PROGERIA – A rare and fatal genetic disorder, such is the frequency that only 40-50 cases of the disease has been registered till date across the globe. Accelerated Ageing - A 12 yr old kid looking like a 70 year old, genetically possible, but bollywood misses the train in projecting an emotional journey of such a rare kid, Auro. When a film is compared to the likes of Taare Zameen Par, one is bound to be skeptical, especially when Aamir Khan has delivered one of the finest movies of its class.
Let me get this straight. Paa is nowhere near TZP. IT falls behind in all aspects majorly direction and screenplay. The script had this uncanny habit of falling flat just when audiences begin to strike a chord with the story. The intentions were noble, but sorry Mr. Balki…the storytelling and presentation is hugely disappointing.
The only memory we carried home is the animated innocence of the 12 yr old Auro [Amitabh Bacchan]Paa tells the story of a couple, Vidya [Vidya Balan] and Amol [Abhisekh Bacchan] who falls in love and accidentally Vidya gets pregnant. Amol who wants to follow her father’s footsteps [Paresh Rawal] and pursue a carrer in politics with a vision, is in a dilemma about the future of their relationship. Vidya decides to part ways and willingly gives birth to the baby.
Vidya, a gynecologist, breaks down upon finding the genetic disorder of her child and prepares herself to meet the inevitable fate. At this juncture Amol visits Auro’s school and is enchanted by the kid and promises to take him to Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. Vidya tells Auro that Amol is his father and they are not married. During the Delhi tour, Amol and Auro develop a liking towards each other but Amol still dosent realize that Auro is his own child. The final 15 mins portrays the last minutes of Auro and the reuniting of Vidya and Amol. Now, supposedly a high on drama and emotional movie, Paa fails to bring tears even in a single sequence. The final death scene was highly anticipated but was a huge letdown.
The ending credits began to roll before one could moist their hearts or eyes. Auro’s one liners and innocence were a sigh of relief and carried the movie forward. Abhisekh and Vidya’s chemistry was acceptable and the other supporting artists justified their presence. The only notable feature was Big B. Yet again he proves that without an iota of doubt, he is vastly the most talented actor in this part of the world. A 60+ year playing a 12 yr old kid [mentally]. Hats off to the legend for pulling this off, not once one feels the presence of the Big Bacchan, such is his mesmerizing charisma and portrayal.
The sub plots, like the political scenes with Abhisekh were totally unnecessary and distract the audience from the core of the story.Overall, Paa is a disappointment considering the buzz and the expectations surrounding the movie. One expected Balki to deliver a Cheeni Kum but this time he misses the train. However, Paa is recommended for just one big reason – Mr. Amitabh Bacchan, the magnitude of the persona is going to rock you over. Just try and steal a memory of a single moment when u actually realised that Auro was played by Mr. Amitabh Bacchan. Go on guys – Surprise yourself.