What's hot:
Despite its inconsistencies, the film clicks because it has its heart in the right place and there is a certain level of warmth in the characters.
What's not:
To watch a chubby Farah Khan dancing earnestly with junior artists in the background seems silly more than a spoof.
verdict:
This Shirin and Farhad might not make for eternal lovers but then the audience would identify with their ordinariness. And that makes for a decent watch.
rating 3/5
Director: Bela Bhansali Sehgal
Cast: Boman Irani, Farah Khan, Daisy Irani, Shammi
Shirin is sweet. Farhad is simple. Together the sweet-n-simple combo often works if handled smartly. The likes of Hrishikesh Mukherji and Basu Chatterjee have more often than not created masterpieces out of minimalism. Bela Bhansali Sehgal essentially takes cues from the simplicity of the good old cinema to weave her own sweet little love story.
Farhad (Boman Irani) works as a salesman at a lingerie shop and at 45 he is still single. Much against the behest of his momma (Daisy Irani) and grandma (Shammi), the shy Parsi man is unable to find his perfect match. Until he meets Shirin (Farah Khan) and cupid strikes! But momma doesn’t take to Shirin too pleasantly.
In terms of its basic soul and setting, the film reminds of Basu Chatterjee’s Baaton Baaton Mein. Both films have the backdrop of the intricacy of marriage in a minority community and the mother messing up the prospects over petty reasons. What imparts uniqueness to the film is the chemistry between the middle-aged couple, as against an average young duo. So everything that would seem clichéd on a regular Bollywood couple, seems spoofy on Shirin and Farhad.
But on that excuse, Bela doesn’t attempt anything new and romance between the two brews over tried-and-tested elements like coffee, moonlit nights and rain songs. The love story between the two seems rather rushed but their cuteness makes up for the haste. Likewise the narrative, more or less, is predictable but the adorable characters make up for the certainty. Everyone from the rolly-polly mother, quivering grandmother, an Indira Gandhi obsessed old neighbour to even Shirin’s coma-struck father are endearing and ensure the feel-good ambience.
Most other characters from the Parsi community are turned into loud caricatures but, if you aren’t a purist or take it too personally, even they amuse to an extent. There are traces of slapstick which was avoidable but thankfully not blown out of proportion. Add to that there is mention on everything from fart to feces but it doesn’t downgrade totally to tacky toilet humour.
But despite its inconsistencies, the film clicks because it has its heart in the right place. There is a certain level of warmth in the characters and their trivial yet relatable conflicts. However nonchalant they might seem but Shirin, Farhad and their families often touch your heart.
For a love story however, the music is quite uninspiring. Moreover the songs are far too many and the sight of a chubby Farah Khan dancing earnestly with junior artists in background seems silly more than a spoof. The costume and production design aptly punctuate the Parsi backdrop.
In her acting debut, Farah Khan seems rehearsed and often tries to camouflage her camera consciousness with a constant smirk. Acting doesn’t come naturally to her yet, with her cuteness and innocence, she has a charming presence. So it’s left up to Boman Irani to actually perform and the dependable actor doesn’t disappoint one bit. Being a Parsi himself, he glides into the role quite effortlessly in terms of diction and body language. His range and versatility is such that he can breathe life into any character and here he is impressive as the male lead.
It’s a treat to watch Daisy Irani in an author-backed role after long and she is absolutely adorable in her part. So is Shammi who is equally good and charming. Shahnaz Jehani makes for a strong supporting character. Mahabanoo Mody Kotwal is appealing. The other regular Parsi actors including Dinyar Contractor, Kurush Deboo and Sohrab Ardeshir are fine in their cameos.
This Shirin and Farhad might not make for eternal lovers but then the audience would identify with their ordinariness. And that makes for a decent watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment