‘Paa’ belongs to Auro. Period! In case you are thinking that it is brand Amitabh Bachchan we are talking about, it’s not. In this movie, R. Balki gives you Amitabh in a completely new format, without his persona, baritone, or mannerisms.
Not even in a single frame of the film does he seem like The AB, rather it is the ‘Auro’ that you fall in love with. ‘Paa’ is not a take on Progeria, for that matter any specific issue, rather it celebrates the innocent years of life i.e. childhood and how they can be instrumental in getting two estranged people together once again. In short, it is about the simplest, purest phase of life.
‘Paa’ does not show Auro being treated differently because of his medical condition, bringing in emotional melodrama. Rather, Progeria is just taken as a backdrop for a drama revolving around human emotions, with Auro as its heart, soul and spice. The movie stands out for its dry sense of humor, which comes through witty one-liners, mostly from Auro. While the movie is not preachy, it surely brings across the director’s personal views on many issues, right from politics to civic sense and media to motherhood. At the same time, the director again brings forth child characters with maturity beyond their years (which seems to be quite likely in the present jet-age) - just like Cheeni Kum.
Kudos to Amitabh Bachchan for playing the sensitive role of Auro! The spontaneity and spark that he has infused the character with is simply awe-inspiring. His role has been written with perfection. Be it the vulnerability that is there in almost every child his age or the wisdom that he shows (beyond his years), Auro woos you no end. On the other hand, Abhishek Bachchan seems to be using his potential after quite some time. He impresses you with his performance, though in some of the scenes with Auro, he looks a bit awkward. As for Vidya Balan, she is truly commendable. She slips into her role with perfection and her effortless performance is worth applauding. ‘Paa’ has a bunch of child actors as well, who deserve special mention. Arundhati Naag, as Auro’s grandmother, is engaging, while Paresh Rawal does well in his short role. All said and done, ‘Paa’ is not above flaws. For instance, Abhishek Bachchan‘s characters is somewhat klutzily handled. At the same time, the romance angel between Bachchan Jr and Vidya Balan has not been brought out well. (Which has worked out as a Benfit, Since; it is not a Love story) ... Still, the movie manages to make a place in your heart. It celebrates life in its myriad forms and the beautiful gift of relationships that we have in this world. It is surely worth spending bucks on and I am sure that you will leave the hall with a smile on your face and a fond memory of ‘Auro’.