Expectations

Alia Bhatt might have made blunders in one of her T.V chat shows, but has always passed out with flying colours when it comes to the selection of good films. She has excelled as an actor by showcasing her fine talent in many films.

Similarly, Shahrukh Khan,despite of being one of India's biggest superstar has been loved my many for his path-breaking performance in films like 'Chak De India' and 'Swades'. These talented actors team up in Gauri Shinde's latest film ‘Dear Zindagi’.

The big names associated with this movie along with the past work of its crew and the fantastic trailer make it among the highly awaited films of this year.

Story

'Dear Zindagi' is a story of a young cinematographer Kaira (Alia Bhatt), who breaks up with her current boyfriend Sid (Angad Bedi) and is ready to move into another relationship with Raghuvendra (Kunal Kapoor). Things get complicated and Kaira has to deal with the low phase in his personal and professional life. She moves back to her parents in Goa for a short time. Out there she meets a physiatrist Jehangir Khan (Shahrukh Khan) and starts following his therapies so that she can lead a normal and peaceful life.

The 'Glitz' Factor

In the initial phase of the film, there are few good scenes involving the relationship status of Alia Bhatt. The movie only picks up just before the interval at the arrival of Shahrukh Khan. His track enlightens the film and gives us some wonderful scenes in the film.

The second half is way better and more interesting than the dull and boring first half.Right from Shahrukh's entry speech to his therapy sessions with Alia very scene involving them are the best thing to happen in this tedious film.Though the best scene of the film is when Alia talks about her childhood tragedy involving her letters to her parents. This scene portrays the finest acting skill of Alia Bhatt.

If only the writing in the entire film would have been this connecting the end result would have been much better. The cinematography of this movie is of top notch. Every frame and every scene, especially of south Goa looks fantastic on the big screen.Music by Amit Trivedi is refreshing. 'Just Go To Hell Dil', 'Love You Zindagi' and ‘Tu Hi Hai’ are soul touching.

Gauri Shindi's debut film 'English Vinglish' was a fantastic film and thus one did expect 'Dear Zindagi' to be on those lines.

'Dear Zindagi' is fantastic, but only in parts and is lethargic in most. The concept of the movie is superb, but fails in its execution over the silver screen. Though, Gauri highly succeeds in extracting one of the finest performances from Shahrukh Khan and Alia Bhatt. Also, manages to touch your soul in some of the fantastic scenes in the second half of the film. Wish the movie had more such wonderful scenes.

Alia Bhatt ends up giving one more path breaking performance. Her performance in 'Dear Zindagi' is at par with her top performance in films like 'Highway' and 'Udta Punjab'. She is so natural in the movie that you don’t see her as Alia Bhatt in the movie and connect with her character of Kaira. It's great to see Shahrukh Khan the ace actor back on the silver screen after a long time. He is fantastic in his calm and natural character and supports well in the movie. Cameos by Kunal Kapoor, Angad Bedi, Ali Zafar and Aditya Roy Kapur are great as all of them manage to charm the audience in their minimal roles. Ira Dubey and Yashwasini Dayama lend good support.

The 'Non-Glitz' Factor

The basic premise looks like a female version of 'Wake Up Sid'. The film starts on a cluttered note which goes well with the life of Alia Bhatt in the film but fails while executing it. The scenes keep happening without connecting with you nor keeping you intrigued in the film.

Despite of several happenings the narrative is super slow. There are times when these key scenes also start sounding preachy due to other weak scenes in the film. The climax part fails to enhance the film.'Let’s Break Up' is average and 'Taarefon Se' should have been presented in a better manner.

'Dear Zindagi' is fantastic, but only in parts and is lethargic in most. The concept of the movie is superb, but fails in its execution over the silver screen.This concept was perfect for a web series displaying the various chapters of Alia's character. Wish the movie had more such wonderful scenes.

Final 'Glitz'

'Dear Zindagi' is a half-hearted soulful film. It starts on a tediously boring note and after a whiles gets on its right but perfect track.