Sanket’s Review: “Barfi!” is overlong, but extremely endearing a film.

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla, Ileana, Priyanka Chopra.

Director: Anurag Basu

Length: 2.30 hours approximately.

BARFI this week opens and I must admit it at the onset that it gave me exciting vibe about it. And there were reasons aplenty for the high level of excitement. A deaf-mute, an autistic girl and a debutant actress all in one film! The promos though gave us the feeling of fun, happy film but the film is innocent in its approach and simplistic towards what it had to say.

The film proceeds with too many flashbacks and too many characters to the plot. Though the principle star of the film is Ranbir Kapoor, the story smartly revolves around Ranbir, Ileana and Priyanka Chopraand Saurabh shukla. The film is narrated by Ileana and Shukla with an innovative concept. The gags of the film have a slapstick tone to it but even that comes off sweetly as it has charm and equal sincerity in the atmosphere. Basu smartly embraces comedy, romance and drama under one roof. The moments between Ranbir and Ileana in first half is adorable and engaging as well with a dollop of good humor. Though the film deserves some serious editing weapon because the length is way too long! Its not easy to gallop a film without much dialogues.

Post-intermission too the film has fun hanging around Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor, though the film becomes more serious towards penultimate minutes. Surely, the story works for the film which keeps the charm intact with the film even though the surroundings has enormous change like the suspense revealed in last few minutes. But the film comes off as bit dragged and goes overlong despite it is an extremely endearing experience.

Pritam’s music is sheer fantastic. In-fact, the music gives great enhancing support to the film. Every single song in the film is excellent and works with the dynamic situations in the film. WOW. The cinematography is display of sheer genius. Kolkata and Darjeeling are captured fabulously. Basu’s script, screenplay and Direction all are praiseworthy. Come to think of it, how difficult it is to make a film where your main leads are physically challenged and still they are trying to make love. BARFI’s story is exemplary and it also fills the gap for some misgivings.

Ranbir Kapoor yet again delivers an outstanding performance. I don’t understand how much talented is filled in him. Just one expression for his act- spell bounded! Priyanka Chopra plays autistic girl with aplomb. Needless to say its her best act till date and she deserves some accolades. Just notice her in the breakdown moment, your heart will undoubtedly cry for her. Ileana though has minimal role, but she has the spark. She is confident and gorgeous. Saurabh Shukla is superb. His chasing scenes are hilarious.

Overall, BARFI is perfect blend of comedy, romance, and drama. The film though should’ve been trimmed by 20 minutes to create a stauncher impact. It’s a film that guarantees to keep you in happy mode, thanks to our BARFI. The two beautiful performances along with Pritam’s musical magic and Basu’s fine execution make BARFI tastier.

Rating- 3/5 (Good).