Movie Review: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol
Rating: ****


So finally we have our own desi version of a true Road Trip movie. Three guys out on an adventurous trip together taking time out of their mundane routine in quest for reliving their fun days once again. Ok I agree, its a cliche, koi nayi story nahi hai.. copied formula hai, etc. But you know what, who cares. Till the time it is able to entertain, full time pass ho and make you smile at the end, its a paisa wasool. 


Again its the implementation that counts and not the formula. And that is exactly the hero in this case as well, beautiful rendition of the concept by Zoya. Unlike a very off the beat earlier venture of Luck by Chance, this is much more interesting and fun and is more likely to appeal to a larger audience. 


Cinematography - simply beautiful, poetic, all the locations of spain have been very well photographed. For some it might seem like a tourism promo, but its definitely more than that. 


I think the simple, real and clear storyline is what makes the movie more appealing. Along with being completely crazy it also has a soul. Movie is sans any drama, Three guys all the way crack jokes in bits and pieces which is exactly how friends behave when they are together. Jokes not hillarious that you would ROFL but leave a slight tickle inside. Probably that is the reason its so easy to identify with the characters. Specially the stupid scaring tricks in public places that each one of us must have played at some time or other.


Actors - Abhay is ok in his act, could have been better. Hritik is apt in the character going through a philosophical change. But my personal favorite is Farhan, who is the life of the film, awesome comic timing, extremely lovable. For some strange reasons, he has most of the punchlines in the movie. Katrina looks good :)


Music - songs are more like the background score just gels with the movie, you dont even realize that there were any songs in the movie. Senorita songs stands out among all the songs with beautiful lyrics by javed saab. 


In all its a fun adventure trip that cannot be missed this year. Go ahead and just enjoy with your friends. Bliss.

Democracy Today as it Exists..

Democracy - "Government that is by the people, of the people and for the people".

Its very interesting that this very simple and apt definition in a way says everything that constitutes the democracy. Still its unfortunate that although we might be having a govt. "by and of the people", its no where close to "for the people" in-spite of being the largest democracy in the world. The role of people have become limited to voting in the elections every four years. Why should that be? So called leaders today challenge the uprising of civil society by arguing that their voice in unconstitutional and "if you want to make a change why not fight elections?" So does that mean that once elected, a representative has no duty towards the needs of people? Is that democratic and constitutional? Me as an individual, an engineer, doctor, artist, writer, farmer, a common man who cannot fight elections does not have any say in the democracy without being elected??

What is unconstitutional is the fact that today, the govt. believes that once elected, it can take things for granted until next elections. The belief that people have no say in govt. policies even if it is to make things better, is what I believe is undemocratic.

True essence of democracy lies in participation. It would only help in strengthening and consistently improving the same with the time. Transparency and Accountability are the pillars that would only help lay the strong foundation in lieu of which it won't be long that the system would collapse.

Lets hope that the present politicos take a note soon and take necessary steps that would make us not only largest but also most successful democracy in the world.