Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (2023) Movie

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review Rating: 3 Stars

Star Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, Sharib Hashmi, Inaamulhaq, and Ensemble

Director: Laxman Utekar

What’s Good: The first half of the film successfully captures the relatability factor as it portrays a couple’s aspiration to build a nuclear family and their struggle to buy their own house.

What’s Bad: After the Interval, the film loses its direction and deviates from the track, comedy of errors is only left with errors.

Loo Break: You can predict what happens in the middle of the second half, and this is your chance.

Watch or Not?: If you are a fan of both these stars, there is ample screen time for them in the film. However, if you are not particularly a fan and are not impressed with the trailer, it might be better to wait for the OTT release.

Language: Hindi

Available On: In Theatres Near You.

Runtime: 132 minutes.

Budget: ₹ 40 Crore

Box Office Collection: N/A

In the bustling city of Indore, a couple finds themselves yearning for a life of their own, away from their joint family. Determined to purchase a house that would be exclusively theirs, they embark on a quest for independence. However, their dreams are hampered by their limited financial resources, which fall short of their preferred home’s price.

Just when all hope seems lost, a peculiar twist of fate unveils a bizarre trick that promises to fulfill their aspirations. Intrigued and desperate, they decide to give it a shot, unaware of the seismic tremors it will bring into their lives. As they navigate this unconventional path to finding their dream home, they soon discover that the consequences are far from what they anticipated.

Join them on this whimsical journey filled with laughter, surprises, and unexpected challenges as Zara Hatke Zara Bachke unravels the peculiarities of house hunting and the unanticipated ripples it creates in their seemingly ordinary lives.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review: Script Analysis

Filmmaker Laxman Utekar has crafted a unique universe with his films, where characters hide secrets, constructing a web of lies that ultimately leads to a comedy of errors and personal catharsis. This formula was subtly introduced in the commercial film Luka Chuppi and further explored in the emotional journey of Mimi. Now, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke takes center stage, positioned between the two movies. The question arises: can this formula continue to surprise audiences as it did before?

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke appears to be an original concept from Utekar, as per available information. Co-written by Utekar, Maitrey Bajpai, and Ramiz Ilham Khan, who also receive credit for the story and screenplay, the film satirically delves into the aspirations of individuals striving for social mobility and dreaming of life in the big city, while their financial circumstances hold them back. The film opens with a couple’s romanticized vision of their dream home, emphasizing their focus on material aspirations. This choice provides insight into the core theme of the story.

In the first half, Utekar and his team successfully craft an engaging narrative, highlighting the struggles faced by the less privileged during economic recessions and their resort to dubious means to fulfill their dreams. The film seamlessly blends clever and situational humor, showcasing Utekar’s understanding of clever comedic elements rather than relying on slapstick comedy. Additionally, Utekar showcases his talent for depicting small-town Indian households, capturing both clichéd arguments and relatable dynamics that add to the entertainment value. The film’s enjoyable and relatable nature stems from the writing team’s apparent close familiarity with this way of life.

However, the film falters in the second half, where the game of hide and seek commences. While there are moments of laughter and entertainment, the predictability of the storyline becomes evident. With the third film following a similar pattern, there is limited exploration left in terms of keeping the big secret hidden from the world. As a result, certain portions become skippable without feeling like anything significant has been missed. The narrative regains momentum when it delves into the complexities of the couple’s relationship, fueled by their dreams and the drastic step they took. However, an overly stretched hospital sequence undermines the storytelling by forcefully delivering the intended message rather than seamlessly blending it with the narrative.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke showcases Utekar’s cleverness, but its predictability in the core aspect that was once his unique selling point raises concerns. Nonetheless, the film still manages to offer an entertaining experience, particularly for those who appreciate Utekar’s distinct storytelling style.

Vicky Kaushal continues to prove his mettle as one of the most relatable and down-to-earth actors in the A-league. His presence on screen breaks the barrier of vanity-driven stardom, representing the common man with authenticity. Even when he bathes in a small bathroom of a barsati in Indore, wearing his janeu (Holy thread), he maintains a relatable and real aura. Vicky’s exceptional acting skills elevate the movie, compensating for minor fluctuations in his Indore accent. His performance truly shines and captivates the audience.

Sara Ali Khan seamlessly blends into her role visually, benefiting from her previous portrayal of Rinku in Atrangi Re, as this character falls within her comfort zone. While she continues to grow as an actor, there are moments where her dramatics feel somewhat exaggerated. However, her facial expressions are on point, conveying the intended emotions effectively. Additionally, Sara shares a likeable chemistry with Vicky Kaushal, and their pairing adds to the overall appeal of the film.

The rest of the cast delivers honest performances, contributing to a enjoyable viewing experience. Kanupriya Pandit, in particular, stands out with her portrayal. With prior experience in the television space, she perfectly embodies the character she plays and adds a delightful touch to the film. The ensemble cast as a whole brings their characters to life with sincerity, enriching the overall narrative.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review: Direction & Music

Laxman Utekar, known for his background as a cinematographer, brings an interesting perspective to his directorial ventures. He excels in creating visually appealing frames, prioritizing storytelling through visuals rather than relying solely on background ideas. However, one cannot overlook the fact that he occasionally falls into predictable patterns, having treaded similar paths in his previous works. It is possible that even he struggled to find a fresh approach this time around.

Director of Photography Raghav Ramadoss adds to the visual allure of the film, crafting stunning frames and utilizing vibrant tones to establish the narrative. The art design in Utekar’s films consistently showcases creativity and intrigue, with the houses depicted becoming characters in their own right.

Sachin-Jigar’s music in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is peppy, fun, romantic, and undeniably catchy. The album possesses an infectious quality that is bound to stay in the public consciousness for a considerable period. In particular, “Phir Aur Kya Chahiye” stands out as a track with great longevity and enduring appeal. The music enhances the overall experience of the film, adding to its charm and entertainment value.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review: Plus & Minus Points

Plus Points

Relatable and Realistic: The film captures the aspirations and struggles of a couple aiming to build a separate life for themselves. The relatability factor adds depth to the story, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on a personal level.
Strong Performances: Vicky Kaushal delivers a noteworthy performance, showcasing his talent and versatility as an actor. His ability to bring authenticity and relatability to his character elevates the overall viewing experience. Other actors, including Sara Ali Khan and Kanupriya Pandit, also contribute commendable performances, adding depth and entertainment value to the film.
Clever Humor: The film successfully incorporates clever and situational humor, providing genuine laughs without resorting to slapstick comedy. This demonstrates the director’s understanding of what constitutes clever humor, resulting in enjoyable comedic moments throughout the narrative.

Minus Points

Predictability: Zara Hatke Zara Bachke falls into the trap of predictability, especially in the second half. The storyline becomes somewhat formulaic, lacking the element of surprise that made the director’s previous films engaging. The predictability may leave audiences longing for fresh and unexpected twists.
Overstretched Sequences: The film suffers from certain sequences that feel unnecessarily prolonged, particularly the hospital sequence. These moments not only disrupt the pacing of the narrative but also fail to effectively blend the intended message with the overall story, creating an imbalance.
Familiar Territory: The film treads familiar ground, following a similar pattern and theme to the director’s previous works. While it may be enjoyable for fans of his distinct storytelling style, it leaves little room for exploration and innovation within the film’s core concept.

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review: The Last Word

In Last Word, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke delivers relatable characters, strong performances and clever humour, which are its primary strengths. However, the film falters due to its predictable, overly drawn-out sequences and tendency to cross familiar territory. While it has its moments, it falls short in providing a truly remarkable and unique cinematic experience.