Little Zizou - THREE stars

A cute film about Parsis through the eyes of boy who calls himself little Zizou. You will enjoy and comprehend this movie more if you are familiar with the Parsi community.

One might easily misunderstand the movie theme through its rushes and ads and conclude that it is a sports film about a boy trying to be Zidane. Only one little thread of the movie story is actually in this space viz., little Zizou loves playing soccer, is obsessed with Zidane and wants him to come to India. There are several other angles to this movie about 2 different religious viewpoints within a shrinking community.

You'll love all the goings on in Zizou's life -- simple,well stated, and short.

The movie is interestingly captured with a format of illustrations connecting them to reel life. You won't find any great cinematography, music, art direction etc. etc. but you will find very simple takes on the everyday crazy events in and around the little boy's life.

Just when I decided Prateik Babbar [janne tu ya jaane na] was going to be the future thinking actor all of us have to look out for, we suddenly have Naseerduddin's son [Imaad Shah] jump into the scene with a bang. He has given a stellar performance before also.
He acts, speaks just like his father and yet has his own unique commendable approach to acting. It was like both Smita Patil and Nasseer had decided that they wouldn't leave an empty space after they left the Indian film scene!

The movie has some sensitive moments, some fun moments but you will be left wondering why there is no all encompassing strong storyline. The story moves from one place to another, yes they are all connected but one fails to hold on to any one strong theme.

One of the several funny moments, is a scene where you learn what password Imaad uses for his father hating blog...for security reasons I won't tell you what it is ;)

Director Sooni has also cleverly used famous Parsis for cameos, like Shiamak Davar, Gary Lawyer, even 1/2 Bawa John Abraham...and not to mention a picture of Zubin Mehta!

Boman Irani does his best as usual, one wonders how someone like him is not given more opportunities where he gets to carry the entire movie on his shoulders

There are some lovely scenes, like the Alzheimer's ridden old Parsi woman still dressing up for dinner in her "Hotel Mejestic" which is completely run down [but not for her loving eyes]. Or the scene where little Zizou explains to his friend on the Udwada beach, why she should not hate him. And a few others like these.

The movie is definitely not a MUST see, but I assure you if you do see it you will not regret it.