Written and directed by Anurag Basu
Also written by Sanjeev Dutta
Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana, and Saurabh Shukla
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood are as celebrated as Ranbir Kapoor. Following rise to stardom during the 2000’s, Kapoor has become one of the best actors in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s star-crossed lovers, rockstars or deaf men that face barriers, Kapoor has portray many characters. Kapoor’s greatest strength as an actor is his charisma. He has proven one of those special actors with the ability to play characters through charisma alone. Through playing characters that are compelling, Kapoor has created an enduring legacy that’s lasting. A legendary figure in Indian Cinema, Kapoor has become one of those brilliant actors whose name attracts audiences toward the theatre. Throughout his long-lasting career, Kapoor has created many memorable movies that are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Kapoor and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Barfi!” absolutely stands out as being his most meaningful movie. Released in 2012, Anurag Basu’s movie offered a compelling portrait of deaf men with disability. Packed with breathtaking production, spellbinding storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s an extraordinary Bollywood disability drama. At a centre of it all is an amazing performance by Ranbir Kapoor, who portrays a deaf man in love. Ultimately, what makes “Barfi!” an exceptional Bollywood film is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood films about disability, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A Bollywood masterpiece about disability, there are several reasons why “Barfi!” is worth watching.
“Barfi!” tells the tale of a deaf-mute man seeking to overcome his disability. Ranbir Kapoor plays Barfi, a charming deaf-mute man with a strong personality. Barfi always has had a bright personality that has given him a chance to cope with a dark disability. However, Barfi’s life changes when he falls in love with two women which transform his views forever. Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra) and Shruti (Ileana D’Cruz) are two women which develop a liking for Barfi. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Barfi is forced to wonder if it’s possible from him to overcome his mental disorder. Facing catastrophe, he questions whether he will ever find love with a disability.
Anurag Basu is fascinated with the stories of couples seeking to make dreams come true. A brilliant Indian filmmaker, Basu has often made engaging Bollywood films that capture romantic relationships. With “Barfi!”, however, Basu made his first ever disability drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of men with disabilities but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Basu conveys a deaf-mute man’s journey to find his identity. Inspired by Barry Levinson’s “Rain Man”, Basu expertly uses montages to capture the life of a deaf-mute man seeking to overcome a disability. For instance, montages enhance the town exploration scene. During this unforgettable scene, Barfi explores his town in Darjeeling showcasing his larger-than-life personality. Using engaging montages, Basu creates a portrait of a disability which is compelling. Montages are complex techniques to use in Bollywood movies. As Ayan Mukerji’s “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” claimed, montages elevate Bollywood movies about disability. However, it works immensely in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Basu captures the barriers that deaf-mute men with disability are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Barfi!” deserving appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies about disabilities you will ever see. Evoking Kunal Kohli’s “Fanaa”, Basu expertly uses cross-cutting to create songs about disabled men in India. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the Kyon song. During this memorable song, Barfi sings a melody that expresses his powerful views on love. Using cross-cutting, Basu crafts a portrait of deaf men that’s compelling. Moreover, the score is magnificent. Pritam’s music contributes to the success of the movie. It gives the film an engaging atmosphere capturing the burden that disabled individuals bear. Using strong production, Basu captures disabilities which cause tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Barfi!” is a Bollywood film about disability that’s engaging. The film is extremely well-written, and expertly uses silence to convey hardships deaf men experience. Emulating Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Black”, Basu uses silence to capture tensions experienced by deaf men seeking to overcome a disability. For instance, silence enhances the breakup scene. During this heartfelt scene, Barfi has an emotional breakup that causes tension. Through silence, Basu created a portrait of disability audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most Bollywood films. As Rajkumar Hirani’s “Sanju” proved, silence enhances Bollywood biopics about famous movie-stars. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a superb screenplay, Basu captures deaf men facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Ranbir Kapoor gives one of his best career performances as Barfi. Kapoor first earned appreciation for playing romantic heroes in Bollywood movies. With “Barfi!”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a deaf-mute man that seeks to overcome a disability but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. With bold expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and rebellious nature of a deaf man. It’s an extraordinary performance from one of the finest actors in India today.
While the film is mainly a bold showcase for Ranbir Kapoor, the supporting cast is also exceptional and worthy of praise. Priyanka Chopra is phenomenal, bringing charisma to an Autistic woman that falls in love causing a dilemma in India. Ileana D’Cruz is superb, bringing out caring personality of a woman in love with a deaf man causing adversities. Lastly, Saurabh Shukla merits recognition. As a strict police officer, he is memorable.
Finally, “Barfi!” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the harsh realities of a disability. Unlike most Bollywood films about disability, it discusses strong themes everyone would relate to. It tackles relatable themes including ambition, mental disorders and depression that would resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with disability to enjoy it. Therefore, “Barfi!” is one of those rare Bollywood movies about disability everyone will adore.
Fans of Ranbir Kapoor will absolutely enjoy “Barfi!” and so would audiences which seek exhilarating entertainment. A breathtaking Bollywood disability drama, it celebrates an actor that’s beloved in India.
Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood movie about a deaf man seeking to overcome a disability, it’s a riveting reminder about a legendary Indian actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable films audiences love dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 