Movie Review: Dear Zindagi..could’ve taught better life lessons

There was something alluring in its trailers or rather, teasers. Something that indicated that this would be a ‘hatke’ movie. Maybe it was the fresh humor, or the fact that it had Shahrukh in a mature role (for a change) and Alia seeking his counsel – it certainly had an appeal to it. While it does expound some interesting philosophy, especially at the first half stage – by the end of it all, the life lessons that Dear Zindagi gives don’t really stir you as much as you would wish them to.

The initial part of the movie seems a good, subtle commentary on the life and times of today’s Gen Y - their confusion and insecurities. What does challenge a bit is the slow pacing and distinct lack of humor. Still the perspective shown at the half way mark is bound to get you to snap out of slumber and take notice of proceedings. Unfortunately, all that fervor dies down in the second half, with all that fresh thinking discarded for some stereotypical plot development.

That said, how much you will like the movie is highly influenced by the degree to which you can connect and relate with the issues of the protagonist. Unfortunately, the way the script unfolds, it is harder for you to gradually build connect with the protagonist and get influenced by her ups and downs, if you can’t otherwise relate to them.

While the movie has both Shahrukh and Alia, it heavily focuses only on Alia’s character. I would’ve loved a more balanced narrative across the two, especially more depth to Shahrukh’s character but that’s not the case here. In terms of acting, while Alia does a great job this time round as well, I am a tad less enthusiastic, because it’s an extremely familiar character for her. That said, while a little unconvincing up front in the first half, she is brilliant in the second especially the emotional scenes. Shahrukh, sadly is still very much Shahrukh Khan and while that itself will have the girls swooning, he doesn’t get into the character he plays. To be fair, there is very little room given to him by the way his character is written as well.

While it makes some interesting points, it largely falls back on the familiar rather than bring up a fresh perspective on unexplored realms. The over-extended runtime doesn’t help its cause and while the intent is appreciated, Dear Zindagi ultimately is not the love letter to life you wish it to be.