Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, starring Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, is a romantic comedy that takes audiences on a wild ride filled with funny moments and occasional disappointments. Set in the small town of Indore, the film introduces us to Kapil Dubey (Vicky Kaushal) and Somya Chawla (Sara Ali Khan), college sweethearts who are now happily married and living with Kapil's eccentric, middle-class family.
The movie starts off promisingly, with fresh humor, relatable characters, and a storyline that seems to break away from Bollywood's typical tropes. However, as the plot unfolds, it descends into a cringeworthy spectacle of overacting, dramatic dialogues, and Punjabi stereotypes served on a platter. The Chawlas and Dubeys find themselves embroiled in a hilarious misunderstanding when a "chant" bahu is mistakenly believed to have seduced their son, leading to a cake mishap involving eggs.
One of the film's drawbacks is the way its two trailers reveal too much of the plot, leaving little for audiences to discover on their own. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke presents multiple storylines that leave viewers with numerous unanswered questions.
Clocking in at a reasonable 132 minutes, the film avoids unnecessary drag and keeps the audience engaged. However, it fails to deliver those standout moments that truly captivate viewers. While the comedy aspect is enjoyable initially, the second half loses its direction and veers into unnecessary melodrama. The script offers nothing groundbreaking, and the second half becomes predictable, turning the comedy of errors into a series of mistakes. The flaws in both the writing and direction become difficult to ignore.
The film introduces additional characters, such as the nosy colony guard Daroga (played by Sharib Hashmi), who adds an extra layer of humor. While Hashmi's performance is commendable, it feels like a waste to reduce such a talented artist to a mere cameo. On the other hand, the actor portraying Kapil's lawyer friend hams it up and overstays his welcome on the screen. Amidst all this, the crooked and dubious agent Baghwandas (Inaamulhaq) delivers a solid performance, injecting some much-needed comic relief.
One aspect of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke that truly shines is its music. Sachin-Jigar's compositions, coupled with Amitabh Bhattacharya's lyrics, create a vibrant and memorable soundtrack. Songs like "Tere Vaaste," "Phir Aur Kya Chahiye," and "Sanjha" stay with you long after the movie ends. Although the catchy party number "Baby Tujhe Paap Lagega" doesn't make it into the film, it has already become a chart-topper.
Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is an entertaining family film that won't bore you. However, it lacks a lasting impact. While it offers a few laughs and colorful characters, the story lacks depth and could have benefited from a stronger screenplay. Starring Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, and an ensemble cast, this movie is a light-hearted romp that falls short of its potential.
Film: Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, Inaamulhaq, Sushmita Mukherjee, Neeraj Sood, Rakesh Bedi, Sharib Hashmi
Director: Laxman Utekar
