Writer: Janak

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Watch this if you liked: “Dil Chata Hai”, “Rock On” and "3 Idiots”

Adventure trips and soul-searching films are always a good watch. Whats more if it combines with a youth theme that makes the new generation films very appealing to audiences. "Zindagi Milenge Na Dobara" (Translation: Life Will Not Come Again) has all the essence that makes the film different and refreshing.

Kabir (Abhay Deol) and Imraan (Farhan Akhtar) persuade their good friend Arjun (Hrithik Roshan) on a road trip to Spain to get away from their routine working life. On the trip, they bump into Laila (Katrina Kaif), a free spirited girl who believes that a man only should be in a routine when they are dead. She teaches them how to enjoy life and during this time, she starts to develop feelings for Arjun, but is not ready to commit to it seriously. As the story moves forward, the three friends enjoy life to the fullest hoping to leave reality behind.

The film plot is quite amusing and has a simple plus memorable story that revolves around three male leads. The screenplay by Reema Kagti manages to stay on course all the way through to the end, although the narrative pace isn't what it strives for. The pace in the first half of the movie moves quite steadily and as the film progresses, the pace gets better. Director Zoya Akhtar brings a gentle wit in the storyline and some degree of fresh storytelling that makes a very entertaining watch.

Music director Shankar-Ehsan-Loy gives a gentle and melodious soundtrack as the three leads lend their respective voices in all the songs. Cinematography by Carlos Catalan in regards to the landscape scenes of Spain, London and Morocco are well shot, while the effects of the film are well placed as well. Sadly, the much talked about long smooching scene between Hrithik and Katrina did not pass our local censor board.

Overall, the film will remind one a lot of "3 Idiots" and "Rock On" which will leave the audiences with a big smile after leaving the cinema despite it trying to cater for a more mature and cinema literate audience. With that said, the film will still encourage one to start enjoying life one day at a time, and focus on those who are truly living in the moment.

Cinema Online, 28 July 2011