Be ‘Barfi!’ in this weekend

Story line: Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor) is born to a poor couple in Darjeeling. His mother passes away shortly after his birth and Barfi – discovered to be deaf – is brought up by his 

driver father. Barfi isn't shy about his disability; instead he is a mischief-maker, an opportunist. He knows how to live king-size life. He follows young girls like Shruti (Ileana D’Cruz) declaring his love for them and asking them to be friends after they reject him. He is also friends with the neighbourhood rich girl Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra) who is autistic and whose own parents find her difficult to love. Barfi falls for Jhilmil and the love triangle between Shruti-Barfi – Jhilmil is unlike any you’ve seen before. Instead of sympathizing with Barfi and Jhilmil you will feel happy for them and by the end you wish for them to be together.

Thumbs up:

Anurag Basu makes a mature, evenly-paced film, lovingly detailed, with warm fuzzy layers and golden hues. Its Chaplinesque overtones add humour and wit to a story which could so easily have been just maudlin. Anurag Basu's Barfi! has a well-crafted script with an intriguing narrative . Although this film is about a deaf-mute man and his search for love, it is depicted with humour and sensitivity. And for this Basu deserves kudos.

Ileana makes a mature debut. Although she looks too young for her role, she manages to be competent. Her character is simple yet committed, hesitant yet brave. As a pair Ranbir and Ileana spells magic. A scene where the duo kissing is a moment of absolute perfection. Priyanka does a super job. Her Jhilmil is awkward, ungainly and mistrustful, but thoroughly lovable. It could have so easily turned into a Sadma. But Priyanka manages to infuse 

her autistic character with charm, guile and intelligence.

However, the film would not have been this good without Barfi himself. Ranbir, that man is so natural and effortless with his Chaplinesque rendition of Barfi that it's a sheer pleasure to watch. His facial expressions and body language is outstanding, and every time he appears onscreen, you are convinced that Ranbir will definitely live upto his grandfather Raj Kapoor's name.

Music by Pritam is brilliant and so is the cinematography by Ravi Varman. The scenic beauty of Darjeeling is captured beautifully.

Anurag Basu has done something that very few filmmakers would like to experiment. Unlike putting a sorry picture and making you sympathise with the characters it will leave you with a happy and hearty feeling. Basu balances it extremely well without making you feel heavy or depressed.

Thumbs down:

The only problem with this film is its constant and incoherent time switches. The flashbacks are disjointed and it’s difficult to figure out what is happening when in the film. The first half could have been more crispy. At times, the audience is left confused. As the main two protagonists do not have any dialogues, you may feel little bored.

Whether Barfi! is a hit or not, don't miss it as Barfi! celebrates life!