-
Dear Zindagi
Critic reviews and ratings
-
...is a lovely picture, made with finesse and heart, and one that not only takes some stigma off the idea of seeking therapy, but -- in the most natural of ways -- goes a long way in making a viewer think of the people who matter most.
-
...this film has some fantastic moments. Some soul searching philosophy and some heart crushing realities on offer.
-
...unlike her first film English Vinglish that hit the bullseye subtly, here the message is hammered. Of course some of the writing has merit.
-
...is an impeccably performed touching if not everlasting adage on life and relationship with some soul stirring moments hailing the power of Alia Bhatt as a super performer and SRK as the irresistible cool charmer minus the super star's 'arm spread' we all know.
-
...pulls at the heartstrings. It is also loaded with genteel humour. But what works above all is that the pop philosophy/psychology that underlines the drama at the film's core isn't the least bit pulpy.
-
The light-hearted dialogues and scenes are the high points of the film. But they too stop working after a point. At near-2.5 hours, Dear Zindagi feels too stretched.
-
... it just appears as if the film's unable to find a point, place a nail there, and just hammer it in. Which was so not the case with Shinde's masterstroke, 'English Vinglish' (2012).
-
Since Dear Zindagi doesn’t tinker with this basic quality of the Bollywood romance, it’s all good.
-
Alia is remarkably perceptive and there's a catchy rhythm to her interactions with SRK neither ever forgetting she is principal, he is peripheral. The breakthrough she makes, the healing he offers, the bond they form extends across the screen.
-
This one is a mood film. No surprises, no revelations mid-way, but if you have a mushy-minded mate, this would make for quite a date.
-
At one level then film feels like a mass therapy session in which the audience could find itself getting co-opted and put on the couch. The reaction to it then would be dependant on an individual’s own life experiences.
-
...is a bumpy ride but, all things considered, it’s still one worth taking — especially for the sheer pleasure of watching Alia soar.
-
...what does not work in the film’s favour are its length (mostly the second half), its disconnect with the audiences and the snail-paced narrative of the film.
-
Dear Zindagi feels like a long, unending conversation that leaves you feeling exhausted.
-
Watch this film only for amazing performances and nothing else.
-
I loved SRK in the film, Bhatt is always a pleasure to watch, the story visits many themes that are uncommon in Bollywood, and several of the discussions are either witty or insightful or both. Overall though, the film comes across as being not enough because the writing needed more substance.
-
Such a shame that a warm, cushy ambiance with interesting characters don't blend together to make an engaging film.
-
Overlong, a tad simplistic, but buoyed by great performances.
-
For two hours you put up with too shiny, too happy people holding hands and you're fed up with the hokey counseling sessions. The last half hour actually touches you but it is too little too late.
-
...it’s awkwardly written and exists more as an excuse for Alia to be able to do a big shout-y scene.
-
Gauri’s previous film, her directing debut English Vinglish, felt authentic and was powered by emotions that were real and relatable. The problem with Dear Zindagi is that so much of it – particularly the first half – feels superficial and even contrived.
-
If only Gauri brought better-etched characters and delved more into the emotional turmoils of her lead, this could have been a wonderful “slice-of-life” film with several messages to be lauded for. What she ends up with is a “could-have-been-amazing” film..
-
Both Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt show spark but the film needed a plot to hinge the performances. Too many dialogues that say too little take the joy away from the film.
Best and worst reviewed movies (Min. 5 reviews)
Best
-
Worst
-
Best
-
Worst
-
Best
-
Worst
-
Best
-
Worst
-
Best
-
Worst