By Taran Adarsh, August 20, 2010 - 17:10 IST
Sometimes, your
reputation precedes you. Pradeep Sarkar carries the reputation of
making women-centric movies. Films like PARINEETA and LAAGA CHUNARI
MEIN DAAG prove it. Who would've ever thought Sarkar would do a 360
degree turn in his third film by calling it LAFANGEY PARINDEY, set it
in a chawl and make his characters speak tapori lingo? Hard to digest,
isn't it? Frankly, the skilled storyteller takes you on a trip least
expected from him.
When you attempt something you haven't
attempted earlier or ventured into before, you either fall flat on your
face or walk with your chin up in air. Sarkar doesn't slip, although
LAFANGEY PARINDEY does have its share of hiccups that show up
intermittently. Unlike PARINEETA and LAAGA CHUNARI MEIN DAAG, Sarkar
narrates a simple story this time around and though it has nothing to
do with the Rajesh Khanna - Mumtaz - Meena Kumari starrer DUSHMUN, you
can't help but draw parallels with it, which, frankly, could be a
coincidence as well. Yet, to be fair to Sarkar, he ventures in an
unknown territory like a seasoned player.
Write your own movie review of Lafangey Parindey
On
the flipside, the film has a major flaw and that dilutes the impact to
an extent: Casting Neil Nitin Mukesh as a tapori. He just doesn't look
like one. Even if he tries very hard to get into the skin of the
character, you just can't connect with him since the suave and dashing
demeanor makes him look like a Harvard returned, not someone from the
streets or wadis of Mumbai definitely.
Final word? Sure, it has its share of shortcomings, but is an engaging watch nonethess.
LAFANGEY
PARINDEY is about a group of youngsters living in the backstreets of
Mumbai. It is the love story of Nandu [Neil Nitin Mukesh] and Pinky
[Deepika Padukone].
One-Shot Nandu takes boxing to a new level
by knocking down his opponents - blindfolded. Needless to say, One-Shot
lives life on his own terms and is a local hero amongst his friends.
But all that changes when he meets Pinky.
Pinky works at a mall,
but is a kickass dancer on skates. Strong-headed, talented and fiercely
ambitious, she aspires to rise above all the 'losers' living in her
locality and carve a niche for herself. Two different personalities.
Two different lives. Destined to meet.
LAFANGEY PARINDEY starts
with gusto! Also, it moves on a singular path, without diversifying
into unwanted sub-plots and superfluous characters. In fact, the story
takes off at the commencement of the film itself and how Neil and
Deepika's lives get intertwined makes for interesting viewing.
The
film has some truly engaging moments and most of them are in its first
hour. Sequences between Neil and Deepika after the accident are
wonderful and keep you hooked. However, things begin to slacken in the
post-interval portions, when the love story takes over and Neil and
Deepika realize that they share a deeper bond. Just when things are
about to go downhill, the climax happens and LAFANGEY PARINDEY is back
on track. In fact, the drama in the finale - when Deepika and Neil have
to perform the final act for a television show - is the highpoint of
this film. The skating sequences and choreography are stunning and
awe-inspiring.
Blemishes? Oh yes! The love story is conventional
and dreary. Also, the investigating officer's track is half-baked and
looks like an add-on. Besides, the film is embellished with a mediocre
musical score [R. Anandh]. Also, the Bambaiya Hindi has its limitations.
Like
I pointed out earlier, Neil is the wrong choice for this part. Also, he
lacks the fire to carry off the role with flourish.
LAFANGEY PARINDEY
clearly belongs to Deepika Padukone, who suits the character and enacts
it with such competence that it leaves you amazed. The pretty lass is
only getting better with every film. Piyush Mishra is first-rate. Kay
Kay Menon is okay in a brief role. The friends, each them, leave a
mark. Especially Namit Das, who's wonderful. Shiamak Davar, Juhi Chawla
and Javed Jafferi feature in brief roles.
On the whole, LAFANGEY PARINDEY may be predictable, but is engaging and entertaining nonetheless. A decent watch!
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