Dil Dhadakne Do is about a bunch of people who think they are going places but actually they are going nowhere and they all have some serious problems to boot. Of all places, the resolution incidentally happens on cruise ship during a holiday in the Mediterranean. That’s Zoya Akhtar’s ultra long Dil Dhadakne Do, a film that has a decent beginning and a redeeming end with a whole lot of nothing to fill up the spaces in between.

It’s the kind of film that makes you discuss a lot—as you can tell! I will watch it on TV again. As you must watch it in the theatre,once, for sure.

An unedifying cross between a typical Karan Johar scenario set in an ‘Honeymoon Travels’ backdrop- only this time it’s not a bus but a cruise ship where all that relationship fracas between the members of a high-society family happens- with friends and onlookers butting in to add chaos to the confusion.

There’s nothing wrong in making a rich film about hollow ‘rich’ problems.
That she generates empathy for characters whose introspective sessions happen in luxurious suites and velvet bathrobes instead of cramped flats doesn’t make this a lesser representation of mournfulness. These folks are victims of their own becoming, and it’s as compelling to watch, if not more, than a caricatured rags-to-riches journey.

What doesn’t work so well is the pacing in the first half. The set-up takes too long. A voiceover, amusing at first, starts to grate because it’s over-used. I also wished that the depth in the writing had extended to the characters of Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma. Both are charismatic, capable actors, but their parts are under-written. So be prepared to get restless in the first hour, but once Dil Dhadakne Do gathers momentum, it will force you to care about this frustrating, flawed family.

With a run time of nearly three hours, the pace of the film is slow, but it’s entertaining!

We say go watch ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ for understanding this dysfunctional Punjabi family but in a larger-than-life cruise ship along with little dog Pluto, who has a surprise to offer when you ‘hear’ him out. No, I am not letting the cat out! Let your ‘dil’ beat a little harder for the Mehras.

For all its efforts, Dil Dhadakne Do doesn’t have one standout sequence that lays bare the nastiness that fester in some families. The Mehras are mildly troubled rather than seriously dysfunctional. They have one crucial scene together, inspired partly by The War of the Roses, when Kabir decides to end the lies once and for all. Like other such scenes, this one too suffers from the butter-knife treatment when it actually needed a razor.

…the film makes for a decent watch if you oversee the storyline that is as superficial as the high-profile Delhi-ites portrayed in the film. Pity given that Zoya has proved to be capable of much more. However, if you love the gloss of ‘ZNMD’ you sure are going to enjoy watching this one. No harm in watching it once…

Anil Kapoor is an absolute delight as the self-obsessed and manipulative Kamal Mehra and he is ably supported by Shefali Shah as the ostrich wife, who ignores being getting ignored. But the film belongs to Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh and they excel as siblings who stand for each other. For once Ranveer channelises his energy well and Priyanka goes beyond the pout to embrace a character that every much like the film is a gorgeous cross between stupid and smart.

Pretty but never dazzling, busy but never riveting, glib but never wise, Dil Dhadakne Do never does find its sea legs.

As a positive, Dil Dhadakne Do is very aware that it isn’t digging too deep. Making a judgment call that the glimpse is enough to give the audience an idea of what life is like if you are in the top 1% of the population – financially. It’s wears its cynical take on its sleeve by making you laugh a hearty laugh in some really dark situation – a bit of a surprise from a film posing as a “feel good” one.

And that’s the other reason, I like Zoya’s films – you feel inspired to live the life you want to live and not the one you are supposed to. Average is not good enough, you want to break the boundaries and aspire for more. Some of us are okay to make do with mediocrity, some of us put a limit on happiness, some of us are scared to let go. Life is short – we have to live every moment. We have to invest in the relationships that matter and learn to let go of the ones that don’t. Essentially we have to stay real and make it count – let this Dil Dhadakne Do.

…might be a flawed family comedy-drama, but the flawed family at its center is so relatable and the issues that it confronts are so relevant, that the film will end up being a fond if bittersweet memory.

DDD would’ve been a lot of fun had it been shorter, crisper and less indulgent.

This is Akhtar’s weakest film yet, because she tries to tell too many stories at once and tells none entirely. Besides the performances, what keeps this ship afloat is the cinematography. Carlos Catalan’s camera is the actual fly on the wall that tells you everything you need to know about this poor little rich family.

…is a good entertainer for the multiplex-frequenting audience. It will be liked by the youngsters and the classes more than the mass audiences. Business in the cities will be good on the strength of audiences of multiplexes and premium single-screen cinemas. However, business in smaller centres and in lesser single-screen cinemas will be dull. All in all, it will fetch some profits.

…certainly lacks a universal appeal, and while it will best be appreciated by the Anglophone urban audience, anyone who is not particularly uninterested in rich people’s problems can afford to give it a try.

It’s easy and breezy, and packed with terrific actors who appear to be enjoying themselves.

It is very easy to get carried away when your star cast is filled with such gems. However, the director has done a great job handling every character. Ranveer Singh’s comic timing and witty dialogues keep you entertained throughout the film. Special mention to Pluto Mehra. Believe it or not, the dog is the only character that connects with you till the end. A little stretched and dragging, the movie could have done better if the redundant parts were taken out. Overall, you should watch this movie at least once!

… is a film that could have been noisy messy and crowded. It ends up being just the opposite .

As Aamir Khan would say for the Mehras’ canine Pluto, “Bow wow!”

Yup, we bow to the wow.

…a lot of patience and stifling of yawns on the viewer’s part. Zoya Akhtar tells her simple tale well, but weighs it down with too many relationships and too much of drama. So much so, that after a point, you’re no longer interested in the goings-on in front of you. Watch it for the ensemble cast. And of course, Ranveer-Anushka.

High-society hi-jinks on the high seas. This, in short, is what ‘Dil Dhakakne Do’ comes off as primarily, even if there are multiple straining-for-depth strands in it. Of creeping middle-age and dwindling love. Of gender imbalance caused by dominant males, and the making of submissive women. Of lineage and privilege and position. Of life lessons from the wisest of them all, a dog named Pluto.

Ultimately the film is about everyone having their hearts set on different things, and allowing for a space where everyone’s wishes thrive. Despite the few flaws, the film boasts of a robust heartbeat. Worth your time!

… may not find its audience with the typical, commercial, Bollywood masala filmgoers, but with the metros and the urban crowd, it’s sure to be a monster hit.

Go on, let your heart beat!

Despite its flaws, I find myself looking back at Dil Dhadakne Do and smiling.
Dil Dhadakne Do translates to let the heart beat.

The heart, it wants what it wants, and that’s all very well, especially if it wants the kind of watery climaxes where hugs solve everything.

But ah, how I wish this film hadn’t gone doggystyle.

There is hardly any takeaway from Dil Dhadakne Do and its characters are not likely to stay with you for long. Also, it would be hard for you and me to identify with the doubts and troubles of the morally ambiguous Mehra family. However, the film has a good starcast and that can dictate the game at the box office.

Hindi cinema history has seen one big film about “loving your parents”. Dil Dhadakne Do is about “hating your parents” and in the process compelling them to change their ways.

Yawn! Dil Dhadakne Do is a snoozefest and a surefire cure for insomnia.

…manages to state a point which many Indian kids struggle to explain to their parents – that every relation in addition to love also needs space to grow. In spite of the faults, DDD will definitely manage to bring a smile to your face when you walk out of the theatre. Do watch.

…is a gorgeously shot overstuffed eager to please family drama that excels more in acting and less on story and storytelling.

Every member of the literally big ensemble cast in DDD, comes together to make it feel like a family. You have a quirky Punjabi clan and their oddball friends dancing and singing to some great music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. They’re in good looking locations with fancy clothes and luxurious ambiance. It’s an exclusive peek into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. There’s a decent well-rounded story as well. It’s the perfect exotic weekend getaway.

…is great timepass, and it’s a beautiful, visual story interspersed equally with laughter & introspection. Watch it for the family & the truism of dysfunctional relationships. You will be entertained.

Those hoping for a cruise package at the cost of a movie ticket will be a bit disappointed as the indoor shots exceed the ones under the sun. But from what we get to see, chances are, this one could do for Istanbul what Dil Chahta Hai did for Goa.

For those who like the glossy world of fiction that was Akhtar’s terrain in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do may be just the lavish fix you want. If you’re a fan of Luck By Chance, however, you may find yourself shedding a tear as you long for the director who so skilfully blended wickedness, style and insight into a heady, charming mix.

Family drama is given a new dimension here with Zoya Akhtar laying out perfect solutions to a messed-up family. It’s her sheer unmatched quality that this two-flick old director possesses, while dealing with the subjects of relationship. She doesn’t coerce the judgement over what really the key should be for lucrative living but simply chalks out the modern dots in a breezy manner.

The dialogues are punchy and do raise laughter most of the time. But as far as the story goes, the dysfunctional Mehras sail up to a predictable conclusion. It was slightly disappointing that Akhtar would succumb to a typical Bollywood dramatic climax. And even though it does not drag, the film could have picked up pace overall.

Apart from the spectacular performances and stunning locations ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ has its moments of fun, laughter, drama, tears and romance. So go on, plunge in. Zoya Akhtar’s movie is a delightful watch.

This high society family drama where there is no place for emotions is super entertaining and is a must watch. A high energy movie that should not be missed, so book your tickets fast!

…boasts of a stellar ensemble, now only if we could say the same about the writing! You might want to get off this ship half way.

…is not everyone’s cup of tea. It is a high society drama that may tackle regular family issues too but may not suffice as entertainment for all. I am going with a 3/5 for this niche family drama.

If this film looks like an entertaining, escapist film at the outset, it is, but it is also much deeper than that. Watch it for sure.

…if you want to understand the nitty-gritty’s (read ‘the do’s and don’ts) of a complex family relationship, then, do yourself and your family a favour by taking them to meet the Mehras this weekend. In simple words, DIL DHADAKNE DO makes for a decent watch.

Dil Dhadakne Do goes behind the glossy grins of Indian family life, presenting screaming, sobbing dysfunction, heart-ripping extramarital affairs, bitter gender discrimination and heavy parental control. Yet, it has a light hand, not preachy but breezy while sensitively making modern points.