What is our calling? How many of us really know what our calling is? What do we do when we realize what we are doing is perhaps not our calling? These are extremely relevant issues that we all face at some point in our lives. And Zubaan deals with these things and also has a musical touch to it. The performances are fine as well. Yet, Zubaan is just an average fare thanks to its execution.
The story of the movie: Dilsher (Vicky Kaushal) faced a huge crisis in his childhood due to which he developed a stammer. After growing up, he decides to work for the very rich Gurucharan Sikand (Manish Chaudhari), who gave him an important life lesson at one point in his life. However, meeting Gurucharan is next to impossible. But Dilsher is ready to do anything to meet his idol, by hook or by crook. He manages to do so and immediately gets in the good books of Gurucharan, which angers his son Surya (Raaghav Chanana). Meanwhile, he meets the free spirited Amira (Sarah Jane Dias) and that’s when he realizes that he’s born to achieve something else in life.
The problem with Zubaan is that it involves viewers but only in certain scenes. One doesn’t quite empathize with Dilsher and his dilemmas and his entire struggle and journey and this has nothing to do with the fact that Dilsher’s ways of achieving success are immoral to an extent. Few scenes are unconvincing, especially how Amira told Dilsher to attend ‘Dhruvtara’. Amira in fact has a supporting part to play and Dilsher’s confrontation with Surya and his mother (Meghna Malik) is what the film is majorly about. The climax should have been uplifting and made a huge impact. But that doesn’t quite really happen. So what works in the film? The performances are very good. Same goes for the songs. In fact, all the songs are very well shot, especially Dhruvtara– a track to watch out for. Few confrontation scenes are quite impressive, more so in the second half.
Talking of performances, Vicky Kaushal delivers a yet another powerful performance after Masaan. The actor is highly talented and works very hard and this is clearly evident with the way he approached his part. Masaan was a challenging role and Zubaan is as challenging but in a different league. But Vicky makes sure the impact is made in both the films. Sarah Jane Dias has a great screen presence. She not only acts well but also impresses as the singer. Her character deserved to be better written and also deserved more screen presence. Manish Chaudhari has a lengthier role than Sarah and is a performance to watch out for. The actor essays the difficult role with ease and is present in some of the memorable scenes of the film. Raaghav Chanana delivers a good performance. Normally, in such roles, the actors go over the top but Raaghav balanced the whole thing very well. Meghna Malik didn’t have much to do in the first half but gets to leave a mark in the second half. The actor playing young Dilsher, Dilsher’s father, Tulsi ji and Yadav do a good job.
Songs are very nice, well incorporated and should grow more once the film is out. Dhruvtara is terrific – beautifully composed and executed. Ajj Saanu O Mileya is quite energetic and so is Music Is My Art. Tu Hai Tera Khuda is also eye catching, but more so because of the sets and the idea. Background score is minimal and nice. Swapnil Sonawane’s cinematography is beautiful and captures the locales very well. Khyatee Kanchan’s production design is lovely and gives the film a very rich look. Mozez Singh’s story is promising. Sumit Roy’s dialogues are simple and sharp. But Mozez Singh, Thani and Sumit Roy’s screenplay fails to do justice. Mozez Singh is a fine director and understands the technicalities very well. In fact his handling of some songs reminds one of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s school of filmmaking. But somewhere the direction goes a bit off track and that’s where the film fails. Here’s hoping Mozez comes up with a better film as he definitely has the potential!
On the whole, Zubaan rests on a nice premise and is laced with some great performances and songs. But it doesn’t really make an impact because of its direction and script, both of which are not upto-the-mark. The film is promoted as a musical entertainer but the musical bit is not given too much of importance in the film overall. However, Vicky Kaushal does a very good job and I sincerely hope that this actor chooses his film carefully. Often, talented actors fade into oblivion due to bad choices and I hope Vicky doesn’t go the same road. He’s a great talent and deserves to stay. As for the film, it’s an average fare and can be seen if none of the latest releases interest you!
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!