Dear Zindagi (2017) [Movie Review]



Dir: Gauri Shinde
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt
Dur: 2 hrs 30 mins
Genre: Drama
Rating: 8/10

Dear Zindagi is a fun, coming-of-age, surprisingly original film. I have to admit, Bollywood caught me off-guard this time. Kudos to Gauri Shinde for this wonderful film. I really enjoyed the film because it was so relevant, it wasn’t overly romantic, nor were there clichés, nor did it follow the hard beaten path most Bollywood films take. It was youthy, lively, engrossing and had a string of great messages. Alia is the centre of this film, and her performance is worth the watch. Shah Rukh plays the debonair therapist with style and a swagger which only he could bring to the part. The music is fantastic and the story unfolds effortlessly. If you haven’t watched it already, I suggest you do so at the earliest.
 
I honestly loved this film. It has quite something to offer in terms of breaking down stereotypes. Psychologists and therapists ought to rejoice over its success since it brings the importance of their profession to the fore and paints it in very favourable light. Some of the key insights from the film are: It’s alright to seek psychological help. You are not MAD if you do so. If you can’t cry wholeheartedly, you will not be able to laugh wholeheartedly. Forgiveness can help you leap frog your problems and live with freedom. The film is very appealing for teenagers and young adults. Since it deals with issues that confront them. It also provides direction with regard to solving life’s problems. I am not saying that everyone ought to enlist the services of a therapist, what I am suggesting is that everyone needs that one friend who is ready to listen without judging and offer support and guidance.

I am a little more enthusiastic about the film because it is, for the most part, completely based in Goa. Also, Goa is not tainted in any way and its village sceneries and serene ambient are highlighted subtly. If you’re a Goan, watch this film, besides for its own sake, for the portrayal of our home. If you are from elsewhere, watch it to catch a glimpse of Goa and learn some lessons for life.

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