For a change, we get to see the bright side of a handicap’s life without ignoring the dark. Barfi! is a warm film made with a lot of heart. After a series of dark flicks of the disabled like Black and Gujarish, here’s a movie which reflects every ray of bright light in the life of its characters. And the surprising part is that, it succeeds to be effectively funny without being derogatory towards the disability of its lead characters.
With an intelligently chosen setting of ‘Darjeeling’, director Anurag Basu makes you smile and sympathize with the characters’ simplicity and innocence, even when they make evident mistakes. And with subtle yet strong performances by the actors, Barfi! proves to be a pure treat. The scenic beauty of Darjeeling is well captured, cheers to the cinematographer. The story unfolds slower than one would want it to, but one wouldn’t mind it, because the simple Charlie Chaplin inspired sequences, bravely and skilfully acted by the film’s lead actor keep one thoroughly engaged. Music is apt, and so is the background score.
The only hitch one might encounter in this lovely piece of art is its screenplay. Director Anurag Basu prefers to throw the film’s narrative from present to past and further past. The screenplay runs wild between the three time lines, with scenes from different time lines randomly popping in. And this leaves the viewer a bit puzzled and the second half partly tends to become ‘solely’ an answer to the puzzle. Having said that, the screenplay is just one small issue that may or may not bother the viewer.
The film eventually serves as a love story, a well etched love story with a thoughtful moral. Besides, the film preaches positivity, happiness and the attitude of seeing the glass half full. The producer didn’t pay me to endorse this product of his, but I still do, by my own will. That is probably the film’s biggest achievement.
Go and taste this barfi. It’s as sweet as the sweet it has got its name from while it doesn't cost you any calories!
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