Film: Luck By Chance

Banner: BIG Pictures, Excel Entertainment

Producer: Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Zoya Akhtar

Director: Zoya Akhtar

Cast: Hritik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Isha Shravani, Konkona Sen Sharma, Juhi Chawla, Rishi Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia

Rating: 3.5/5

There is no doubt that Luck By Chance is a remarkable film. The film gives you an insider’s view of the Hindi film industry as it is. The pseudo talk, the superficiality, the handwork, the pangs of panic when an actor walks out, the mindset of the corporates and even the excessive belief in destiny; its all there.

It takes a lot of luck, talent and determination for any small time or struggling actor to make it big in the film industry. The film speaks of just that.

The film is basically about two characters who are strugglers, Vikram (Farhan Akhtar) and Sona (Konkona Sen Sharma). It explores the ups and downs of the movie business. Sona is waiting for her chance to make it big with Pinky productions, soon to begin film, while Vikram is auditioning and waiting for his luck to shine.

Just when luck runs out on them, in a bizarre turn of events and courtesy Sona’s good deed, Vikram lands the lead role in a big budget film produced by Romy Rolly (Rishi Kapoor) productions. What follows is the creation of Vikram as star and all the trappings that follow.

Meanwhile the film also tracks Sona’s career path and her journey as a struggler who eventually makes it big in televisioninstead of films. From celebrity linkups, growing distances between friends, love to the insecurity of stars the film shows it all.

There have been tons of films made more recently trying to give the audience an insider’s view of the film industry; by far Luck By Chance nails it. This is not to say the film is an expose of sorts, but with a sound script and a great story in place the film certainly highlights a lot of happenings within the Hindi film industry.

The wit the film offers is brilliant. The dialogues are excellent. Luck By Chance is what you’d call an extremely well thought of project. Complete praise for Zoya and her team for thinking of a film like this.

Despite being filled with many characters, each character is well defined and well etched, so much so that in spite of having a rather small part to play each one stands out and contributes to making the film just as it is.

Each character is linked with the development of the other character, so every small role is important. For example the part where Dimple Kapadia tells Shravani, why it is important to keep up with appearances and how she made it big as a star in the film.

Even the guest appearances by the many actors are used in a manner that benefits the film as well as entertains. Instead of simply turning up on screen for a face showing session, the actors in their guest appearances actually add volume to Vikram’s character.

Having discussed the greatness of the film, the biggest hampering factor in the film is that it is indulgent in the nitty-gritty of the film industry. Perhaps for a lot many people to understand it, will be difficult. Even though the film primarily works because it has a lot of elements that constitute the film industry, not everyone knows about it.

Thus what is left is the story of the struggling actors wanting to make it big. A story line that even Ram Gopal Verma’s Naach explored. Furthermore while the entire film flows like a breeze, it is towards the fag end of the movie where you begin getting a wee bit bored. The film seems elongated.

When it comes to technicality the film is superb. The crisp editing, the stunning visuals and the brilliant colour palette make every bit of the film worth watching. Due credit to Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, for a great soundtrack that is both well used and well choreographed in the film.

The film is filled with a mixed bag of performances. Akhtar proves his acting skills yet again and does a superb job at essaying his role. Shravani seems to fit the role like a glove, she does great for most parts of the film but in certain scenes where she is required to perform she disappoints. Sharma is simply superb; she acts her part with ease and looks great doing it too. Rishi Kapoor as the film producer, is outstanding, he simply steals the show. Chawla on the other hand as his prissy wife delivers an act that’s not at all convincing and can be forgotten. Kapadia underplays her role brilliantly, especially in the scene where she gives Shravani a good tongue lashing. Sanjay Kapoor in the itsy bitsy role does a good job too.

You simply have to watch Luck By Chance. It’s one of those films you’ll regret missing. If you don’t get the insight into the film industry then simply enjoy the well crafted story, the great thing about the film is that there is something for everyone. Go for it.