The word Barfi is a Hindi word meaning ‘sweet’ in English. It is a story set in Darjeeling and Kolkata between 1972, 1978 and the present day. It is an Anurag Basu film including screenplay and story and direction. It has been produced by Ronnie Screwala and Siddharth Roy Kapur. The music is by Pritam.
Storyline – The movie is a flashback relating the love story of Jhilmil, played by priyanka Chpora and Barfi, played by Ranbir Kapoor. Jhilmil is a special adult female while Barfi deaf and dumb. The introducing cast is Ileane D’Cruz who plays Shruti in the film. She is a Bengali engaged to Ranjeet but falls in love with Barfi. She gets married to Ranjeet and Barfi is left heartbroken. Jhilmil lives in a ‘Muskaan’ a rehabilitation centre run for special children. She owns the property of her maternal grandfather so she is the most desired being yet neglected by her family. After Ranbir is lonely he comes across Jhilmil, who has come from Muskaan to her grandfather’s house. She gives support to Barfi when his father dies and they start living together in Kolkata. Shruti re-enters Barfi’s life and when Jhilmil, who has started loving Barfi sees this, she runs away.
Barfi and Shruti try and find Jhilmil with the help of the police and Muskaan, where she comes back to stay. Jhilmil’s father also comes to take her home but Shruti helps unite Barfi with Jhilmil. Barfi and Jhilmil get married and run a special school.
Ranvir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are at their best in the film. The film reminds me of silent black and white film era. To act with mere expression is a great acting skill which the director has brought out well from his entire lead and supporting cast. When Barfi expresses his anger on being rejected by Shruti’s parents and she did not speak out against them is a commendable scene. Jhilmil’s shyness to express her love for Barfi and attempt to look like Shruti to wear a saree, is an appreciable effort, a few among her many good scenes. The movie has been nominated for the Oscars from India.
The title song and ‘Itti si haasi’ are the most popular songs. The ghazal is also appealing. To be special and yet have the spirit to be happy and positive expecting nothing is a great thought that comes to mind after watching the film.