Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a road trip movie that captures the beauty of Spain through its’ unique events and its’ landscapes.  Arjun, Kabir, and Imraan have been planning a  much-postponed trip since college. When Kabir unexpectedly gets engaged, the group decides this is the perfect time to take it.  To challenge themselves, each will select an adventure sport. Each agrees to participate in it – no backing out.  As the trip progresses, the history of their relationships are revealed in dialogues, flashbacks, and twists. They will examine their pasts and their choices,  and return home different people.
ZNMD is a character-driven story. All are young professionals in their 30’s.  Arjun (Hrithik Roshan) is a workaholic focused on making as much money as possible and retiring early. He is way too serious and uptight. Imraan (Farhan Akhtar) is the opposite. He’s got a charming, outgoing, spontaneous personality.  He is an instigator and especially likes to push Arjun’s buttons.  Kabir (Abhay Deol) is the glue that holds the group together.  He is a stabilizing force. Everyone’s feelings are more important than his own. Unfortunately, this has placed him in an uncomfortable situation that is revealed at the end of the movie.
There are two female characters in the movie who are worth mentioning. The first, Laila (Katrina Kaif), is a professional diver who spends her summers at different sites around the world teaching diving.  Laila is a free spirit and becomes very influential in the film. The second is Natasha (Kalki Koechlin), Kabir’s fiancee.  She is from a wealthy family. Kabir is an architect and Natasha is an interior designer. She has decided this is the proper time for her to marry and build her nest and Kabir is the perfect candidate for a husband.
I loved the music in ZNMD. I realized how the music in Hindi films adds another dimension that helps the watcher experience the film in a more complete way.  “Dil Dhadakne Do” sets the mood from the beginning of embracing each moment of life.  “Khaabon Ke Parinday“, a soft bosa nova, played as Arjun experiences life opening to new possibilities (all sunny blue skies, wind in your hair, beautiful scenery, and free time on your hands). I loved the free-spirited fun of  “Ik Junoon” (Paint It Red). It felt like being a child at play during a scene at the Tomatino Festival (the world’s largest tomato fight) in Bunol.  And “Senorita”, I want to dance the flamenco every time I hear it.
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has won a 2012 Filmfare Award for Best Film, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani; Best Director, Zoya Akhtar; Best Dialogue, Farhan Akhtar;  and Best Cinematography, Carlos Catalan.