ZNMD is geared towards providing you vicarious thrills. You watch this movie not for its story or plot structure but for the experience it provides. The way it takes you along on a journey through sun drenched Spain - with its vibrant countryside, its quaint villas, its energetic dances and exotic women. You fall in with Arjun (Hrithik), Kabir (Abhay) and Imran (Farhan) as they pursue one adventure after another - from deep sea diving, to sky diving, to running with the bulls - in a bid to recapture something they have lost in the routine of daily life.
Arjun is a grim hotshot financial broker who has lost sight of the simpler pleasures of life in his bid to make as much money as possible before the age of 40. Kabir the prankster is engaged to Natasha (Kalki) and unsure about whether he wants to marry her. Imran is the perennial smartass who is in search of his biological father. When the three friends reconnect over a trip to Spain they realise what is really important to them in life. Arjun learns to relax and let his hair down as he falls for the free spirited diving instructor Laila (Katrina Kaif). Kabir is forced to accept that his relationship with Natasha is stifling him and Imran realises that his biological father is his father in name only. As they travel through Spain, each thrill seeking sport proposed by one of the trio leads to epiphany for another.
ZNMD is all about Carpe Diem or Seizing the day before it is too late. A feel good philosophy if ever there was one. Thanks to its beautiful locales and beautiful people spiced up with some smart lines and good music, ZNMD is also a feel good movie. So well done Zoya Akhtar. Luck by Chance was more original and realistic but like your brother, you know how to put old wine in a new bottle.
7/10
For me the highlight would remain the exotic and breathtaking beauty of Spain and the lovely shayari that Akhtar Sr. has written for his son to spout on screen. "Mujhe khud ke hone ka yakin aa gaya!"
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