Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review

Exploring Dreams and Quirks of Middle-Class Love

If I were to paint a simple picture of what ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ is all about, it would be like this: Imagine a slice of life from a middle-class Indian home from Indore, few drama stuffed with humor and woven around the dreams of a young couple. The director, Laxman Utekar, has tried to create a lively canvas where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, much like his previous work, Mimi.

A collage of scenes from Zara Hatke Zara Bachke
Poster Collage: Zara Hatke Zara Bachke

Story of ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’

Let me introduce you to our main couple, Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, who play everyday people just like any other middle-class urban couple. Vicky’s character, Kapil, is a yoga teacher with simple dreams and a clever way of finding shortcuts to solve big problems. On the other hand, Sara Ali Khan portrays Saumya, a spirited chemistry professor with dreams that extend far beyond her home and her lovely georgette sarees.

Their everyday life takes an interesting turn when the pressures of living with their extended family become overwhelming. They yearn for a ‘place’ they can call their ‘own’, a home where they can create their own space and cherish their dreams. And that’s when our story, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’, begins to unfold.

What follows is a delightful rollercoaster of events, ranging from comical to dramatic, all revolving around this relatable and universal desire for a home.

In a nutshell, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ take us to witness the dreams, challenges, and hilarious complications faced by this young Indian couple. Especially, while they navigate through societal expectations, personal ambitions, and the quest for a place to call their own.

Why You Should Give A Try?

Firstly, let’s talk about the performances. Vicky Kaushal, known for his versatile acting skills, brings his A-game to the table as Kapil, the yoga teacher with a penchant for finding clever solutions. His portrayal is relatable and engaging, showcasing his ability to bring charm and authenticity to the character. Sara Ali Khan, on the other hand, captivates with her vibrant presence as Saumya, a chemistry professor who yearns for more from life. Her energy and commitment to the role shine through, adding depth to the narrative.

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to tackle real-life issues in a light-hearted manner. The storyline revolves around the dreams and challenges faced by a young middle-class couple, resonating with audiences who have similar aspirations and struggles. Laxman Utekar’s direction, as seen in his previous work like Mimi, ensures that the film strikes a balance between entertainment and thought-provoking storytelling.

Moreover, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ offers a glimpse into the world of Indore, a city that adds its own flavor to the narrative. The film beautifully captures the essence of small-town life, providing a unique backdrop for the characters and their journey.

What Could Have Been Better?

In my opinion, one thing that really felt odd to me was that the chemistry between Sara Ali Khan and Vicky Kaushal. It didn’t seem to have much chemistry on-screen.

Even though they are both talented actors with their own strengths, their pairing in the movie didn’t create the desired spark.

Sara Ali Khan

I was expecting a Sara Ali Khan from Atrangi Re, unfortunately, I only got that energy from her, not the natural demeanour. If Sara – Vicky chemistry had been stronger, it would have made Kapil’s & Soumya’s journey more interesting. Here audience may feel some disconnect with the story.

Plot of ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’

Another important point to consider is that the plot of the movie. I felt it was stretched out. The pacing, especially in the second half, was not well done.

If the script had been tighter and repetitive elements had been eliminated, it would have created a more focused and engaging narrative.

Originality & Freshness

The story was highly relatable, but it lacked originality and seemed similar to other films like old Dinesh Vijan films or “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” style. If the filmmakers had strived for a more unique storytelling approach, it would have made the movie stand out from its predecessors.

Chemistry between Vicky Kaushal & Sara Ali Khan

As I said before, Vicky Kaushal’ portrayal of Kapil is excellent, but I felt that Sara Ali Khan’s efforts fell short compared to Vicky. It’s important for Khan to refine her acting approach, finding a balance between being authentic and avoiding being too theatrical.

Laxman Utekar’s approach

From an audience perspective, Laxman Utekar’s approach to ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ should be criticized for lacking energy and excitement. If he had incorporated more dynamic and innovative storytelling techniques, especially during crucial moments of the film, it would have injected more vitality into the overall viewing experience

Final Verdict

In conclusion, ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ remains an opportunity to immerse oneself in a light-hearted tale that resonates with the dreams and challenges faced by many. So, if you’re willing to overlook its flaws and embrace its relatable themes, this film has the potential to provide an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

Bookmyshow offers a Buy one Get one offer for this movie (Only for June 2 Bookings I guess) considering that, it’s worth to give a try.

We don’t have so many alternative options this week. If you are looking for OTT Releases this week, here are my suggestions.

Enjoy the Sweetness of Satire: Kathal Movie Review

The title of the movie Kathal (2023), which translates to ‘Jackfruit’ in English, is a curious choice.

It is this curiosity which makes me give a try for this comedy-thriller from Netflix this week. Maybe, we can consider it as an answer to Amazon Prime’s Dahaad, which released last week, considering the core plot.

Yashowardhan Mishra’s direction takes us through an eventful narrative, highlighting the socio-political dynamics, caste prejudices, and gender biases in an Indian semi-urban setting.

Plot of Kathal (2023)

The plot revolves around a bizarre case of missing jackfruits that propels the story into unexpected territory.

The jackfruits aren’t your regular type; they’re a rare breed from Malaysia, owned by a local MLA (Vijay Raaz) who values them highly, not for their taste, but for their role in his political ambitions.

These jackfruits, when pickled, are his secret recipe to win over political allies. One day, the jackfruits mysteriously vanish from his garden, throwing the town into a frenzy.

Here comes our heroine, Inspector Mahima Basor(Sanya Malhotra). She’s a dedicated and diligent police officer, driven by her commitment to solve crimes and bring justice.

When this peculiar case of the missing jackfruits falls into her lap, she doesn’t shy away. Instead, she dives right into the heart of the mystery, unafraid of the oddities and absurdities it brings.

But just as she begins to unravel the enigma of the missing jackfruits, she stumbles upon an even darker secret lurking beneath the town’s surface.

This unexpected twist takes her on a path that is far removed from her initial assignment.

Find The Answers by Watching Kathal(2023)

So, what does Inspector Mahima find?

What does the missing jackfruit case have to do with the darker mystery she uncovers?

And can she manage to solve these intertwined cases while dealing with the complexities of her personal life and the societal biases of her small town?

Well, to get these answers, you’ll have to dive into the vibrant world of “Kathal”

Trust me, it’s a ride filled with comedy, intrigue, and a dose of social satire you wouldn’t want to miss!

Perfect Casting With Poor Costumes

The performance of the “Kathal” cast is truly one of the highlights of the movie, bringing depth and authenticity to the storyline.

The lead role of Inspector Mahima Basor is played by the versatile Sanya Malhotra, who has already proven her acting prowess in several previous roles. I believe she is the new Radhika Apte of Netflix.

In “Kathal,” she continues to impress, beautifully balancing her character’s charm and firmness. She delivers a performance that’s both compelling and endearing, offering a fresh portrayal of a diligent police officer.

Sanya Malhotra & AnanatVijay in Kathal
Sanya Malhotra & AnanatVijay in Kathal

Supporting Sanya is the talented Anantvijay Joshi. His portrayal of a junior police officer brings a dynamic element to the film, contributing to its overall charm and depth.

Neha Saraf, known for her excellent comic timing, also joins the “Kathal” cast, portraying the challenges of a professional woman balancing work and domestic duties. Her performance adds another layer of relatability to the story.

Veteran actors Vijay Raaz and Rajpal Yadav bring their trademark humor and style to their roles as a manipulative MLA and an enthusiastic local journalist, respectively. Despite the peculiar choice of wigs for their characters, they manage to deliver performances that are both enjoyable and memorable.

Rajpal Yadav and Vijay Raaz in Kathal
Rajpal Yadav and Vijay Raaz in Kathal

Why Should You Watch Kathal Movie ?

The “Kathal” movie is a perfect blend of social commentary, humor, and excellent performances.

A shot from Kathal Movie: Image credits- Netflix
A shot from Kathal Movie, Image credits: Netflix

It sets itself apart by using a unique storyline – the mysterious disappearance of two prized jackfruits – to highlight deeper issues prevalent in society.

One of the key reasons to watch the “Kathal” movie is its successful portrayal of the socio-political landscape of small-town in North India.

It doesn’t resort to preaching or making lofty statements. Instead, it nudges viewers gently towards acknowledging and understanding the biases and loopholes in our society.

The nuanced performances of the “Kathal” cast further enrich the film. Sanya Malhotra’s character, Inspector Mahima, is particularly noteworthy. She is not just a police officer on a mission, but a woman striving for respect and equality in a male-dominated world.

The movie also benefits from its balance of serious themes with light-hearted moments. The injection of humor keeps the tone enjoyable, ensuring that the audience stays engaged while absorbing the film’s key messages.

In conclusion, if you appreciate cinema that makes you laugh while also making you think, the “Kathal” movie is a must-watch.

Where to watch Kathal?

So, why wait? Try “Kathal” from Netflix and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Check out more reviews on our latest releases page.

Written by Akhil Pillai