I went in with humongous expectations with Barfi. Reasons - Ranbir being one of the best actors in the country right now (the Virat Kohli of Bollywood), Outstanding songs and Mesmerizing promos. But the problem was, I dont remember the last time that a movie satisfied my humongous expectations. I was aware of this fact and almost turned apprehensive as the reels were about to toll. But 10 minutes into the movie and I knew this was something else. It is a rare thing to have an illuminating experience whilst watching a film, but that is exactly what is encountered with Barfi.
The story has some set time-zones and it constantly moves back and forth through them. Its a tale of a deaf-mute charming Barfi. A tale of how he strives and achieves happiness despite the rather gloomy circumstances he comes across. Of how he falls for Shruti (Illeana D'Cruz) and successfully manages to make her fall for him. A tale of Jhilmil who views the world through her own crystal ball. And how Jhilmil and Barfi meet and develop a relationship which is as pure as their hearts. Both of them have huge flaws. But nothing can be perfect. Nothing should be perfect. There are cracks in everything. Thats how the light gets in, right?
With all the hustle and bustle of modern day life, we often tend to forget the simple pleasures of our existence. Everything in our society needs to have a "purpose", a raison d'être outside of just being simple entertainment. Barfi is a celebration of those little frivolities. Blending a wealth of colors. There is neither happiness nor misery in the world .. there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. This is the idea. Barfi has two very different tones, but manages to excel at both of them. As a romantic comedy, it is sweet and funny. As a bitersweet tale of hope amid despair, it is touching.
Anurag Basu has always been a genius. You can watch Murder, Gangster, Metro again (Kites had his name, but we all know who directed it) and realize that he has a way of engaging the viewer. Here, he flavors the substance with style. Every moving picture is like a Postcard. Its whimsical, stylized storytelling. He handles certain sequences with aplomb. There are so many 'aww so cute!' moments throughout the runtime that after a point you lose the count. Cinematographer Ravi Verman deserves a Standing Ovation. The frames are radiant. Pritam comes up with an unforgettable album. The songs have been picturised and interpersed well within the story. Special mentions for 'Ala Barfi', 'Main Kya Karoon' and 'Phir Le Aaya Dil'. That mouth organ tune played all over during the movie is haunting. 'Ho gayi Picture Shuru' is innovative.
Ranbir Kapoor. Adjectives fail to describe his act. Only he could surpass his own Rockstar performance. He does that and a lot more. Easily the best actor in the country at present. He gets all the small things right. Like his display of a feeling of strange discovery that you are loved, despite when you know that there is nothing in you for anybody but a parent or a God to love. Splendid. Watch him when he tries to explain his angst before Illeana after getting rejected. Watch him when he searches for Priyanka. Watch him when he finds Priyanka.
Priyanka Chopra. Honestly, I always think she over-acts. And I had thought she can be the only reason to spoil the taste of Barfi. But no, she rather enhances it. Her act is controlled and brilliant. Note her expression when her grandfather dies or when she tells everyone to not laugh or when she gets jealous of Illeana. Enchanting.
Illeana acts well. She does get overshadowed by two mind-numbing acts. But she holds well. And manages to look beautiful. Saurabh Shukla, Akash Khurana, Milind Gunaji and Rupali Ganguly all do the needful.
Any glitches? The first half of the movie is far more captivating than the second. That doesnt mean second half is boring. But the first half is just way too awesome. Also sometimes the attempt to make the goings-on *CUTE* is quite visible. Yes, it may not be a natural beauty. But its an artificial brilliance.
Overall, Barfi is full of spell-binding images, powered by hope and humanity, a shining celebration of the possibilities of love.
A magnificent movie -- made a masterpiece by Ranbir Kapoor.
Go for yourself, and then drag your parents, your favorite aunt, and your best friend back for a second viewing. They'll thank you for it. Delicious!
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My Rating :
