~* Of men and of women…*~. Review on Parineeta

I have to write this review, as I know at least someone will listen to my views here…the fellow members of my haveli have become deaf to my words for the past few months.

There has been much said about the latest Vidhu Vinod Chopra production Parineeta – the Pradeep Sarkar directed version of the original story by Bengali novelist Sarat Chandra Chattopadhaya.

The Story

Take a trip back in time to Calcutta in the 1960’s. This is the city of joys and happiness. It is also the city of Shekar and Lolita, of whom this story is also of…

One would think that after being born and brought up in a rich household, Shekar (son of renowned businessman Navin Rai) would see love as a distant object. Yet Shekar is a true musician, fully tuned in to all matters of the heart. In each of his melodious playings he expresses his feelings – whether it be through the black and white piano keys, or the strings of a guitar. If you take the trouble of listening to the tunes played when he is in the company of an instrument then it isn’t too hard to tell the exact mood of his at the time.

At a young age does the orphan Lolita enter Shekar’s life as the girl-next-door (literally). As time moves on the children turn into teenagers; and then from teenagers to adults. Each moment, each melody seems incomplete to Shekar until it had been shared with Lolita. It was love, unsaid, unheard, but still there. And it was impossible to call it anything else.

The parallel story is not quite so dream like. Navin Rai (pure evil to the bone) has his eyes on the haveli next door – the very same haveli in which Lolita resides with her aunt, uncle and cousin. He pays for the haveli in the name of neighbourly love, knowing that the family was too poor to ever pay him back. What else did he care of apart from the prospective profits of the Heritage Hotel Projects?

But the scheme doesn’t so smoothly. Lolita (who works in Rai’s office) finds out the truth before it’s too late. She knows that she has to find the money to repay as soon as possible.

Enter Girish, the NRI who funnily enough owns several steel plants. He of course helps Lolita’s family – not only out of plain humanity, but also out of his love for Lolita.

After having had money slapped in his face and his plan backfired, Navin Rai’s hatred and anger towards Lolita reaches sky-heights. He humiliates her in the office by accusing her of being a prostitute (they wouldn't let me write the original word!) and subsequently fires her from the job. And by having such a strong influence of his son Shekar he is able to brainwash him into hating Lolita as well.

Jealousy gets the better of people more times than not. Shekar is no exception. Seeing Lolita enjoying herself with Girish makes him lose it. After the death of Lolita’s uncle, Shekar learns that Girish and Lolita are getting married. After that it all goes downhill. The fire of music which once burnt within Shekar diminishes. He turns into a complete replica of his daddy dearest, obsessing over business deals and agreeing to marry a rich businessman’s daughter- Gayatri Tanta.

What happens to all these lives as the end draws closer? You may wish to watch this movie for yourselves to find out (as I highly recommend you do). Or you may wish to just read another review in which the full plot is revealed (where’s the fun in that?)

The Film

This beautiful story has been equally beautifully presented. Attention has paid to each detail of life in the 60’s and the strong British influence of post-independence India.

Each and every scene, including the indulgent love-making, has been portrayed with dignity. From the throwing of a fish net at the very beginning of the film to the fireworks at the end the standards of screenplay never faltered. The story was slow, but did not lack in vigour.

The ending is said to be too melodramatic, but this it is very symbolic. It is only in this scene that Shekar allows himself to set his strong emotions free and break the wall dividing the two families, a wall of deeper meaning than just bricks. My friend whom I watched the movie with thought that he should just have walked through the gate. Some people…

The Music

The songs are magical, compliments go to the music by Shantanu Moitra and poetic lyrics of Swanand Kirkire.

Piya Bole is a beautiful duet, sung by two of the most celebrated singers – Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam. The picturisation of this song was really good.

Rekha made a special appearance in the song Kaisi Paheli Zindagaani. This was another mood-matched song sung by Sunidhi Chauhan. The glamour and glitz of the Moulin Rouge nightclub was very effective.

The Acting

Vidya Balan (as Lolita) made an exciting debut with this film. She fitted the role perfectly. I find it really hard to criticise her acting (maybe its because I know very little about what it takes ;)! But then again this was her first flick, and in that context her performance was exceptional. Previously she had acted in Ekta Kapoor’s Hum Paanch and several ad films. She then did a Euphoria music video which was also directed by Pradeep Sarkar!

But the award goes to Saif Ali Khan who plays the role of the protagonist, Shekar. He fulfilled each and every moment of the character’s arrogance, moodiness, full-fletched passion and anger. His chemistry with Vidhya worked brilliantly (even better than that of his with his Italian girlfriend Rosa?).

Sanjay Dutt was also suited to his role – the mature Girish. A huge contrast to Munna bhai, but just as well done!

Raima Sen did a good job as Lolita’s cousin, the bubbly and talkative Koel.

Diya Mirza looks gorgeous as Gayatri Tanta.

The very second the credits began rolling my friend took great pleasure in saying to me “the direction was excellent, the story was crap.” I didn’t say anything! But in spite of hearing various other snide comments about the movie I have still had the himmat to give it a 5 star rating. The efforts truly deserved it and I think Bengali culture is beautiful!