Movie Review: Love Breakups Zindagi

Bollywood is known for its love stories! From Dilwale Dulhaniye Le Jayenge to I Hate Luv Storys; the treatment of the stories might have changed but the essence is yet the same love! One such other love story hitting the screens tomorrow is Zayed Khan, Dia Mirza and Sahil Sanghas Love Breakups Zindagi.

Do opposites attract or repel?Is love an option or a choice?And what if "The One" is already with another?Jai (Zayed Khan) and Naina (Dia Mirza) are almost settled in their life but missing something or someone who will complete them. Jai feels that magic and serendipity have passed him by. Naina has taught herself that a less than fulfilling life is enough for her. Govind (Cyrus Sahukar) has a colorful past and is on his way to another major, seemingly all wrong relationship. Sheila (Tisca Chopra) has stayed single for a long time waiting for Mr. Perfect. Ritu (Umang Jain) lives on breakups and ice cream. Arjun (Satyadeep Misra) and Gayatri (Auritra Ghosh) are the perfect couple on the brink of a dream wedding. Dhruv (Vaibhav Talwar) and Radhika (Pallavi Sharda) are driven workaholics ignoring the small text of their lives. This film is all about their journey, choices and realizations. Taking us into the baffling core of modern relationships,the film explains That even if you don't go looking for love, it will come looking for you!

Well, theres no doubt, Love Breakups Zindagi is as clichd as it can get! From the storyline to climax; there is nothing unique about this film. However, some movies besides all its flaws are just meant to bring that one smile to the face after a tedious long day, and LBZ does exactly that. Besides its feel-good factor, the realism maintained in the film is impressive. From the dialogues to its scenes, it all seems taken out from real life. Be it Zayed or Cyrus conversations or even the marriage dance practices, the film follows a very natural realistic flow. Also, Zayed Khan and Dia Mirza being a fresh pair share some fantastic chemistry. Though, the biggest plus point for the film is that it has no unnecessary drama. Where dramatic scenes are usually a compulsory part of any love story, LBZ doesnt have much of it. There is no extra rona-dhona, no love sacrifices, no painful separations, nothing at all! The entire film is treated in a very light entertaining manner which works for it brilliantly. In fact its subtle nature adds to the "real life" effect. However, LBZ does have its share of flaws. As mentioned, the film is extremely predictable. From the very first scene, any normal viewer can predict the entire film. Also, there is not much substance in the main storyline itself. Two committed people meet, fall in love and get together as a perfect couple after their respective breakups thats all to its story! The film could have brought in something different with its parallel storylines; however, it fails to do so. In fact, except Cyrus and Tiscas story, the film doesnt give much scope to any of the parallel stories. Lastly, the film is extremely slow. It might be the films requirement; however, the film could definitely have done with a slightly faster pace.

As a director, Sahil Sangha has done an impressive job. Its not easy to re-create the same old Bollywood formula in a different manner. However, as a story writer, Sahil Sangha could have brought in some more innovation and creativity. Cinematography by Aseem Bajaj is beautiful. Screenplay by Sanyukta Seth Chawla is a little stretched at times. The music is fantastic! Kudos to the Salim-Sulaiman duo! Its refreshing to watch Zayed Khan and Dia Mirza after a considerable amount of time back on the big screen. Zayed Khan gives in a sincere effort and nearly succeeds. However, he does tend to over-act in a few scenes. Besides from looking stunning, Dia Mirza gives in a likeable act. However, her role is nothing different from her earlier popular film Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. Cyrus Sahukar is brilliant. He brings in the fun element to the movie. Tisca Chopra looks gorgeous. However, this talented performer definitely deserves more scope. Satyadeep Mishra and Vaibhav Talwar are perfect. Umang Jain is perfect too, but is only seen eating ice creams all the time. Auritra Ghosh and Pallavi Sharda get no scope. Farida Jalal is wasted. Among the special appearances, Boman Irani is hilarious; Shah Rukh Khan overacts, whereas Ritesh Deshmukh and Shabana Azmi are okay in their bits.

If one had to concentrate only on technicalities, then yes, Love Breakups Zindagi does have a number of flaws. However, isnt the feeling you get from a film more important than all the technicalities involved? For all those who agree, Love Breakups Zindagi is for you! Love Breakups Zindagi is nothing extra-ordinary, but instead, its sweet and simple. Its one of those feel good films which make you feel content and happy. And in todays times of extreme stress and pressure, thats not a bad feeling at all!

Rating ***

Author Rishitu Amarnani