Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do is a true reflection on the life saga of rich high class people who lead luxurious lifestyle and show off to the world how happy and united they are but in reality things are just the opposite. Here in the movie, we meet Kamal Mehra (played by Anil Kapoor) , a self made business tycoon who is pompous and arrogant , doesn't produce a good bonding with his wife (Shefali Shah) , son (Ranveer Singh) and daughter (Priyanka Chopra) . None of them is happy or satisfied with the way their life is going on. They go on a cruise along with friends and relatives to celebrate the 30th Marriage Anniversary of Mr & Mrs Mehra. So in this film , the storyline deals with the problems faced by rich classy people . Its about the diverse mentality & thinking of parents and their wards. The script offers genuine laughs and emotions at some portions but the movie drags and slips occasionally post intermission.
Lemme point out its plusses first.
HIGHPOINTS :
The film is breezy and feel good for the most part thanks to some wonderful scenes, amazing dialogues, crisp direction and top notch performances. There are some really funny moments as well as melancholic bits. Directed sharply by Zoya Akhtar, this movie is packed with solid acting by its ensemble cast. Particularly worthy of mentioning are Anil Kapoor who fabulously portrays Kamal Mehra. He is in full command and plays the role of a careless and selfish hubby & father with sheer panache. Shefali Shah is perfectly casted as an innerly broken wife who pretends to be jolly all the time. As a mother, she is fine too. Priyanka Chopra as Ayesha Mehra is terrific. She skillfully performs her part which is quite vulnerable and chaotic. Ranveer Singh is splendid totally. He not only has a boyish charm but delivers a credible performance playing a character which is childish and who wants to live life his own way. Other characters in supportive roles also do well. Anushka does a good job in few moments which explore her to shine. And then there is Farhan Akhtar in a short role who hardly disappoints. I wish he had a longer screen presence.
Talking about film's other merit , cinematography has to be praised. Its beautifully shot.
However the movie is flawed and i would like to state its drawbacks.
LOWPOINTS :
1) Editing could have been done smartly as the length of this film is almost 2 hours 45 mins which wasn't necessary at all.
2) Screenplay is problematic which jars the film by becoming over dramatic and a bit sloppy especially in its second half that includes a fatuous climax.
3) Music of the film is strictly average. Among its soundtracks, only Lalla Goodiyan track is enjoyable and Pehli Baar is passable.
Thus overall, Dil Dhadakne Do isn't a great cinema yet for its above stated plusses it worths your time. Its a film that may not satisfy you fully but it won't make you feel terrible either.
My Rating - 3/5 (***)
Don't raise your expectations high and you won't dislike it.
