Zindaggi Rocks Review

Noble intentions dont necessarily translate into engrossing entertainers. Sometimes, a thought-provoking idea doesnt reach the winning post due to the writers inefficiency to narrate a poignant tale. Thats the problem with ZINDAGGI ROCKS.

The concept of a mother sacrificing her life for her child can be identified by every parent across the globe. Its a universal theme. But Tanuja Chandra, the director, gets minimal support from Tanuja Chandra, the writer, in narrating a moving story.

Yes, the penultimate reels of ZINDAGGI ROCKS do try to salvage the show, but the journey from start to end is not captivating enough. The cons outweigh and outnumber the pros in this case!

ZINDAGGI ROCKS revolves around Dr. Suraj [Shiney Ahuja], the shy, cynical workaholic doctor and Kria [Sushmita Sen], a pop singer.

Suraj meets Kria in the hospital. Shes got a gash on her arm, which needs to be looked into immediately. Kria senses that something is amiss in Surajs life and decides to take him on a date. Suraj agrees reluctantly!

Suraj is introduced to Krias mad family: A stern mother and a fun-loving aunt [Moushumi Chatterjee in a dual role], cousin Joy [Kim Sharma] and Krias adopted son Dhruv [Julian]. Kria and Suraj are drawn to each other. But theres a twist in the tale: Dhruv has a hole in his heart and needs a heart transplant.

The problem with ZINDAGGI ROCKS clearly lies in its screenplay. Although the film starts off well -- the two extremes [Sush, Shiney] getting attracted to each other -- the sequence of events thereafter dont have the power to sustain interest. Basic things like names of the characters confuse the viewer no end. Shiney is sometimes referred to as Suraj and at times, Rihan. Even the child is at places called Dhruv and in some scenes, Romi.

Okay, its a trivial issue. But the moment the child faints during the intermission point, the viewer is told that he is a blue baby [with a hole in the heart]. The next few sequences clearly give an impression of whats cooking in Sushs mind. It doesnt take time to guess that the mother [Sush] is going to sacrifice her life to save her adopted son. But while the viewer can fathom whats happening, Shiney doesnt. Either he cant read her mind or he doesnt want to!

Also, the entire track of Shiney approaching a senior citizen [one Firoz Panthaki] for a heart transplant, who in turns informs the cops of Shineys constant phone calls, looks slipshod. This unwanted track only adds to the length of the film. Even the track involving Kim Sharma and her boyfriend appears half-baked. The last few minutes are the best part of the enterprise, but its too late to salvage the enterprise by then.

Emotions play a strong role in a film that talks of the mother-son bonding, but the emotions in ZINDAGGI ROCKS are superficial and at times, fake. Especially the bonding between the child and Sushmitas family. You dont feel the pain primarily because the writing lacks moments that would make you moist-eyed.

Tanuja Chandras execution isnt faulty, but her screenplay is. Anu Maliks music is passable, with a couple of lilting tracks [Meri Dhoop Hai Tu and Humko Chhoone Paas Aayiye]. Amirr Sayeds cinematography is first-rate. Also, the film bears an upmarket look all through.

Sush tries hard to infuse life in her character. She is effective at places, but tends to get theatrical at times. Shiney does a decent job, although the screenplay gives him little scope to go beyond a set of expressions. Moushumi Chatterjee is okay as the mother, but hams as the twin-sister. The get-up also doesnt suit her age. Kim Sharma is wasted. The child artist, Julian, is wonderful. Seema Biswas, as the cop, is alright. Ravi Gosain gets no scope.

On the whole, ZINDAGGI ROCKS just doesnt rock. At the box-office, its bound to go unnoticed.