'Dear Zindagi': Lengthy life lessons sans drama

Kaira aka Koko (Alia Bhatt) is a 25-year-old Mumbai based cinematographer, who is independent, busy shooting ad films and longing to shoot her first full length feature. Carefree, happy-go-lucky, she is in and out of relationships, some unrequited, others unfulfilled. She cringes at the very mention of Goa where her parents live as she does not enjoy a great relationship with them. A heartbreak leads her to the couch of a therapist Dr. Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) and her life changes. Alia as the free-spirited, emotional youngster, craving love shines all the way. The film belongs to her and she does full justice to her character, emoting effortlessly, making the audience empathise with her highs and lows. Whether it is venting her pent-up pain or playing kabaddi with the waves on a beach, she is a treat to watch. In fact, she almost single-handedly carries the film with a weak plot on her fragile shoulders.