After an 18-year hiatus, I watched Fareb(2005) tonight, and it was a sentimental return to a Bollywood thriller that made an indelible impression.
Plot & Storytelling(4/5): Aditya(Manoj Bajpayee), a successful doctor, and his seemingly ideal life with his wife, Neha(Shilpa Shetty), are central to the story. When Ranbir(Shamita Shetty) appears, claiming to be Neha’s estranged sister, their lives take a tragic turn. As secrets are revealed, trust is broken, and the characters become caught in a web of lies.
Fareb’s narrative is its strongest quality. Throughout, it keeps you wondering and involved with surprising twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Manoj Bajpayee gives an outstanding performance as Aditya, demonstrating his acting skills and emotional depth. Shilpa Shetty plays her character with grace and intensity, while Shamita Shetty plays her with mystery. The performers’ chemistry heightens the impact of the picture.
Deepak Tijori’s directing and cinematography(3.5/5): Deepak Tijori’s direction keeps the audience’s attention, however several moments might have been tighter. The cinematography perfectly conveys the protagonists’ affluent lifestyle as well as the picturesque splendor of Switzerland.
Music & Background Score(3/5): Fareb’s music is melodic and suits the film’s tone beautifully, with songs like "Barse Badal" and "Baras Ja" making an impact. The background score heightens the suspense at key moments yet may be overbearing at others.
Overall Impression(4/5): Fareb(2005) is a terrific thriller that still holds up after 18 years. While it is not without flaws, it succeeds at suspense and intrigue, making it a must-see for aficionados of psychological thrillers. The performances, along with an engrossing plot, make it an important contribution to Bollywood’s suspense genre.
Fareb is an intriguing pick if you enjoy films that test your vision of reality and leave you wondering about the motivations of the characters. Revisiting this world of love, deception, and mystery is like rekindling an old flame, and it will definitely have you thinking about its twists and turns long after the credits have rolled.