Like 'Rangeela', 'Film Star', 'Om Shanti Om', 'Khoya Khoya Chand' and, to an extent 'Page 3','Luck By Chance' is another movie that takes a look on the workings of Bollywood. What makes this movie different is the treatment. The movie is part satirical and part a realistic depiction of the struggle to make it big in the movie industry. Mind you, this isn't a movie showing the extreme dark side of the film industry (like a Bhandarkar would do) nor is it a shiny bright fairy tale (like a Yashraj film would do) but rather an honest portrayal of what the main characters Vikram and Sona go through and the means by which they achieve their goals. In addition there's also an interesting subplot about all the trouble the producer goes through to get his film made and the whole casting process.
Zoya Akhtar proves to be a competent director. She brilliantly manages to balance the satire, intensity and humour. In a way she's poking fun at Bollywood but also celebrating it. The visuals are colourful (though sometimes a tad too much). The characters are intriguing too. Akhtar is a capable storyteller and she manages to keep the viewers involved in the events. However, midway through the film, the pace tends to drag a lot.
Farhan Akhtar is only slightly better than he was in 'Rock On' but nothing close to memorable. The role required a better actor and Farhan is just too hesitant about how to perform. Moreover he is surrounded by more accomplished and more talented actors who only make him look worse. After Hritik, he is the weakest actor in the movie. A great performance and Konkona Sensharma are no strangers to each other and it is she who really carries the film with a riveted and transcendent performance. Rishi Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor are quite funny. Dimple Kapadia is brilliant. Juhi Chawla is great as the frivolous trophy wife. The role itself is of little significance but it's always a treat to watch her. Hritik Roshan's Zafar is a caricature and why does he dance like a woman in every single film? Isha Sharvani does a decent job. Arjun Mathur gives a sincere performance as Vikram's friend. In addition there are fleeting amusing appearances by Shabana Azmi, Anurag Kashyap, Shahrukh Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Akshaye Khanna...the least memorable of which is Kareena Kapoor.
Music has been quite well used. The songs are quite pleasing to the ears and the background score flows well with the story. The song sequences are colourful like the typical masala songs in Bollywood movies (thus the director achieves the intentional effect).
Zoya Akhtar has written and made the film with heart but I think the film would have benefited far more with a stronger male lead. I recall reading that Saif and Tabu were the first choice for the leads and I wonder why they weren't even included as cameos after their departure. Otherwise, 'Luck By Chance' is a worthy watch.
Zoya Akhtar proves to be a competent director. She brilliantly manages to balance the satire, intensity and humour. In a way she's poking fun at Bollywood but also celebrating it. The visuals are colourful (though sometimes a tad too much). The characters are intriguing too. Akhtar is a capable storyteller and she manages to keep the viewers involved in the events. However, midway through the film, the pace tends to drag a lot.
Farhan Akhtar is only slightly better than he was in 'Rock On' but nothing close to memorable. The role required a better actor and Farhan is just too hesitant about how to perform. Moreover he is surrounded by more accomplished and more talented actors who only make him look worse. After Hritik, he is the weakest actor in the movie. A great performance and Konkona Sensharma are no strangers to each other and it is she who really carries the film with a riveted and transcendent performance. Rishi Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor are quite funny. Dimple Kapadia is brilliant. Juhi Chawla is great as the frivolous trophy wife. The role itself is of little significance but it's always a treat to watch her. Hritik Roshan's Zafar is a caricature and why does he dance like a woman in every single film? Isha Sharvani does a decent job. Arjun Mathur gives a sincere performance as Vikram's friend. In addition there are fleeting amusing appearances by Shabana Azmi, Anurag Kashyap, Shahrukh Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Akshaye Khanna...the least memorable of which is Kareena Kapoor.
Music has been quite well used. The songs are quite pleasing to the ears and the background score flows well with the story. The song sequences are colourful like the typical masala songs in Bollywood movies (thus the director achieves the intentional effect).
Zoya Akhtar has written and made the film with heart but I think the film would have benefited far more with a stronger male lead. I recall reading that Saif and Tabu were the first choice for the leads and I wonder why they weren't even included as cameos after their departure. Otherwise, 'Luck By Chance' is a worthy watch.