This adaptation of John Green’s ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ (2014) goes through a terminally-ill couple’s life. Director Mukesh Chhabra avoids the weeping route and makes a significant switch to a more joyful ride. ‘Safar’ (1970), ‘Anand’ (1971), ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’ (2003) and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ (2016) dealt with this subject emotionally, although through agony, pain and heartful emotions. ‘Dil Bechara’ offers the positive side of life. What is left to live?
It is quite awkward to see Sushant Singh Rajput explaining his theories about life and death. Playing a terminally ill character, he shows how he is full of life – incidentally, there is too much emphasis on how he enjoys being alive, doing things together with Sanjana Sanghi, to tick off things on their list. This brings them to Paris too. Dynamically, through being flirty, cheerful and charismatic, he brings more positivity to their existing lives.
Chhabra’s direction focuses on letting the couple live normally their life, making the most of their time and following their dreams. It shows that life can be short but you have to live it to the maximum. Even though their health is deteriorating, Sushant Singh Rajput oozes liveliness, alongside Sanjana Sanghi, who seems more determined as ever. This is what makes this flick watchable.
Earlier seen in smaller roles in ‘Rockstar’ (2011),’Fukrey Returns’ (2017) and ‘Hindi Medium’ (2017), Sanjana Sanghi’s first full-fledged role is a revelation. Swastika Mukherjee and Saswata Chatterjee as Sushant Singh Rajput’s parents are enjoyable to watch. Saif Ali Khan as the musician does not have much to offer in this cameo appearance.
Rahman’s music is average. “Dil Bechara” has been widely noticed but the rest of the songs may take some time to grow.
Chhabra’s goal was not to entertain à la Bollywood but he manages to do it, using a niche genre. Sushant Singh Rajput’s last film shows how versatile, energetic and sympathetic he was as an actor – embracing life despite all the challenges thrown at him.
Rating: 3/5
