Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Sara Ali Khan, Inaamulhaq, Sushmita Mukherjee, Neeraj Sood, Rakesh Bedi, Sharib Hashmi, Akash Khurana, Kanupriya Pandit, Vivan Shah
Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” follows the story of a young couple from Indore, Kapil Dubey (Vicky Kaushal) and Saumya Chawla Dubey (Sara Ali Khan), who decide to get divorced to qualify for a government housing scheme. The plan takes an unexpected turn, leading to a fallout between the couple. The film explores whether the much-in-love duo will reconcile or choose separate paths.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” offers a romantic comedy set in a small town with eccentric characters and an outrageous plot. The film kicks off with Kapil and Saumya’s joint family facing chaos when they accidentally consume a cake containing eggs. Saumya, determined to move away from constant taunts, sets the couple on a quest to buy a house, a proposition they cannot afford.
The storyline takes a bizarre turn when the couple discovers a government scheme that requires Saumya to divorce Kapil to be eligible for a flat. The film then unfolds as a comedy of errors, with the couple pretending to fight to convince the family and the judge of their divorce. The narrative introduces elements like a love triangle and a nosy security guard to add more craziness to the plot.
The first half of the film is described as rib-tickling and entertaining, with Vicky Kaushal delivering a convincing portrayal of a small-town penny-pinching guy. However, the entertainment quotient dips post-interval due to unconvincing and over-the-top tracks. The decision of the couple to separate, even if only on paper, for the sake of acquiring a house feels far-fetched, especially when they are not in dire need. The film’s climax is perceived as rushed and could have been developed more effectively.
Vicky Kaushal’s performance is praised for capturing the essence of a small-town character. However, Sara Ali Khan’s portrayal as a middle-class daughter-in-law and a fiery Punjabi girl is considered less convincing. The supporting cast, including Neeraj Sood, Kanupriya Pandit, Inaamulhaq, Rakesh Bedi, Sharib Hashmi, and Akash Khurana, delivers commendable performances.
The film’s soundtrack by Sachin-Jigar is catchy, and Raghav Ramadoss’s cinematography successfully captures the small-town vibe of Indore.
In conclusion, “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke” is deemed an enjoyable one-time watch for its funny punchlines, eccentric characters, and performances. However, the unconvincing story and temperate screenplay prevent it from reaching its full potential.
