Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review: The world of Chawlas and Dubeys beckons with the promise of laughter, fresh humor, and a storyline that breaks away from the usual Bollywood tropes.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, with its relatable beginning, manages to capture our attention. However, it soon descends into a cringeworthy chaos, with exaggerated acting, dramatic dialogues, and an overdose of Punjabi stereotypes. Nestled within this chaotic narrative is a middle-class Pandit family living in a modest house, whose beliefs are challenged when a ‘chant’ bahu, accused of luring their son, unwittingly serves them a cake with ‘egg’.

One can’t help but wonder why movie trailers divulge the entire plot, and Zara Hatke Zara Bachke exacerbates this issue with two trailers that leave little to the imagination. Directed by Laxman Utekar, this romantic comedy attempts to juggle multiple storylines, leaving the audience with a multitude of unanswered questions.

Unveiling the Premise of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke

The story unfolds in the small town of Indore, introducing us to college sweethearts Kapil Dubey (Vicky Kaushal) and Somya Chawla (Sara Ali Khan). Happily married, they reside in a compact house with Kapil’s religious, vegetarian family, including his parents, maternal uncle, aunt, and their young son. While Kapil, a yoga instructor, embodies a middle-class mindset, Somya hails from a progressive Punjabi family. She earns a living through coaching classes, possesses big aspirations, and craves privacy, a luxury their current house denies her.

Unable to afford the burden of heavy EMIs, the couple resorts to a government scheme. To qualify for a lottery allotment, they fake their divorce, pretending to despise each other and living separately. The extent to which this charade escalates and its ultimate outcome form the crux of the plot.

The Ups and Downs of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke

Clocking in at 132 minutes, the film manages to maintain a brisk pace, steering clear of unnecessary drag. Yet, it experiences both high and low points. While the highs fail to elicit awe-inspiring moments, the lows are riddled with flaws and inconsistencies.

The script, co-written by Utekar, Maitrey Bajpai, and Ramiz Ilham Khan, commences on a humorous note, sprinkling harmless jokes, lighthearted humor, and witty one-liners. However, post-intermission, it veers off course, losing its direction. At this juncture, one wishes it had adhered to its romantic comedy roots instead of veering into unnecessary melodrama. The writing fails to offer anything truly novel, ultimately succumbing to predictability in the second half. The comedy of errors devolves into mere errors, highlighting the shortcomings in both the writing and direction.

Despite their valiant efforts, the performances struggle to salvage the situation. Sara exhibits restraint in her acting, reflecting in her nuanced actions and reactions. Although she occasionally crosses the line, her portrayal never becomes irksome. Vicky, on the other hand, masterfully portrays a range of emotions, effortlessly maintaining the romance on screen. He authentically embodies the persona of a small-town individual, showcasing his raw demeanor. The on-screen chemistry between Vicky and Sara, while not extraordinary, surpasses the clichéd dynamics often seen in superficial.

Impressive Supporting Cast Adds Depth to Zara Hatke Zara Bachke

One of the highlights of Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is its stellar supporting cast. Rakesh Bedi and Sushmita Mukherjee shine in their roles as Somya’s parents, delivering humor and staying true to their characters. A particularly memorable scene involves Kapil and Somya’s father sharing drinks in a car as the father tries to uncover the reason behind their divorce. This well-written and well-performed sequence strikes a perfect balance, never feeling forced or awkward.

Adding to the comedic elements is the inclusion of a nosy colony guard, Daroga (played by Sharib Hashmi), who injects more humor into the story. While Hashmi’s performance and screen presence are commendable, it is unfortunate that the filmmakers underutilized an artist of his caliber, reducing his role to a mere cameo. One can’t help but wish for a more substantial part for him.

Furthermore, the actor portraying Kapil’s lawyer friend, who aids him in the divorce case, delivers an over-the-top performance that detracts from the overall impact. The excessive screen time given to this character does not align with the quality of his acting. Amidst these ups and downs, Inaamulhaq stands out as the crooked and dubious agent, Baghwandas, providing comic relief throughout the story.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’s Captivating Music

What truly elevates Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is its captivating music. After a long time, I found myself thoroughly enjoying all the songs in a film. The music composed by Sachin-Jigar, coupled with Amitabh Bhattacharya’s evocative lyrics, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. The song “Tere Vaaste” lingers in your mind, while “Phir Aur Kya Chahiye” has already climbed the charts. Additionally, “Sanjha” strikes an emotional chord. Although “Baby Tujhe Paap Lagega” is absent from the film, it remains a lively party number.

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Conclusion: A Pleasant Family Entertainer with Missed Opportunities

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke manages to keep audiences engaged with its lighthearted, easy-going nature. While it doesn’t leave a lasting impact, the film offers a few laughs and showcases some colorful characters that make it worth watching. However, the story lacks depth and would have benefited from a stronger screenplay.

Overall, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke presents a unique take on the romantic comedy genre, but falls short of reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, the impressive performances by the supporting cast and the captivating music contribute to an enjoyable cinematic experience.