witty one-liners and clever analogies to explain the various meanderings of life. As for the actors, this is one of Alia Bhatt’s best performances ever. Shah Rukh Khan appears fresh and toned down, as required for his role in the movie. The rest of the cast and crew have also done a good job.

The movie is slow at times, especially during the first half. However, things speed up as soon as Shah Rukh enters the scene with his trademark outstretched arms. The second half is pretty much fast-paced and quite interesting.

If you have questions about love, life and relationships, and are looking for answers, Dear Zindagi can potentially help you with those. Go for it if you are looking to spend some time on soul-searching.