I think more than the fact the Parineeta is being criticised as a film, it is being compared to Bhansali’s Devdas . Which I don’t claim is entirely unfair; in fact it’s quite justified. Sarad Chandra’s novels are becoming quite popular on the big Bollywood screen, and these two movies are the most modern depictions that we have to assess. Therefore, why not compare them and see which one comes on top?
To the mass, there’s no comparison. Beside Paro’s ’’Arre, oh Deva!’’, Lolita’s ’’Mujhe hamesha daatte rehte ho’’ seems quite undramatic. Beside Chandramukhi’s jewellery and classical dancing, depicting her passionate love for Devdas, Lolita’s sad songs seem to be unsentimental.
However, wasn’t that the way it was meant to be? A simple story, between two young lovebirds, immature but committed, torn apart from the rifts in their family? Or did Sarad Chandra mean for Paro’s laughs (which, no offence, sounded very artificial) to be resounding around a massive haveli glittering in chandeliers and golden walls? Or did he mean Lolita’s dark eyes to elicit grief from his audience, whether those reading his books or watching a movie that has been based on his novel.
The stories are not about glitter, gold, song and dance. They’re based on human emotions - broken hearts, broken dreams, broken promises. He’s a master of grief, as well as a magician that can bring hope, joy like the freshness of spring come into the lives of his characters.
Now that the comparison between these two movies has been made, hopefully to the satisfaction of the reader of this review, let me continue with the rating of the movie.
I’ve been waiting for the chance to start on the part of the review. So without further ado, let me introduce...
Shekhar Rai is played by Saif Ali Khan. Not only does he play the role to the hilt, bringing out all the qualities, as well as the faults, eliciting all the charm as well as the obstinancy of his character, he also looks very dashing. Shekhar’s (alias Saif’s) presence on the screen simply captivates one, and although he is quite a confused personality, he’s also extremely lovable. The audience is, throughout the movie, conscious of the pains, the dilemnas as well as the joy and love of Shekhar.
Lolita is played by Vidya Balan. It’s been said of her that she is to date, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s best find. I can see no reason to take that away from her. A girl who claims to have been inspired by Shabana Azmi (which woman isn’t?), looks just like the pretty but plain girl next door. Her acting reminded one of Jaya Bhadhuri’s talents, very natural acting, without the superfluous performance needed. Her aim was to fit in comfortably into her character, become it, then be it to the hilt. She was fabulous in the movie, and her acting seems to as matured as if she Parineeta were not her debut, but a movie much further into her career.
Raima Sen has put across another impressive performance, after Chokker Bali, where in my opinion, she outshone Aishwarya Rai. She plays Koel, Lolita’s cousin and best friend. Her part in the plot is perhaps not primary, but certainly essential.
Sanjay Dutt is good as Girish Sharma, but doesn’t look the part. Beside all the young lovers and the youth in the movie, he looks too aged. However, he plays his part well.
The rest of the cast deserves a mention.
Especially Sabyasachi Chakravarthy who plays Navin Rai, ”mashoor industrialist”, Shekhar’s father. Achyut Poddar is extremely convincing as Lolita’s mama (uncle).
Ninad Kamat, who plays Shekhar’s friend AJit is wonderful in his role. He is really a treat to watch on the screen.
Diya Mirza is adequate is as Gayatri Tantiya, and her glimpses look gorgeous during the opening number.
Shekhar is the son of Navin Rai, an egoistic and powerful businessman, whose only incentive in life is to make more money. Navin Rai ignores Shekhar’s musical talent, and his only plan for his son is to make him into the businessman that he himself is. Young and stubborn Shekhar, a disappointment in his father’s eyes, meets Lolita, who has moved in with her maternal uncle and his family after the death of her parents. Lolita begins to unconditionally love Shekhar, and he her, and eventually their relationship blooms into an unbreakable association.
The coming of youth and beauty, family rivalries and other proposals just succeeds in making life more difficult for the two. Till it succeeds in wrenching them apart.
Watch the movie for the rest of the story, because that’s all I’m planning to give away.
And do comment whether this movie is better, on par, or worse than Devdas.