“Barfi” (2012) – Movie Review

Written and directed by Anurag Basu

Also written by Sanjeev Dutta

Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana, and Saurabh Shukla

‘Bollywood at its Best’

Indian movies are not my cup of tea. Over the last few years, I feel that Bollywood has tremendously relied on cliched plots and predictable stories for entertainment. Blockbusters from the industry, while successful, still feature no element of surprise or excitement. In addition, there has also been instances when Bollywood has remade Hollywood movies. Most of the time this has not worked out well at all. 

“Barfi!” proves that Bollywood still has the potential to be one of the best industries in the world. Its an excellent film that explores the association of love with mental illness. Expertly directed by Anurag Basu, “Barfi!” is a revelation in terms of acting and writing.

Set in the 1970s, this movie tells the story of a deaf and mute boy named Barfi. He falls in love with two women, but their relationships go down the hill due to immense conflict.

This is a fresh and unique movie about mental illness. In an industry where most films are only made for entertainment purposes, “Barfi!” comes across as something completely different. Anurag Basu’s direction is admirable in almost every aspect. The way he manages to string together three intertwining stories is impressive. Each story is significant and expands the movie’s overall message in the end.

One of the most astonishing things in the story is the narrative. Characters are given specific narratives which allow them to interpret the story in their own way. This gives the film great profundity.

The screenplay is extremely well written and carefully constructed. Each event is explained with precision. Though the movie jumps through different time periods, every event is clear.

For any film like this to work, there has to be a devoted cast. And devoted it most definitely is.
An actor missing great roles, Ranbir Kapoor is absolutely stunning as Barfi. In his first praiseworthy performance, Kapoor is the heart of the movie. Without him the film could not have been as powerful as it is.  Yet it comes as such a surprise. The role is far from easy and very challenging, but Ranbir is fantastic. From his charming expressions to his likable persona, Ranbir completely justifies himself as a rising star in the industry. Its a lifetime performance and this actor is at the top of his game.

Another revelation in the movie is Priyanka Chopra as Jhilmil. Like Ranbir, she is also in a lifetime performance. Its no easy job portraying an autistic girl, but Priyanka skillfully pulls it off.

The rest of the cast, which includes highly convincing Ileana and comical Saurabh Shukla is terrific.

As a whole, “Barfi!” is a distinct movie about love and happiness. Like many Bollywood films it goes on for too long with an unnecessarily long length, but otherwise its a must see for everyone. Movies like this only come out once in a while. When they do, its hard not to ponder over them.

4.5/5 stars