Alia Bhatt’s Dear Zindagi has released and is getting rave reviews from the critics and audiences alike. And as expected film has done pretty well on its day one. The film has collected Rs 8.75 crore at the domestic box office. Comparing it with Alia’s last two releases this year. it has managed to beat the opening day collections of her first release this year; Kapoor & Sons, which was Rs 6.85 crore, however, it failed to beat the opening day collections of her second release Udta Punjab, which had earned Rs 10.05 crore on its opening day. Considering the end verdict of Udta Punjab, which was average and not a clean success. On the other hand with the opening of Rs 8.75 crore the film is a sure shot success at the box office.
The reason for Udta Punjab‘s seemingly bigger opening is simple, Udta Punjab was released in 2200 screens across India and was surrounded by hit music, combined star power of Alia Bhatt, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Punjabi superstar Diljeet Dosanjh (his presence helped the film earn big in Punjab) and moreover the whole controversy surrounding its release, with censor board. On the other hand Dear Zindagi has a very limited release in just 1200 screens across India, basically in just high end, premium multiplexes. And despite the presence of superstar like Shah Rukh Khan in a supporting role, the film is an Alia Bhatt starrer. Fans are aware of Shah Rukh Khan’s limited presence in the film. Moreover, the budget of film is just Rs 22 crore with an additional P&A cost of Rs 11 crore. Which, again, is unlikely of a Shah Rukh Khan starrer. His last release Fan was made on a budget of Rs 85 crore. Also read: Dear Zindagi, Phir Milenge, Sangharsh – 7 times when Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar played supporting roles to heroines
So if you calculate in that sense, Dear Zindagi is doing way better than Alia Bhatt’s last release Udta Punjab at the box office and is expected to earn more in coming days.
Alia Bhatt’s is the real hero of Dear Zindagi
Kaira (Alia Bhatt) is a promising cinematographer, who is going through serious crisis in her life. She is good at her work, but not getting that big break. Even her relationships in life – be it her parents or the men in her life are screwed up thanks to her own apprehensions.
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Shah Rukh Khan is the one who comes to her rescue
However when things get too much for her delicate mind to handle, she decides to consult a therapist. So enters Dr Jehangir Khan aka Jug (Shah Rukh Khan) who, in his unusual ways, tries to analyse Kaira’s problems and make her embrace life.
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Alia Bhatt’s BEST role so far
Make no two words about it – this is an Alia Bhatt movie, through and through. The men in the cast, even Shah Rukh Khan, are just there to support her. Dear Zindagi is just another movie that showcases the powerful potential of this talented actress. If you were awed by her performance in Udta Punjab, be prepared to be blown away by her sheer anguish here.
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Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo is the next best thing after Alia Bhatt in this movie
Shah Rukh, meanwhile, is a catalyst in her life as he tries to make her solve her life problems. The man uses his natural charm and dimpled smile to effective use, and we are sure girls are gonna swoon over him. However, what I liked about him the most that he allowed Alia to own the show, as he lets himself be a spectator in those scenes.
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Ali zafar’s role is the best amongst all the boys in this movie
Among the other leading men, Ali Zafar oozes charisma. While there were reports that he was replaced by Force 2 villain Tahir Raj Bhasin in the movie, they are all false and Ali is very much a part of it. And not just a part, he’s role is the best amongst Angad Bedi, Kunal Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor.
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We had slightly more expectations from Gauri Shinde
As for direction, we must say as far as Gauri Shinde’s movies go, we still love her debut film better. It had a tighter narrative than DZ. However, that doesn’t mean Dear Zindagi is a weak attempt. It has some really fine moments, and natural warmth in the proceedings. The last meeting of SRK and Alia is an example of brilliant writing and execution. The songs by Amit Trivedi gel well with the narrative.
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What are the loopholes?
While Dear Zindagi makes for a feel good viewing, we do wish that the editor had snipped off a few scenes in the second half. At two and a half hours, the movie is tad too long and it allows monotony to set in. Alia’s scenes with SRK were supposed to be a highlight of the movie. But apart from the first two scenes and the last one, the rest are too preachy and repetitive.
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A little bit more Shah Rukh Khan would have been better
It would have also helped if Shah Rukh Khan’s character was more fleshed out, especially since it was promoted the movie on his shoulders. People expecting this to be a typical Bollywood romcom and out and out Shah Rukh Khan movie, may get disappointed.
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What to do? Is Dear Zindagi worth all your time?
Dear Zindagi will definitely appeal to you if you love slice of life film. A little bit of trimming here and there would have been good, and it is not a typical Bollywood movie. However that shouldn’t stop you from not witnessing one of Alia’s best performances and SRK being his charming best.
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Dear Zindagi gets 3. 5 stars from us
Dear Zindagi definitely gets a 3.5/5 stars from us and they all belong to Alia Bhatt and partly to Shah Rukh Khan. As a viewer you realize that Alia Bhatt’s acting skills are progressing with every movie and she has the ability to carry a movie solely on her shoulders, which is a big thing.
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