Indian cinema has reached a new age; where film makers aren’t apprehensive about making even the most unorthodox movies imaginable. Such is Paheli, a fantasy folktale, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee.
Paheli, as all the websites, newspapers, magazines and wagging tongues advertise, is a movie about the love story between a married woman and a ghost, who would preferably be referred to as an intellectual spirit. And the most out-of-the-world, blasphemous, scandalous feature of the movie is that they have a daughter together. Now is she half-ghost too?
One question – when you read Hansel and Gretel, did you question the fact that witches exist? Another one – when you read Cinderella, did you question the existence of the fairy godmother? One more right at you – did you question the existence of Priyanka Chopra’s acting in the new flunk flick Waqt? Then why do you crib about there being a ghost child?
A folktale, a fairy tale is supposed to open up one’s imagination, in order for them to under the morals that life should be constructed upon. Paheli, which means “riddle” is no different a folklore than others.
The movie hits off with Rani Mukherjee, who plays Lachchi, a beautiful maiden about to be wed to Kishenlal, the son of a wealthy businessman Bhanwarlal (Anupam Kher), who is none other than Shah Rukh Khan. On Lachchi’s nuptial night, she tearfully discovers that her husband is planning to set out the next day, on a business venture that lasts 5 years.
After crying herself to sleep, the next morning Lachchi doesn’t confront her husband. The young beautiful lonely Lachchi finds comfort in her aunt’s-in-law Gajrobai’s (Juhi Chawla) words. Gajrobai told Lachchi of her story; her husband, Sunderlal, Kishen’s uncle had left her and their unborn son not to return for the past 7 years.
However, Lachchi’s luck turns. On her way to her in-laws’ house with her new husband, in a resting-house, a wandering spirit had found himself mesmerised with Lachchi’s loveliness. On his way to his venture, Kishenlal rested in the same place, thus letting the spirit know that Lachchi was abandoned by her husband.
Immediately the spirit took the form of Kishenlal and begun his journey towards Kishen’s home and his wife, Lachchi. After managing to convince Kishen’s father in a long tale about a boon that promised him, Kishen 5 golden coins every morning, the spirit entered his Kishenlal’s home.
The family was overjoyed to see him, but none so much as Lachchi, for whom, it was a dream come true. However, this dream was soon to be shattered, when the spirit let her know of his true identity.
Lachchi, young, beautiful and thirsting for affection, accepted the spirit in place of her husband.
Just this decision of Lachchi’s speaks extremely strongly of a woman’s rights, and her ability to make decisions about her own life.
The story continues, showing the two besotted in love and settling down in their paradise. Gradually the couple is blessed with a child.
At this point, the true Kishenlal, lonely and forgotten, far from home, decides to make an entry. Finding an impostor in his place, he is shattered. His family doesn’t believe his identity, in fact, no one will vouch for him, least of all Lachchi, who is unaware of his arrival, and who he finds giving birth to another’s child.
Bhanwarlal is devastated, and torn apart in the conflict. He commits himself to finding the identity of his true son. As the family and the villagers make their way to the king’s palace to find a resolution to the problem, they meet a shepherd, Gadaria (Amitabh Bachchan), who promises them a solution.
The rest is for those of you who haven’t watched the movie, to discover.
Paheli is set in Rajasthan, and is as colourful and visually fantasizing as the state itself. Brushed with all colours of the rainbow, the movie is a visual treat.
Amol Palekar has done a wonderful job in the director’s chair, with absolute no glitches in the movie.
The music is astounding. Every single number in the movie is melodious, and accompanied by amazing choreography.
And amazing is also the acting in the movie.
Rani Mukherjee, is once again, brilliant. She has once more proven that she is as versatile and talented an actress as she is reputed to be.
Shah Rukh Khan is simply fantastic. I am not a fan of Shah Rukh’s at all, but this movie has changed my opinion about his acting abilities. An unorthodox role, with none of his usual “rona-dhona”, he plays the role of Kishenlal to the hilt.
Juhi Chawla is outstanding, both in her role, and in her looks. She looks absolutely stunning, with both the simplicity and radiance of a typical Rajasthani woman.
Anupam Kher, what can one say about him? He is again proven himself to be an actor of high calibre.
Another performance that shines is that of Dilip Prabhavalkar, who plays Kanwarlal, Bhnwarlal’s brother, and Kishenlal’s uncle. His character in the movie was extremely likable and certainly entertaining.
Rajpal Yadav, who plays Bhoja, the messenger, is equally entertaining.
Amitabh Bachchan, although in the movie for a really short time, manages to leave his impression on it. No surprises there.
Watch Paheli if you’re into the fantasy genre, or you’re simply looking for a change. It is really a fantastic treat.