Movie Review: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobra, “You Only Live Once”


MV5BMzQzMTA4ODY4OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjgyMDQxNw@@._V1_SY317_CR2,0,214,317_AL_A guest post by global nomad and terrific Cultural Detective community member Anita Thomas. Originally from Hungary, Anita has lived in India and Ireland, and currently resides in the UK. She enjoys meeting new people and understanding how they think about life.

Many thanks to Anita for this film review!

You Only Live Once, a 2011 Zoya Akhtar film, is one of my all-time favourites, which I have seen at least ten times. It is a well-crafted movie that never get bores me. It shows some aspects of Indian culture—marriage, friendship—and at the same time gives a true insight into Spanish culture. I highly recommend it to Cultural Detectives!

Adventures
Three friends—Arjun, Kabir and Imraan—set off to Spain to enjoy the trip of their lifetimes. Each of them suggests an adventure, which he shares with his friends the night before. They aim to get over their fears. Viewers enjoy beautiful scenery through the magnificent camera shots, and feel themselves totally in the shoes of the three friends.

Music
This is a Bollywood movie from India, hence there are lots of songs in it. Most of the songs are in Hindi, but there is one in Spanish, too! Tired of sitting on the sofa? Stand up and dance!

Emotions
Plenty. Love is happening with all three of the friends. If there is love, there must be jealousy, too! One of the friends has a never-seen dad living in Spain; he is afraid to see him. Another friend manages to overcome his workaholism. There is a strong bond of friendship among the three men throughout. The emotions are supported by the great music and the poems written by one of the friends.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobra brings joy to the eyes, ears, heart and mind. And to the tummy as well: there are many jokes and funny scenes to balance out all those emotions flowing in this two and a half hour movie. See the trailer here:

And my favourite songs from the movie:

Enjoy!

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