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LUCK BY CHANCE - MOVIE REVIEW

LUCK BY CHANCE (Hindi , 2009)

Director : Zoya Akhtar

Cast : Farhan Akhtar , Konkona Sen Sharma, Rishi Kapoor , Juhi Chawla , Dimple Kapadia ,Isha Sharvani

One of the first big releases of 2009 , there was a lot of expectation riding on this one. "Luck by chance" is first-time Director Zoya Akhtar's portrayal of the Hindi film industry.

Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar)is a young aspiring actor from Delhi , who comes to Mumbai, hoping to make it big in the Film Industry . Same is the case with Sona (Konkona Sen Sharma), who leaves her family in Kanpur and comes to Mumbai , chasing the same dreams as Vikram . How a chance meeting between vikram and Sona blossoms into a relationship , and the various struggles and hardships which they have to endure in the cruel world of Cinema , is what the movie is all about.

The movie is a honest and straight forward take on the Film Industry in Mumbai . A place where the seemingly inevitable casting couch still exists , a place where failed actors become Directors and are openly "influenced" by Hollywood movies , where friends wont think twice about ditching you.

The movie came across as cliched while watching it , but looking back there was a sense of realism in it. Half of Bollywood pitches in with cameos and guest appearances. Rishi Kapoor ( Romi Rolly) the film-maker is easily the best member of the large , over-sized supporting cast . His antics make you laugh , and although his character might appear stereotyped , he has come up with such a natural performance. Dimple Kapadia as the yesteryear hottie Neena Walia is superb .

Isha Sharvani as Nikki Walia , Neena's young daughter is quite a revelation . The role requires her to come across a not-so-bright starlet , and she pulls it off well. Hrithik Roshan as Zafar Khan , the Superstar is delightful. Konkona Sen Sharma as Sona has done a remarkable job , as the aspiring actress who is ditched by her apparent Godfather .

Farhan Akhtar as Vikram is the best thing about the movie . He never resorts to over the top acting and underplays his role with ease. He shines in the comedy sequences and is equally good when it comes to portraying the emotional turmoil of a struggling actor.

The screenplay is the weak point of the movie , especially in the first half. The first half is definitely a drag , even though we have some interesting characters in the support cast. The movie picks up steam in the last 15 minutes of the first half , and the momentum is maintained post-interval too , thankfully.

A few of the characters in the support cast could have been cut down or done away with , as they dont really keep you interested , in a few annoying sequences. Although Zoya Akhtar has made an earnest effort to justify the inclusion of each character , it is sadly reduced to an exercise in celebrity-spotting , inspite of the well intended characterization.

Technically this movie is top notch . Music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy deserves a word of praise . The songs blend perfectly with the storyline , and thankfully there are no song sequences which pop up at the most unwanted points.

At first glance , the movie definitely appears stereotyped and cliched. But in retrospect , this is not the case . Each sequence is just so synonymous with the wide,ugly world of Hindi Cinema,that it looks cliched ,but it is not so.

The most defining aspect of the movie has to be , hold your breath .. The Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan himself. He appears in a very brief cameo and passes on some words of wisdom to the young actor Vikram , who has just tasted his first dose of success. SRK is at his charming best , no doubt. But more than his impeccable style , I really liked his very brief conversation with Farhan . Words which are not synonymous with fame and movies alone , but so true in every aspect of the wider context called life. Watch the movie and you will know what I mean.

The movie is a mature and earnest attempt by debutante Director Zoya Akhtar . Yes there are quite a few flaws , like the screenplay in the first half , and some truly unwarranted sequences . I was a bit disappointed that such a strong attempt at making a good movie , has been reduced to an exercise in celebrity-spotting , in a few scenes.

If you can sit back and patiently watch the first half , the second half definitely makes up for the shortcomings of the pre-interval phase.

I will go with 3.5 out of 5 , for this mature film , which might appear stereotyped at first glance , but looking back, there was a lot more to it. Zoya Akhtar Maam , good job :)

VERDICT : 3.5 / 5 (PRETTY GOOD)