I finally got to see Parineeta, and I loved it. I must confess, that I tend to be prejudiced in favor of anything remotely Bengali. Having spent my impressionable years in and around Calcutta and Assam, the language, the gestures, the emotion, the sweets, the customs, and the relationships felt extremly familiar and heartwarming.
Parineeta is the story of Sekhar and Lolita, who’ve grown up together, only mildly aware of their love for each other. As neighbours, they lived in each others homes, composing music and looking out for each other. Then trouble begins with the entry of Sekhar’s autocratic, business-minded father, who wants to marry off his son to a business partner’s daughter. Though not interested, Sekhar obliges by meeting the girl. Meanwhile, Lolita who is everyone’s favorite, charms her way into london-returned Girish’s heart. Smitten, the good man proves to be God-sent. Girish rescues the family from a debt, that could render them homeless. This act leads to a lot of misunderstanding, that is further fuelled by Sekhar’s father. Eventually, Lolitha’s family leaves for London. Sekhar takes refuge in his father’s business, convinced that Lolita is married to the good samaritan, Girish. The plot takes an unexpected, yet pleasurable turn in the end when the Parineeta is united with Sekhar.
The most important message in the film is that of marriage. Before a beautifully shot lovemaking scene, Sekhar and Lolita exchange a chain, that leads them both into believing they are now husband and wife. This act is what Lolita holds on to, till the very end, proving that customs and traditions are just minor additions to the actual act of marriage. Marriage is the union of two souls, even with the exclusion of these traditionally accepted norms.
I mostly loved the film for its characters. Unlike the usual film that Bollywood churns out, this film had characters and not stars. Even the supporting cast was impressive and likeable. I was a little surprised initially, at the director’s selection of Saif Ali Khan to play Sekhar. He proved me wrong, and i’m glad he has shed his silly-yet-lovable-boy image. Thank God the highly dramatic Shahrukh Khan wasn’t an option.
Vidya Balan was the perfect choice for Lolita. She is just so lovely in an ordinary, simple way. She is also a brilliant actress, as no gesture or expression was overdone. I foresee a bright future for her.
Sanjay Dutt however was my ultimate favorite in the film. He is the quintessential nice with a soul, who should give up his underworld mantle for good. Don’t miss his authentic dhunuchi naach at Durgo Pujo. Time we saw him in roles like this one.
Then how can I leave out Raima Sen? Though her role was small, she plays a likeable part. For those of you who’ve seen Choker Bali, she is a brilliant actress in the making.
Also, someone tell me who played the role of Sekhar’s father. It is nice to see a different autocratic father for a change.
As is apparent, I’m prejudiced in favor of this film. I shall even try to forget the dramatic end, where Sekhar breaks a wall, to bring home his wife. This scene almost spoilt the experience for me. My bengali friend however, was more than willing to point out other glaring flaws. She was annoyed at the fact that the women weren’t dressed in beautiful bengali sarees. She would also have preferred a better pronunciation for the name Lalitha (as opposed to a ’Nabokovian Lolita’)! She also pointed out that two of the nice songs were of scottish/irish and Nepali folk origin.
Nevertheless, the film was a good watch. I enjoyed every minute of it , and I’d recommend it very highly.