Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is a romantic comedy set in a small town directed by Laxman Utekar. It stars Vicky Kaushal as Kapil Dubey and Sara Ali Khan as Saumya Chawla Dubey. Promising a laugh riot, a few inconsistencies hinder its overall impact.
A Genie’s Quest for a Home:
The story centers on Kapil and Saumya, a young couple from Indore who choose to divorce in order to qualify for the government housing scheme.However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they face a fallout and are at odds. The film follows their hilarious journey as they pretend to fight to convince their family and the judge about the need for a divorce.
Comedic High and Low:
Director Laxman Utekar has set the stage for a fun-filled experience from the beginning. The opening sequence introduces us to eccentric characters, including Kapil’s maternal aunt (Kanupriya Pandit) and a goofy security guard named Daroga (played by Sharib Hashmi). The film’s first half is exceptionally touchy, delivering on its promise of humor. However, the second half suffers from over-the-top tracks and disjointed moments, such as the two pretending to be siblings or encountering a government official during an unexpected visit. These aspects reduce the entertainment and prevent the film from maintaining a consistent comic tempo.
Performance and Cinematic Appeal:
Vicky Kaushal impresses with his portrayal of Kapil, effectively capturing the essence of a small-town boy. Her performance shines in poignant moments like the heartfelt conversation between Kapil and Saumya at the hospital. On the other hand, Sara Ali Khan struggles to convince a middle-class daughter-in-law or a spirited Punjabi girl. The supporting cast, including Neeraj Sood, Kanupriya Pandit, Inaamulhaq, Rakesh Bedi, and Akash Khurana, has delivered commendable performances, adding depth to their respective characters—Sachin-Jigar’s catchy songs and Raghav Ramdas’s cinematography capture Indore’s small-town vibe and quirks.
A mixed verdict:
While “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” has plenty of funny punchlines, unique characters, and entertaining performances, it’s disjointed storyline and expedient screenplay prevent it from reaching its full potential. The film’s premise, where a couple decides to separate to acquire a home, seems far-fetched given their situation. The post-interval segment also suffers from over-the-top moments and climaxes, leaving some of the plot underdeveloped.
Overall “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” is a one-time watch delight for its comic moments, vibrant characters, and solid performances by the cast. However, it fell short of being an outright winner due to its inconsistent storytelling and missed opportunities to delve deeper into some storylines. If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted romantic comedy with a touch of the absurd, this film might have come to the right place.