TAG: Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol in Zindagi na Milegi Dobara. TAG: Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Hrithik Roshan and Abhay Deol in Zindagi na Milegi Dobara.
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ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA (We Only Have One Life). Directed by Zoya Akhtar, with Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Coechlin and Ariadna Cabrol. At Nu Metro, Canal Walk.
DIRECTOR Zoya Akhtar brings us one of 2011’s best films, starring an exceptionally talented cast and featuring stunning locations in Spain.
The only shortcoming of this beautifully told tale about three friends on a life-changing journey is its length. At almost two-and-a-half hours, the film is about 30 minutes too long. But it is impeccably shot and it is easy to understand why Zoya had difficulty cutting footage to make it shorter.
The screenplay covers familiar ground, focusing on three friends on a holiday road trip who discover the answers to the challenges they face in life. While the premise might not be original, the writers have created some memorable celluloid moments which give the film a fresh perspective. They have shaped totally realistic characters with whom audiences will identify.
The male bonding leads to many moments of humour, but there are touching and poignant scenes as well. Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar and Abhay Deol are extremely capable actors and deliver superb performances. They are ably supported by Katrina Kaif, who is excellent as Laila.
Relative newcomers Kalki Coechlin and Ariadna Cabrol are very good in important roles.
Cinematographer Carlos Catalan captures the Spanish locations with impressive detail.
In only her second outing as a director, Zoya shows an immense command of the medium and has made an extremely enjoyable film.
It will inspire audiences to cherish the time they spend with their loved ones and make the correct decisions with regard to living their lives in the best way possible.