Dear Zindagi! I have been out of sync with you for quite a while. Busy in my head, trying to figure out the emotional rollercoaster, I have been plopped upon by not so favorable circumstances. Worry, stress, tension have been my constant companions with a steady stream of tears providing the much needed release.

But why am I stressed.? What am I worried about? What’s my fear?

Well, when you are in the vicious grip of bad times, the first thing to disappear is your ability to feel. The emotional shutdown of system may be a protective strategy to safeguard our survival, but all it does is to actually rob you off your ability to come out of the murky waters, by dulling your visual, tactile and of course common sense.

If you are wondering why am I blabbering like a super confused psychotherapist cum wannabe philosopher here, let me tell you that it is the after effect of a two and a half hour long movie I have just stopped watching.

Intrigued! Well, totally be as life is indeed the biggest mystery and Dear Zindagi, a rare movie to tackle the subject in a non judgmental manner.

Alia Bhatt, as an ambitious cinematographer, constantly struggles in her love life as she is unable to commit. She appears super confident and yet literally begs others to recognize and value her for her talent. Unconsciously she seeks continuous approval from others, is super afraid of being rejected and unable to appreciate the good people and things, while constantly avoiding and yet concentrating on negatives in her life. Sounds contradictory? Yup, that’s life. Messy, confusing, surprising…

And, so is this movie. In the beginning, I found Alia’s character a bit irrational, who is hell bent on spoiling her chances at love and profession, unable to decide and then ready to blame almost everyone else but herself for the failures. Yet, as the movie progressed and Shahrukh as DD ( Dimag ka Doctor) entered the movie, the story became much more interesting. Slowly, decades of dirt was lifted, exposing the muck beneath and finally Alia shone through.

The movie has an unusual storyline, and does tend to drag at times, at least initially, while unnecessarily stressing upon social stigma around psychiatrist. But as soon as the therapy sessions began, the film recovered.

As far as the cast is concerned, it does boast of a glamorous line up. Alia as the smart young woman, with three hot guys, Angad Bedi, Kunal Kapoor and Ali Zafar upped the glamor quotient. But, strangely it was the cool Jug who stole the show. Yes, who else than Shahrukh. His role was the meatiest and barring one or two falters, he was brilliant as a reticent artistic minded, super articulate Shrink. Oh My! Today I felt proud that as a youngster, I did have good taste to have a crush on him. His grey haired avatar is no less appealing. And, as I was left gasping for more, Aditya Roy Kapoor entered the climax and fitted the bill perfectly. I can imagine the whistles and cat calls, his entry must have garnered.

As you can easily fathom, I absolutely loved the movie. I cried, I laughed and I felt jubilant while watching. Childhood trauma, abandonment issues, fear of rejection, stifled emotions.. the most sensitive topics were touched upon and dealt with super dexterously by Gauri Shinde. A hands down winner. Indeed, a must must watch.
Anupama