Cinema is not merely song-n-dance and loud bursts of laughter. Cinema can also electrify your body with a flurry of goose pimples. That’s what happens when you watch Paa. There are actors and then there’s Amitabh Bachchan. As Auro, Big B hammers the point across that he’s the undisputed Shahanshah of Brilliance. He reinvents the fine art of acting by challenging all parameters. Even his singing in a child’s voice is incredible. Paa is undoubtedly the best film of the year so far and easily one of the best films of this decade.
Films are not meant to be decoded or dissected when you’re expected to criticise them. Yes, you do look out for flaws but more importantly the over all impact matters the most. And if, at the end of a movie, you are shaken-n-stirred, then that’s the wondrous example of an extremely satiating movie-watching-experience. Somehow, this applies the maximum to Paa.
A seriously physically challenged kid Auro (Amitabh Bachchan) goes to Delhi with young-n-dynamic politician Amole Arte (Abhishek Bachchan) but the requisite permission with Auro’s mom Vidya (Vidya Balan) isn’t taken. Strange. Amole’s tirade against the media seems over dramatised and caricaturish. The relationship between Amole and his dad (Paresh Rawal) isn’t very well defined. Also, the movie tends to move at a slow pace.
In spite of a few roadblocks, what captures the most is outstanding transformation of Amitabh Bachchan as a 12 year old kid afflicted with a rare accelerating-age disease Progeria. The body language, the quirky sense of humour, the voice modulation and an absolute child-like innocence (especially at his age) makes you feel like standing up and applauding forever. It is amazing how an actor who has achieved so much, continues to manufacture an insatiable hunger to sprint on an untrodden path.
The make up done by Christien Tinsley completely transforms Big B and you can recognise him merely through that familiar grin or the curving-up-of-lips. If winter comes, can spring be far behind. So, if the father has triumphed then how can the son lag behind. Abhishek Bachchan has given one of his career best performances in Paa. He has shed that excess weight of Delhi 6, which is a good trait. His hard hitting dialogues, sensitive interactions with Auro and a very confident aura makes him stand out in spite of the towering presence of his dad.
There was least hype around Vidya Balan. But this feisty actress generously contributes to Paa being an unforgettable experience. Her loving moments with Auro, how she smartly snubs a woman who tries sympathising with her because of Auro’s ageing condition, stern distance from Amole once he returns back to her life are a few references where she stood out as a fantastic artiste.
I have always maintained that writing is a very important part of any film. Writer-Director Balki doesn’t disappoint on that front. The dialogues are laced with an adequate dose of humour, pathos, sensitivity and drama. Although the movie moves slowly but you’re still gripped to what-will-happen-next. Balki’s masterstroke is that he doesn’t make the film preachy. There are asides like Vidya (A Gynaecologist) advicing a 33 year old woman that her body is telling her its time to have a baby. Or when Abhishek while delivering his speech at Auro’s school function points out that ’the students are sitting while the teachers are standing’ which is a testimony to the fact that how in these commercial times, the teachers enjoy less respect than the money-showering students. Such moments make the film interesting and provide it a shelf life. Also, Auro isn’t a character that one needs to sympathise with. One needs to empathise with him and the best gift that one can give him is a bouquet of smiles.
Ilaiyaraja’s music is outstandingly melodious. The Paa theme music is haunting. Mudi Mudi and Gum Sum are special numbers. PC Sreeram’s Cinematography is simple and very effective. Anil Naidu’s Editing is adequate although the film could have been tighter. Jaya Bachchan giving away credits in the beginning was a fabulous idea. This amazing actress captures you even if it is for a few minutes.
Finally, as I had said before, one is willing to overlook the flaws because the impact of Paa is so overwhelming that it leaves you completely speechless. Films like this makes movie watching experience worth a treasure.
Paa: A Fascinating Movie Watching Experience
PS: My star rating will be 4 1/2 stars