Review of Luck by Chance (2009) by Zainab A — 23 Jan 2010

Ever wonder what actors go through, from class to auditioning, dealing with other actors and finally getting a break. Get yourself to a theatre near you (well a theatre that's playing Hindi movies, which will probably not be near you, you'lll have to... (read more) Ever wonder what actors go through, from class to auditioning, dealing with other actors and finally getting a break. Get yourself to a theatre near you (well a theatre that's playing Hindi movies, which will probably not be near you, you'lll have to drive a bit, unless you live across from one.) and buy a ticket for "Luck By Chance". I was intrigued by the previews which I saw on B4U when I was back home for the holidays in my brother's basement; (I really didn't need to say that did I?) and I have to say the film is very enjoyable. Let me ask you a question.

What do Hrithik Roshan, Dimple Kapadia, Sanjay Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar have in common? (you'll know this if you watch Bollywood movies, oh excuse me I mean, movies from the "Hindi Film Industry")They are all sons and daughters of actors, writers and industry related people. They all are also starring in "Luck by Chance". I find it ironic that one of the issues dealt in the movie was how difficult it is for an unknown actor to make it big, and here we have all actors who in someway have or had a connection in the film industry telling this story. Even our leading lady Konkona.Sen Sharma is the daughter of an actress-writer-director. (wow she got all three). Well at least they are telling good stories. The one person that is not, who really did get lucky is Isha Sharvani who got her break in Subash Ghai's "Kisna". She is absolutely adorable in this film. The multi talented Farhan is a wonderful choice for the lead. He has average looks but the potential to be great which works for this film. Konkona has become the Hindi film industry's Indie girl and once again delivers! Dimple Kapadia has never been better. In all her scenes she brings out a vulnerability that so many actors lack. Hrithik is gorgeous as usual and will entertain the pants off of you. The song "Baawre" is very catchy and will have you shaking you head all the way home. (side note: there is one line that the acting teacher says which I need to comment on. He says it is easy to make it in Hollywood, it is difficult to make it in Bollywood, you have act, sing and dance. First of all lets take out singing, no one really does that , unless they want to, its not required. second only a handful of actors are great dancers in Bollywood others just get by. Bollywood has actors mainly from India. Hollywood has actors from around the world coming and trying to make it, so not so much buddy!).

From what I have experienced there are many scenes portrayed in this film that are true to life. For example, you show up to an audition and there are 50 actors there auditioning for the same role. I've even gone to the bathroom several times to get away from it all and clear my head. I was kind of nervous watching some of the scenes.

The credit truly goes to the powerhouse team of Javed, Farhan and Zoya akhtar. Who have made an attempt to show something different and genuine. The film scatters around a bit to show what all different industry related people do, I would have preferred them to concentrate on 2-3 stories instead of 5-6 but Zoya Akhtar does to a great job of keeping it all together. I didn't mind any of the songs here either. They are all wonderful and moved the story along. The film is great but I loved the opening credits and the ending, it really hit home for me. Needless to say I walked out with satisfied smile on my face.