It’s easy to be critical of a work of art that deviates from the norm, and even easier to dismiss a film like ‘Zindagi Khubsoorat Hai’ if it doesn’t immediately captivate viewers. First-time director Manoj Punj, however, allows his imagination to soar, unafraid of competition in the cinematic landscape. The film, celebrating its 23rd anniversary, challenges skepticism by staying true to its core values for a significant portion of its runtime. The challenges arise when Punj attempts to merge genres and themes, causing an imbalance in the film’s overall equilibrium.
‘Zindagi Khubsoorat Hai’ delves into the essence of life. The idealistic screenplay follows Amar (Gurdas Maan) on a journey of self-discovery, exploring various intertwined narratives. At its heart, the film presents a story of feudal conflict, where a don, Gul Buloch (Ashish Vidyarthi), disrupts a wedding and lives under the shadow of his sister’s curse. Another key theme involves Amar’s efforts to help a mentally challenged girl, Jameela, through music, adding a heartwarming layer to the narrative.
Furthermore, Suraj Sanim’s screenplay introduces the story of Shalu (Tabu), a sensitive prostitute who dreams of changing her life. Amar’s attempts to rehabilitate her echo themes from works like Saratchandra Chatterjee’s ‘Devdas’ and films like B.R. Chopra’s ‘Sadhana’. The relationship between the singer and the prostitute forms the core of this multifaceted tale, where characters seem trapped by their ambitions. The film’s most lyrical moments showcase the couple in the serene valleys of Himachal Pradesh, where Shalu imagines herself as a simple housewife.
The theme of dreams gives the film a thought-provoking depth. Gurdas Maan and Tabu deliver remarkable performances, especially Tabu, who portrays a heroine unlike any other in Hindi cinema. Her portrayal of a dreamer chasing her aspirations is captivating. Her ability to portray the pain of a woman who believes she doesn’t deserve love is exceptional. Gurdas Maan, the binding force of the film, uses his ability to extend his stage personality into his performance. Although he sings in the voices of others, including Udit Narayan and Sonu Nigam, the audience craves to hear his voice.
While Punj handles the characters with sensitivity, the script’s intricate layers sometimes overshadow the director’s vision. Despite this, the cinematography and choreography elevate the film beyond its limitations. The film’s high-minded approach and idealistic themes could have benefited from tighter editing. The film’s overall impact is somewhat diminished, reiterating the core message that, regardless of the screenplay’s complexity, every story must eventually conclude. The film’s exploration of the human condition remains its lasting legacy.
