You may enter into cinema hall thinking that here's another story of struggler in bollywood who makes it at the end with big success - so as so many other films has done in the past. Well, that's the only place where film disappoints you.
It hit the right chord right from the credits. The opening credits showing the route level background technician / artist who do about 75% work is the showcase of film industry. It's also different that Farah Khan style credits. The story starts with 2 protagonists Sona (Konkana Sen-Sharma) and Farhan Akhter (Vikram). Sona is a long time struggling actress in the industry who wants to break out of B-grade and 2nd OR 3rd support actress roles. Even going through the costing couch, she is still in search of her dream. She meets Vikram who hails from Delhi to fulfill his own dream trying his destiny at Filmistan - who stays with his 2 friends. Then it's a journey of how their destiny and their choices takes them off to a whole new world of glamor, money and dreams. Though Vikram finally fulfills his dream with a bit of help of luck and Sona ends up loosing her dreams - the destiny leaves them with what they choose with and not what luck gave them.
What makes this stands-out is the treatment which is very down to earth and real as oppose to show-off and loud unlike Om Shanti Om or even Bollywood Calling. No one ends being bad guy OR good guy OR even victims (unlike the "reality film master" Madhur Bhandarkar films) but they are what they are. Everyone has their own dreams, good sides and not so good sides. It's all that what human nature is about.
Technically, the screenplay is very well written - the effort on this side is clearly visible. There's lot of heart put in the story and script-writing. At times - it has taken a witty and comical take on bollywood. Specially where scenes like Anurag Kashyap narrating his own version of story OR Mac delivering the only dialogue he got in Sholay. The cinematography - especially for the circus song is amazing. It's worthy of an award for sure! The songs are good but fails to leave the long lasting impact apart from Sapno se bhare. The only thing that can be pointed out is the pace of the film. There are few patches where you feel that story isn't moving further. Also, there isn't a required depth within relationship between Sona and Vikram.
On the performances, you have one of the best castings being done in recent times. Farhan Akhter re-iterate the fact that Rock on wasn't fluke and he has got acting brain and heart. He manages to pull out various shades and layers of Vikram with ease. He's an actor to watch out for in near future. Konkana Sen-Sharma delivers the equally well-rated performance. Though story revolves around Farhan initially - it is Konkana which starts and end the story. Her confidence is clearly visible. Apart from these two Rishi Kapoor is bingo with his old-time bollywood producer. His presence, comic-timing and sheer energy gives film that smiling face. He also portrays the sensitive side of character very well. Dimple Kapadia is perfectly casted for this role. She is one of those very few actors who can shadows on her age factor and carry the glamour easily. Watch out her in the act where she tries to seduce Vikram OR gets uneasy to see her daughter with Vikram.
A recent trend of getting a big star-cast in guest-appearances has struck well here. You have at least 10 big stars making presence. In the lead - you have Hrithik Roshan who has carried Zaffar Khan with such an ease. Watch him when he gets few boys surround his car while he stuck in traffic OR where he discovers that it was his NO made Vikram to have the role. Also, his dance in the Circus song makes the cine-frames look superb. Apart from them - SRK leaves his impact in last sequence. Isha is perfect as she do not require to act either but do what she do best - looks good, sexy. Others like Juhi Chawla etc has supported the story well.
It is a very honest, simple but true take on the film industry. However, this is not a story of films - but two people with the same dream, their choices and their luck. I will go with 3.5 out of 5 for Zoya Akhter's Luck By Chance. There are very few films with great mixture of story, screenplay and direction - Zoya is Director to watch out for.