Directed by : Anurag Basu
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2082197/
Umeedein ho toh kaagaz ki chidiya ke bhi pankh hote hai ...
Characters : Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor), Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra), Shruti (Ileana D Cruz)
Always been a admirer of Anurag basu film-making since Gangster days. I was among very fewest of people who liked Kites too. Barfi works for me a lot, though it hasn't yet over-taken Gangster.
Once again Anurag builds screenplay in a non-linear format. Editing is fantastic. Maybe 1-2 flashbacks are over-done, and could had been done in a linear way. Because to hold attention of viewers for 10 mins, and then shift them to 6 yrs behind/ahead for 5 mins before going back/forward, does disturbs the love you formed for the seen part. Though for me, that problem didn't happen.. and I could easily remain connected with the story. Only, the 2nd last flashback, could had been avoided, that was probably the quickest of all in the film.
Also, the cinematography is excellent. I never have been to Darjeeling, and I so wished to go there watching those visuals which had the romantic feel in them.
Only problem I found in the film was the mystery sub-plot, there were too many flaws in those sequences.. plus it wasn't too hard to guess what was happening, could had so easily written that part in more complicated way like Saurabh says 'ghatiya jasoosi novel ki tarah ghoom raha tha'. It was only the screenplay that allowed this sub-plot look not total silly, which it actually was.
The songs are properly used, love those dance steps of Barfi's father when the lines come 'barfi jab duniya mein aaya'. While 'Kyun' is my fav song from the film, Jhilmil giving rose to Barfi and the smile on Barfi face makes that scene so adorable. 'Aashiyan' has that getting back to happy days mode for Barfi, plus the romantic chemistry it has between Jhilmil and Barfi. While 'Kya karun' very well establishes the young first love of a guy and girl's life. 'Phir le aaya dil' was the only song that didn't go well with the film, only for the reason that I felt the pitch suddenly goes too loud not with the mood of the situation, even though lyrics fit in. Though, personally I didn't like this ghazal either.
Also, special mention to the use of those 3 musicians, just like Anurag did in 'Life in a Metro', though here they are seen just playing their instruments, not singing anything. Plus, Anurag makes use of them to change the time period of the story aptly. Not sure if Pritam was actually there in any one of those 3 musicians ?
The fact that most part of the film is without dialogues, background score becomes important. And Pritam has done great job in that (lifted or inspired). The one theme that plays when Barfi rides cycle towards the train and notices Shruti for 2nd time, and its repeated thereafter a lot. My fav one was when Barfi meets Shruti after 6 years in Kolkata, and its raining. Also, the one that 3 musicians are shown playing all the time.
The heart-broken sequence is the only place where the silent scene is extended and you have to understand through the gestures of Barfi, what he wants to say. The way the scene's built right from the moment Barfi watches Shruti with her fiance, his resistance to keep looking at her hoping maybe she would change her mind, a formal congratulation followed by everything going wrong with head hitting door, umbrella not working, cycle's chain getting broken. And his angst against poor vs rich equation. Since his character is meant to keep everyone happy, he calms himself down, brings smile on Shruti's face and then leaves. Perfectly directed and acted scene.. perhaps my most fav.
Both Ranbir Kapoor (Deaf and dumb) and Priyanka Chopra (Autistic) play their characters brilliantly. They had the toughest parts in the film, and they didn't dissappoint. Ranbir's acting talent has never been a question and here he just builds on the mark he has set in the hindi films industry within few years with yet another performance that could quite well make him win lots of awards next year. Love the 3 scenes where he takes friendship test of his friend, later Shruti and lastly, Jhilmil. There's that scene where he and Ileana are riding bicycles, and the expression of Ranbir is ditto you would had seen Rishi Kapoor in past. And then the scene where he goes to ask Ileana's parents for marriage, reminds me completely of Raj Kapoor though here the reason were mainly the coat looks he had.
It took me probably 3rd viewing before realizing how good Priyanka was in the autism character. Its her character that stays with you even after the film ends, such was the scale of her performance. The constant blinking of eyes, and the way she calls barfi as 'Buhhh fiiii'. She made the character very lovable just like Ranbir did with 'Barfi'. Not to forget that habit of little finger holding to show the people she has trust on, specially the intermission sequence.
Ileana D Cruz was simply marvellous as a debut, to add to it she's my latest crush so it was hard to not think about her when Priyanka's sequences began. The heart just wanted more of Ileana only... Though she ain't given a role with a health problem, yet her character sketch has lots of complications. To choose between right life-partner, to listen to heart or mind and to be selfish in love at times. Watch the sadness in her eyes when she listens 'Buh fiiii'. The 'Best debut actress' awards are all hers atleast for now. Only place where she looked odd was the old part, where despite the wig she never appeared to be old in reality.
Among the supporting cast, Saurabh Shukla as the tired and frustrated cop excels, he finally does a role that isn't making fun of him entirely. He has got lots of his own moments in the film. Plus, Roopa Ganguly, who plays mother of Shruti, has that key scene in the film in a discussion with her daughter. Also, Ashish Vidyarthi as the father of Jhilmil does good job, only wish the mystery part was properly written to allow him more scope. And Akash Khurana, as well as the female servant at Jhilmil's house were good too.
Jishu Sengupta dialogue 'dobara wapis mat aana', was so cliche and required to be edited. That was the only scene that made me dislike his character despite him having hardly any role in the film.
Lastly, special mention to the end credits sequence, the feel good romantic sequences during old age between two lead pairs. Reminded me of Rab ne bana di jodi to a certain extent.
I have seen all the copied scenes, the charlie chaplin inspirations and the notebook or other films Barfi is inspired from. But, nothing of that takes away my love towards this film.
Overall, Barfi is a film I connected to very easily and Anurag Basu once again gives me a film I can happily say I loved a lot. Its a feel good movie despite a lot of tragedy in all the three lead actors stories.
Verdict : EXCELLENT
Imdb link -> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2082197/
Umeedein ho toh kaagaz ki chidiya ke bhi pankh hote hai ...
Characters : Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor), Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra), Shruti (Ileana D Cruz)
Always been a admirer of Anurag basu film-making since Gangster days. I was among very fewest of people who liked Kites too. Barfi works for me a lot, though it hasn't yet over-taken Gangster.
Once again Anurag builds screenplay in a non-linear format. Editing is fantastic. Maybe 1-2 flashbacks are over-done, and could had been done in a linear way. Because to hold attention of viewers for 10 mins, and then shift them to 6 yrs behind/ahead for 5 mins before going back/forward, does disturbs the love you formed for the seen part. Though for me, that problem didn't happen.. and I could easily remain connected with the story. Only, the 2nd last flashback, could had been avoided, that was probably the quickest of all in the film.
Also, the cinematography is excellent. I never have been to Darjeeling, and I so wished to go there watching those visuals which had the romantic feel in them.
Only problem I found in the film was the mystery sub-plot, there were too many flaws in those sequences.. plus it wasn't too hard to guess what was happening, could had so easily written that part in more complicated way like Saurabh says 'ghatiya jasoosi novel ki tarah ghoom raha tha'. It was only the screenplay that allowed this sub-plot look not total silly, which it actually was.
The songs are properly used, love those dance steps of Barfi's father when the lines come 'barfi jab duniya mein aaya'. While 'Kyun' is my fav song from the film, Jhilmil giving rose to Barfi and the smile on Barfi face makes that scene so adorable. 'Aashiyan' has that getting back to happy days mode for Barfi, plus the romantic chemistry it has between Jhilmil and Barfi. While 'Kya karun' very well establishes the young first love of a guy and girl's life. 'Phir le aaya dil' was the only song that didn't go well with the film, only for the reason that I felt the pitch suddenly goes too loud not with the mood of the situation, even though lyrics fit in. Though, personally I didn't like this ghazal either.
Also, special mention to the use of those 3 musicians, just like Anurag did in 'Life in a Metro', though here they are seen just playing their instruments, not singing anything. Plus, Anurag makes use of them to change the time period of the story aptly. Not sure if Pritam was actually there in any one of those 3 musicians ?
The fact that most part of the film is without dialogues, background score becomes important. And Pritam has done great job in that (lifted or inspired). The one theme that plays when Barfi rides cycle towards the train and notices Shruti for 2nd time, and its repeated thereafter a lot. My fav one was when Barfi meets Shruti after 6 years in Kolkata, and its raining. Also, the one that 3 musicians are shown playing all the time.
The heart-broken sequence is the only place where the silent scene is extended and you have to understand through the gestures of Barfi, what he wants to say. The way the scene's built right from the moment Barfi watches Shruti with her fiance, his resistance to keep looking at her hoping maybe she would change her mind, a formal congratulation followed by everything going wrong with head hitting door, umbrella not working, cycle's chain getting broken. And his angst against poor vs rich equation. Since his character is meant to keep everyone happy, he calms himself down, brings smile on Shruti's face and then leaves. Perfectly directed and acted scene.. perhaps my most fav.
Both Ranbir Kapoor (Deaf and dumb) and Priyanka Chopra (Autistic) play their characters brilliantly. They had the toughest parts in the film, and they didn't dissappoint. Ranbir's acting talent has never been a question and here he just builds on the mark he has set in the hindi films industry within few years with yet another performance that could quite well make him win lots of awards next year. Love the 3 scenes where he takes friendship test of his friend, later Shruti and lastly, Jhilmil. There's that scene where he and Ileana are riding bicycles, and the expression of Ranbir is ditto you would had seen Rishi Kapoor in past. And then the scene where he goes to ask Ileana's parents for marriage, reminds me completely of Raj Kapoor though here the reason were mainly the coat looks he had.
It took me probably 3rd viewing before realizing how good Priyanka was in the autism character. Its her character that stays with you even after the film ends, such was the scale of her performance. The constant blinking of eyes, and the way she calls barfi as 'Buhhh fiiii'. She made the character very lovable just like Ranbir did with 'Barfi'. Not to forget that habit of little finger holding to show the people she has trust on, specially the intermission sequence.
Ileana D Cruz was simply marvellous as a debut, to add to it she's my latest crush so it was hard to not think about her when Priyanka's sequences began. The heart just wanted more of Ileana only... Though she ain't given a role with a health problem, yet her character sketch has lots of complications. To choose between right life-partner, to listen to heart or mind and to be selfish in love at times. Watch the sadness in her eyes when she listens 'Buh fiiii'. The 'Best debut actress' awards are all hers atleast for now. Only place where she looked odd was the old part, where despite the wig she never appeared to be old in reality.
Among the supporting cast, Saurabh Shukla as the tired and frustrated cop excels, he finally does a role that isn't making fun of him entirely. He has got lots of his own moments in the film. Plus, Roopa Ganguly, who plays mother of Shruti, has that key scene in the film in a discussion with her daughter. Also, Ashish Vidyarthi as the father of Jhilmil does good job, only wish the mystery part was properly written to allow him more scope. And Akash Khurana, as well as the female servant at Jhilmil's house were good too.
Jishu Sengupta dialogue 'dobara wapis mat aana', was so cliche and required to be edited. That was the only scene that made me dislike his character despite him having hardly any role in the film.
Lastly, special mention to the end credits sequence, the feel good romantic sequences during old age between two lead pairs. Reminded me of Rab ne bana di jodi to a certain extent.
I have seen all the copied scenes, the charlie chaplin inspirations and the notebook or other films Barfi is inspired from. But, nothing of that takes away my love towards this film.
Overall, Barfi is a film I connected to very easily and Anurag Basu once again gives me a film I can happily say I loved a lot. Its a feel good movie despite a lot of tragedy in all the three lead actors stories.
Verdict : EXCELLENT
1 Comments
Hmmm yea..agree with you with many parts. My fav scene was that scene though..when ranbir comes to muskaan to search for priyanka.. while going back..Shruti expression when she hears jhilmil calling barfi.. and that relief sound barfi gives when he realised jhilmil is here.. and then the best part..when jhilmil comes infront of barfi..to show he is hers :p..that was sweet. aFTER long time..ive watched scenes from a movie multiple times..for some reason..this movie really touched my heart..
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