Zara Hatke Zara Bachke Movie Review: Vicky Kaushal & Sara Ali Khan's journey falls short of potential
Genia Chadha 
Director Laxman Utekar has established himself as a champion of the fake dating/fake marriage AU in Bollywood, as evidenced by his previous films such as "Luka Chuppi" and "Mimi." In his latest offering, "Zara Hatke Zara Bachke," he once again explores the concept of a married couple resorting to lies, albeit with a unique twist. The film introduces us to Kapil Dubey (Vicky Kaushal) and Somya Chawla (Sara Ali Khan), a happily married couple living with Kapil's middle-class, religious family in Indore.
Somya, hailing from a modern Punjabi background, dreams of having her own house and some privacy. In order to qualify for a government scheme, Kapil and Somya decide to fake a divorce, pretending to despise each other and living separately. The initial setup of the film is filled with humor and lighthearted moments, showcasing the couple's misadventures and their attempts to maintain the facade of their separation.
However, as the story progresses into the second half, "Zara Hatke Zara Bachke" loses its direction and becomes melodramatic. The script lacks originality, relying on predictable plot twists and falling into the trap of clichéd tropes. The comedy that initially engaged the audience loses its charm, leaving them wanting for more genuine laughs.
Despite the film's shortcomings, there are a few positive aspects worth mentioning. Sharib Hashmi delivers an entertaining performance as the nosy colony guard, providing some much-needed comic relief. However, his character feels underutilized, leaving viewers yearning for more screen time for this talented actor. On the other hand, the portrayal of Kapil's lawyer friend veers into overacting, diminishing the impact of his role.
Inaamulhaq shines in his portrayal of the crooked agent Baghwandas, injecting humor into the narrative. The film's runtime of 132 minutes is well-managed, neither dragging nor unnecessarily stretched.
Overall, "Zara Hatke Zara Bachke" fails to live up to its potential. It starts with a promising premise and enjoyable humor but loses its way in the second half, succumbing to predictability and melodrama. The flaws in writing and direction are hard to overlook, and the mismanagement of talented actors is regrettable. While the film's pacing is adequate, it ultimately leaves viewers unsatisfied. If you're seeking a genuinely funny and fresh romantic comedy, "Zara Hatke Zara Bachke" may not be the best choice. It falls short of being the enjoyable comedy it could have been, a missed opportunity to deliver a truly memorable cinematic experience.
