The film belongs to Konkana all the way.... she is just so convincing, it is as if she is playing herself... which , of course she is. That's what makes her performance so courageous and heart breaking in Zoya Akhtar's clever film, 'Luck by chance.' Why 'clever'? Hell... look at the premise. It is an' insiders' only' film, made by the coterie, for the coterie. It is terribly chummy, incestuous and cosy, which is precisely why it works - for the coterie. At a pinch, it also works for those movie buffs who are so tuned in to all the gossip and nuances of Bollywood, they can easily decode the 'in' jokes, 'in' digs and 'in' references. For those outside this charmed circle, the movie offers a few great moments, and little else. It worked for me, despite the restless family in the same row, with a bored, tubby little boy, his bespectacled teenage sister , a father who talked non-stop on the cell phone and a mother who kept reassuring the rest not to fret - " It is getting over fast- fast, don't worry... after that , McDonalds' okay??"
Hritik Roshan made up for any and every small lapse and looked scrumptious - a perfect Valentine's Day gift to women kind. His fluid dance moves and witty performance were worth the price of the ticket. He was yummier than all the cameos put together, though Akshay Khanna shone in his two minute appearance ( sardonic , cynical, quizzical). The ravishing Dimple, looking ravaged, but then hers was a case of inspired casting - she is an actress par excellence - from 'Bobby' to 'Luck..' - what an amazing transition. In fact, Zoya scored big time with her assured take on all the characters, with the biggest surprise being Sanjay Kapoor delivering a perfectly pitched performance - all hail the Brothers Kapoor. Unka number aa gaya hai.
Oops... how did I forget Farhan? Referred to as the thinking woman's hottie, this guy is such a natural. His interpretation of the guy who lucks out in the movie was terrifyingly bang on -cunning, devious, manipulative - a loveable rogue. To use his words in the film - was he amazing? 'Totally'. Big sis , take a bow. Films like 'Luck...' aren't for the aam janata in the first place, so no heart burn if the box office collections are average. Zoya knows her world and her craft. She has made an impressive debut, smartly roping in her best buddies from Bollywood (playing themselves), to tickle their fans. But it is the asli tone of the movie that sets it apart. It accurately reflects exactly how it works in show biz - the desperation, heart aches, compromises, disappointments and betrayals. I wouldn't call it a cynical take on the subject - just a searingly honest one that tells it like it is. Oh - Juhi Chawla was marvellous in the movie. But like I said , it is Konkana's film - she deserves an award... no, several awards. Was 'Luck..' better than 'OMO' ( same subject - Bollywood)? Much. Take a bow , Zoya. And here's to your next.