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In the
picture
Luck by Chance***1/2
*ing: Farhan Akhtar, Konkana Sen Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple
Kapadia, Juhi Chawla and Hrithik Roshan along with Aamir Khan,
Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor in special appearances.
Directed
by Zoya Akhtar
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Luck
by Chance, which launches the career of Zoya Akhtar as a director,
is one of the most decent films to release in a long time. This past
year has been a comedy of errors for Bollywood with one magnum opus
disaster after another. The over-hyped Ghajini and star-studded Yuvvraaj
being two prime examples. But if Luck by Chance, the first major release
of the year, is anything to go by, this year will be one of promising
films. Even though the story of Luck by Chance is hardly groundbreaking,
it is the collective effort behind the film, which makes it so strong.
With the odd pairing of Farhan Akhtar and Konkana Sen Sharma and supporting
cast of fabulous actors like Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia, Juhi Chawla
and Hrithik Roshan, the film makes its point.
Tackling the careers of two struggling actors in the city of dreams
that is Mumbai, one sees the plight of making it big in Bollywood.
And yet there is no moralistic preaching which is what makes this
film such a delight.
Farhan Akhtar plays Vikram, an ambitious, talented man who wants to
break into Indian films and will do anything to get there. In contrast
to Farhan is his girlfriend Sona, played by Konkana Sen Sharma - who
shares the dream but not the ambition and ruthlessness that Vikram
plays to his advantage.
And their stories are neatly interlinked with the lives of producer
Rolly (Rishi Kapoor) whose idea of great films is driven by superstar
actors, former actress Nina, played by the superb Dimple Kapadia who
relives her glorious days through her daughter, Niki -Isha Sherwani
- who is also an actress and superstar actor Zafar Khan (Hrithik Roshan)
who'd rather work with a big star cast and director than in a film
that is "different".
When actors fail to challenge stereotypes, new actors enter the arena
and Luck by Chance manages to make this point superbly.
This is an interesting film to watch for a variety of reasons. The
story doesn't get boring and the ending is completely unpredictable.
The film is not just about two actors but takes a sharp and humorous
look into the glamorous world of cinema without tearing it down. |
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Outsiders
enter the industry when major stars stay away from edgy roles.
This fact is established very well with a cameo from Karan Johar
who cited Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan as examples. Similarly,
star kids don't have it easy when former stars-turned-parents
relive their days through their children. And Bollywood is full
of star families and kids. How filmmakers get "inspired"
by foreign cinema and often sheer luck will determine the fate
of many. This in a nutshell defines Luck By Chance. And the
reason why it works is the way the film has been made. Zoya
Akhtar has kept the film tight and sharp without loosing focus.
Finally
there is the casting of the film, which is a wonder to watch.
Farhan Akhtar makes another splash after Rock On and this time
around, he manages to make his mark.
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The frustration behind struggling in the world's
largest film industry, doubt that surrounds him and the sly change
in character - Farhan plays emotions well. He doesn't light up
the screen as fabulously as Hrithik Roshan. He may not be star
material but surely as an actor, Farhan is one to watch.
His co-star Konkana Sen Sharma, as always, is a delightful performer.
Her pairing with Farhan is odd but it is charming enough to work.
She is a hugely talented actress and in this film, she delivers
another stellar performance. The individual scenes between Farhan
and Konkana are gripping and completely absorbing.
In supporting roles, two actors who make this film incredibly
funny are Rishi Kapoor as the producer who has to deal with star
tantrums of everyone and Dimple Kapadia as the has-been mom who
is more of a diva than anything else. They are excellent.
Hrithik looks fabulous and does justice to his small role.
One reason why Luck By Chance has made so much news is because
of the various cameos from some of the biggest actors of this
generation. The one cameo that stands out and makes the most impact
belongs to Shah Rukh Khan.
Add all this with a fabulous score and Luck By Chance has all
the ingrediants to make a highly entertaining film. Shankar-Ehsan-Loy
has proven once again why they are the next best trio of musicians
after A.R. Rahman. In particular, the tunes 'Baawre' and 'Sapno
Se Bhare Naina' make for excellent songs.
Overall, this is an entertaining film. The cameos keep appearing
as a nice surprise but they are never the focal point. Unlike
most Indian films, which almost always go for a predictable, happily-ever-after
ending, this film remains more realistic. This is no Om Shanti
Om but it is definitely worth a watch.
-- Maheen Sabeeh
*YUCK
**WHATEVER
***GOOD
****SUPER
*****AWESOME
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