Luck by Chance (2009)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Zoya Akhtar

Writers:

Zoya Akhtar (story)
Javed Akhtar (dialogue)

Release Date:

30 January 2009 (India)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A struggling actor comes from Delhi to Bombay and enters the Hindi film industry. |

Plot Keywords:

Film Industry | Meta Film | Female Protagonist | Behind The Scenes | Real Life

Cast

Farhan Akhtar	...	Vikram Jaisingh
Konkona Sen Sharma	...	Sona Mishra
Rishi Kapoor	...	Romy Rolly
Dimple Kapadia	...	Neena Walia
Isha Sharvani	...	Nikki Walia
Sanjay Kapoor	...	Ranjit Rolly
Juhi Chawla	...	Minty Rolly
Hrithik Roshan	...	Zaffar Khan
Alyy Khan	...	Chaudhary
Sheeba Chaddha
Arjun Mathur	...	Abhimanyu
Sid Makkar
Pankaj Kalra	...	Raju - Sona's agent
Megha Narkar	...	Dance instructor - Laxmi
Ashish Sawhney	...	Tanvir

Also Known As:

Untitled Zoya Akhtar Project (India: English title) (working title)

Runtime:

USA:156 min

Country:

India

Language:

Hindi | English

Color:

Color

Certification:

UK:12A | Ireland:PG | New Zealand:M | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Aksa Beach, Malad, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Company:

Big Pictures

Trivia:

John Abrahamin his cameo says quite ironically when he mouths the dialogue 'Ab main kuch hatke karna chahta hoon' (I want to do something different) while refusing Rommy Rolly. He had recently done a strange role in the kafkaesque movie No Smoking (2007) and it is known that he chooses the films that he truly believes, he can do justice to. Thus portraying his real self on screen.

Movie Connections:

Spoofs Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo. (1966)

Soundtrack:

Yeh Aaj Kya Ho Gaya?

The movie is superb: For lovers of intelligent cinema

I was completely taken by surprise by this film. I wasn't planning on watching it, but I am glad I did. It is terrific. This is easily one of the best films I have seen recently. It's Bollywood at its finest. The story is an insider look at the Bollywood film industry and the struggle of actors to get noticed in Bollywood. It deals with a range of issues like casting couch, movie business, actors images, hopes and aspirations and showbiz politics. It does so in a subtle and understated manner, yet is incredibly engaging. The film is very intelligently written and the dialogues are sharp and true to life. The characters are instantly likable. They are complex and seem like they are straight out of life. The acting is brilliant from the entire cast. You will find yourself hanging onto their every word and expression.

The most noticeable aspect of this film is how sincere and understated it is. There is very little use of background music and embellishments. The film completely hinges on the superbly-written drama and acting. It's a delight to watch Farhan Akhtar, Konkona Sen Sharma act and their scenes together exude warmth and innocence.

It is difficult to believe this is Zoya Akhtar's directional debut. Her direction is flawless and technically brilliant. It seems effortless in fact. It's as if direction is natural to her as breathing. I also admire how balanced her portrayal of the Bollywood film industry is. She takes some digs at many Bollywood conventions, but never in a cynical or contemptuous way, more as acknowledging the dynamics of industry life. Giving the outsider a remarkable and clean insight on what goes on behind the scenes.

You really should see this film, especially if you enjoy intelligent cinema. This film is immensely likable for its total sincerity and innocence, personified by Farhan Akhtar's character. I would be surprised if anybody disliked it.