They fall in love before they know what the word means -- Lolita, orphaned at an early age, and Shekhar, who reaches out and gives her the security she craves. They share joys and sorrows through childhood and adolescence, and unknown to them the relationship of an unspoken right they hold over each other metamorphs into a love so intense, they can’t even sense it coming. It takes an outsider, Girish, for them to discover that there’s something between them that’s bigger than both of them.spotted
PARINEETA has gloss and soul, Thankfully The film may look similar to DEVDAS, but yet the storytelling is differentand Pradeep Sarkar is one of the best first-timers we have today Maybe Since Rajkumar Hirani.But hopefully, the first half could’ve been faster and the climax could’ve been tighter
Although Vinod Chopra films have never been associated with the magnetism and razzle-dazzle reserved for the Johars and the Chopras, the Vinod Chopra film factory is renowned for producing fine cinema. Munnabhai MBBS being the latest addition to a volume of unforgettable films.
Parineeta, a cinematic adaptation of the original classic by one of India’s greatest literary minds, Saratchandra Chattopadhayay narrates the story of Lolita (Vidya Balan) and Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan). Lolita, orphaned at a young age falls victim to destiny’s plans and is thrust into the life of Shekhar, son of an affluent businessman (played by Sabyasachi Chakravarthy). Thus, begins a love story that cradles both protagonists through childhood and adolescence, and isolates them at a juncture where their love for each other is so powerfully intense that it shatters the limits of their imaginations. Enter Girish (Sanjay Dutt), and surprise-surprise, we have a love triangle on our hands.
However, it is the treatment of the subject post-interval that ensures that Parineeta is placed on a pedestal higher than the usual humdrum of Bollywood. Pradeep Sarkar is an adept storyteller and his rendition of the literary classic only elevates the latter to greater heights. Although Parineeta in essence is a love story, its translation of innumerable human emotions, self-illumination and liberation to name a few, truly make it a work of art. Thus, Parineeta’s classification is inclined more towards an art film rather than a commercial flick.
The technical department of Parineeta is bound to win various awards at the next round of award functions. Kolkatta of the 1960s has been intricately sculpted by the Art directors (Keshto Mondal, Pradeep Sarkar, Tanushree Sarkar) and one longs to be transported to the era and experience the magic for themselves. Cinematography (S. Natarajan Subramaniam) is superb.
Costume design (Subarna Ray Chaudhuri) adds to the authenticity.
Music (Shantanu Moitra) although unconventional, is riveting in its own right. Each track gels seamlessly with the narrative and strengthens the 1960s ambience.
Parineeta belongs to Vidya Balan. Her substance and innocence are both unblemished and refreshingly new. This genuine beauty should take giant strides as an actress. Saif Ali Khan is getting better with each release. He slips into the character and delivers a top-notch performance. Sanjay Dutt carries off his relatively small role with ease and conviction. Sabyasachi Chakravarthy and Diya Mirza make their presence felt. Parineeta will appeal to anyone who appreciates fine cinema.