Zubaan Review

Expectations

It's often said that big surprises come in small packages. Once can find that happening in our film industry with recent examples like 'Queen', 'Tere Bin Laden', 'Khosla Ka Ghosla', 'Phas Gaya Re Obama', 'Vicky Donor', 'The Lunchbox', 'Masaan' and few more. 'Masaan' was the smallest film among all these films with only notable names like Richa Chadda and Sanjay Mishra associated with it. This movie surprised everyone with its content, performances and a decent run over the box office followed by being the highest rated film of that year. Thus, right from the first promo of 'Zubaan' which is from the makers of 'The Lunchbox' & 'Masaan', the expectation levels are at its peak due to its promising cast and presentation.

Story

'Zubaan' is a story of Dilsher (Vicky Kaushal) who meets his childhood mentor Gurchand Sikand (Manish Choudhary) and impresses him by his efforts and hardwork. Gurchand Sikand makes Dilsher, one of his associates and promises to fulfill his dreams. Gurchand Sikand's son Surya Sikand (Raaghav Chanana) is unhappy over Dilsher's closeness to his father. He tries his level best to get Dilsher out of his way but fails miserably. Dilsher at the same time meets singer Amira (Sarah-Jane Dias) and manages to revisit his childhood chapter which relates to music and devotion. This leads to a dilemma where Dilsher has to choose over his dreams and inner soul.

Positive Points

The screenplay related to the family drama has been presented in an interesting and intriguing manner. The politics, treachery, secrets related to the family of Manish Choudhary, is one of the key elements of this movie. You will enjoy this part of the film and would love to see more of it. There are many good scenes which manages to keep you glued to the silver screen. The cinematography is good and goes with the flow of the film. Music is very essential part of this film and music director Ashutosh Pathak manages to give us some decent songs. 'Tu Hain Tera Khuda', 'Druvtara'. 'Kori Pukaar' have been brilliantly choreographed followed by 'Music is My Art' which is the most popular song from the film. Director Mozez Singh’s last film 'White Noise' (2004), ended up as a disaster and in contrast to that 'Zubaan', is a great film to watch. One will love the whole intense family drama but might not connect to the musical and romantic part of the film. Vicky Kaushal gives one more good performance after 'Masaan'. Sarah-Jane Dias looks glamorous. Manish Choudhary is powerful. Raaghav Chanana is superb in his role. Meghna Malik and others lend good support.

Negative Points

The romantic track followed by the musical track dilutes the intense drama. This track is very essential as per the flow of the film but, some how fails to get established in a justified manner. Vicky's change of heart seemed a bit weak, followed by the contrasting climax. As the movie promises something else and delivers something else. It’s a huge letdown for all those expecting more intense drama in the finale portion. The songs are good but not great and that’s what damages the film. The overdose of songs disjoints the continuity factor. The director should have focused more on the screenplay related to the romantic scenes as they manage to ruin the goodness of the film. Sarah-Jane Dias ends up being a victim of weakly etched role. Also, the narration of the film is slow and at times boring.

Two Line Review

'Zubaan' is nowhere in comparison to the level of 'The Lunchbox' or 'Masaan' made by the same makers. Despite of being slow and bit abrupt, the movie still has its own charm and a novelty factor especially in the dramatic part of the film.