Is it a bird....? Is it a plane....? Is it superman....?
Yes, all of the above....and oh! it’s also a bhoot!
Paheli, as we all know, is the story of a ghost who falls in love with a village belle. What we don’t know, or atleast I didn’t, is that it’s a wonderful little folk tale told beautifully in the form of this film directed by Amol Palekar.
Even though I’m an ARDENT Shah Rukh Khan fan (air-conditioner, rather), I was a bit apprehensive about this film cos:
(1) The name Amol Palekar, frankly, puts me to sleep
(2) SRK is donning a (chee!) moustache and
(3) the promos weren’t that exciting.
So I went for the film with zero expectations, only bcos it was my duty towards ’my hero’ (fluttering eyelids - damsel style)
I was pleasantly surprised! The film was a delight to watch, and kept me occupied all through. I’m not going to delve into the script, as usual, but here’s why Paheli is worth a watch....
The story: A sweet Rajasthani folk tale, told beautifully. Reminded me of the stories we used to read in Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle as kids!
The cinematography: Every frame of the film is a visual treat.
Shah Rukh Khan (need I even say that?) in a double role, except that he’s played the parts so well that you like one and want the other one out!
Rani Mukerjee, looking gorgeous in colourful Rajasthani attire, and who’s getting better with every film.
Amitabh Bachchan (in a cameo), playing the typical smart alec villager to the hilt!
The music, not your typical disco headbanging that passes off as music on the Bollywood scene these days, but soothing soft tunes that are fun to watch and listen to later.
The end, which is always good if it’s a happy ending, no?
Nasseruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah as bhoots!
Go watch it! Even if you aren’t a Shah Rukh Khan fan, this one’s a sweet entertaining film!
(And oh! Shah Rukh Khan looks good even with the moustache!)