Fortunately, Phir Milenge is a lot like I had assumed the film to be — smallish, sensible cinema for smallish but significant audiences who do not necessarily mix up escapism with mindless escapades, or an earnestly executed message with a picture that’s overbearingly preachy and wearisome.
Many pivotal aspects enter late into the plot, for instance, that the main protagonist is HIV, that she is seeing her … Yet suggestions to each effect appear strewn through the screenplay. This delectably delicate approach should be a delight for the discerning.
The suspense is nerve-wracking, and Tamanna’s (Shilpa Shetty) anxiety is palpable. Something has gone terribly wrong. Initially, Tamanna brandishes a shield of denial; you can almost hear her mind’s voice saying, “It cannot possibly be anything too serious.” But her assurance erodes fast. The doctor informs her that she has tested positive for HIV. Something inside her breaks, and she’s a mess of emotions. She’s enveloped by frustration and hopelessness, but there’s a simultaneous sense of intense resentment and anger.
As Tamana’s feelings are not articulated with words, one would expect them to be difficult to decipher. But they are as clear and apparent as possible - all due to the sheer strength of Shilpa Shetty’s spirited and consummate performance.
Yes, a problem with the picture’s pace is plausible. But a narrative of this nature on an accelerated mode would have surely negated the intended impact.
So, the likely problem is less with the pace, and more with the duration. And the flaw lies with the sparing scissor that prolongs semantics on screen much after a point has been established.
It’s better to assess this film on its own worth than an expected comparison to worthy predecessor — Jonathan Demme’s Philadelphia.
Clearly the movie does not quite move you to the next Aids-related NGO that may be on a recruitment drive. And I don’t think cinema exudes such supreme powers.
But as an honest retelling of an apparently true account, this surely and sumptuously serves its planned purpose with essential wit and pizzazz.
Shilpa is turning into one of those artists , where the quality is most important and not just the commercial value of the film. She keeps the movie together and does not overshadow the character of Tammana with her image
. Abhishek is the surprise package.Salman as AIDS patient is controlled and does not go over the top.