Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Review: Vicky Kaushal-Sara Ali Khan film is an enjoyable no-brainer

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke review: Laxman Utekar, known for hits like Luka Chuppi and Mimi, returned to director's chair with Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, which hit screens today. Starring Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan, this film strikes a balance between comedy and tedium. Kaushal portrays Kapil Dubey, a typical middle-class Pandit boy who is a frugal yoga instructor, while Khan plays Saumya Chawla, a math teacher. first scene opens with family celebrating couple's second marriage anniversary which soon turns into 'kalesh' when Punjabi daughter-in-law mistakenly serves her vegetarian in-laws an egg cake. 

Zara Hatke Zara Bachke: A Comedy of Errors

Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (Image Credits: Mdock Films)

A scene with exaggerated performances by family members sets plot in motion. Saumya and Kapil's journey unfolds with absence of personal space for romantic moments while living in a joint family, and relentless financial struggles that shatter ir ambitious dreams. Yearning for ir own space, y fake a divorce to secure a house through Prhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

In latter part of movie, as Saumya and Kapil's stey relationship hits a bumpy ro, y encounter difficulties and subsequently, conflicts bring to light hidden traits of ir personalities and desires. se revelations le to a point where y seriously consider separation. As movie progresses, tensions rise and emotions run high. However, director fails to keep up momentum and hook audiences at a time when y are fully clued in.  ditionally, climax feels stretched.

Noneless, Utekar, along with co-writers Maitrey Bajpai and Ramiz Ilham Khan, ensures he has right punchlines that are delivered to perfection. This is a family entertainer with a first half that keeps audiences amused. second half, however, takes a predictable and dull turn. 

Not Sara or Vicky but supporting cast holds fort

Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (Image Credits: Mdock Films)

Kaushal and Khan fall short of delivering what seemed like well-written characters on paper. Despite moments where Kaushal convincingly embodies persona of a small-town boy, his portrayal lacks consistency throughout film. Conversely, Khan, who put in her best effort failed to strike a chord with audiences, courtesy of her monotonous expressions.

Surprisingly, supporting cast, including Neeraj Sood, Kanupriya Pandit, Rakesh Bedi, Sushmita Mukherjee, and Sharib Hashmi, did a commendable job of holding ir ground. only two scenes that stood out were -- drunken conversation between Kapil and Saumya's far in car and nosy colony guard portrayed by Hashmi.

Is it worth a watch?

Vicky Kaushal and Sara Ali Khan in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (Image Credits: Mdock Films)

With Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, Utekar once again showcases his expertise in direction and writing. From capturing nuances like slang, accents, and auntic setting, he masterfully portrays life of a middle-class family in Indore — a relatable reality for many. Coming to music, Phir Aur Kya Chahiye by Sachin-Jigar gained immense popularity even before film's release. However, in film, tracks including above-mentioned, do little to furr plot. 

Vicky and Sara's Zara Hatke Zara Bachke is no masterpiece. At most, it's a one-time watch.

Rating: 2.5/5