There are some films that there is no point in reviewing. It is because they are just so superlatively fabulous that a film critic runs the risk of sounding redundant. Taare Zameen Par was one of them. As were the Dark Knight or Forrest Gump. But Barfi takes this redundancy to whole new level. Barfi, in its own simplistic way redefines cinema, whether Indian or not.
There are times when you look at a dish that looks deceptively simple, yet you know from the burst of flavour in your mouth that there is a huge amount of complexity that went behind making it. Barfi is that dish. A beautiful story, told in a simple narrative and brought together to a touching conclusion.
I still am not sure what I love most about the film. Could it be the parts played by the 3 protagonists to perfection? Ranbir doing a Chaplin perhaps better than Charlie himself, bringing humour to highlight tragedy and serious issues. Priyanka who helped you forget the superstar that she is in an act as believable as it was endearing. Or the narrator, a new comer who makes you feel for her as she pines for her love all her life.
Or maybe I liked the direction best. The way the film runs between stories. How it moves from a detective novel to a love story to a family drama. Perhaps it was the editing. Or the cinematography. Or maybe even the background score which lifted the film where it needed to and sailed it along.
I don’t think we need to have award ceremonies this year. All categories should be automatically gifted to this film. If this film can not win an Oscar, the Oscar’s should shut shop.
In a day and age where one struggles to find the meaning of love and perhaps the very existence of it, Barfi tells the tale of love so pure and so true that you can not help but believe. Love, whether it be unrequited or reciprocated, lost or found, is the true hero of this film.
A standing ovation.
Rating: Off the charts
