The 2012 movie ‘Barfi!‘ Honestly, it is an extraordinary work of showing how certain messages can easily be conveyed by beautiful frames. The movie feels like a part of a story that is full of laughter, emotion, and small moments of joy. Directed by Anurag Basu, the film showcases the story of Ranbir Kapoor’s Murphy “Barfi” Johnson, who is a deaf-mute man, and his life is anything but ordinary. Barfi approaches the world with playful mischief, with warmth, and a vivacity for life, showing that happiness comes from the heart, and not from circumstances.
The heart of the story lies in Barfi’s relationships with Shruti Ghosh, played by Ileana D’Cruz, who is a quiet, intelligent, and thoughtful girl-next-door, and Priyanka Chopra’s Jhilmil Chatterjee, who is a young woman with autism from a wealthy family. The film treats these differently-abled characters with respect and humanity, portraying them as fully realized people rather than relying on pity or banalities, while focusing on their joys, struggles, and moments of connection, which are deeply moving and relatable.
Heartfelt Performances in Barfi Capture Love, Loss, and Redemption
Ranbir Kapoor gives a performance that is both affectionate and touching. Through expressions, gestures, and body language, he conveys the full range of Barfi’s emotions without relying on dialogue, which is something Bollywood usually doesn’t dare to do. Priyanka Chopra’s character as Jhilmil was applaud-worthy as she captured her character’s innocence, playfulness, and vulnerability with sensitivity. Ileana D’Cruz made sure to bring depth and quiet strength to Shruti, portraying a love that is patient, enduring, and real. Together, the three performances form the emotional core of the film.
The film captures the beauty of love and its inevitable pain, which is reflected poignantly through Shruti’s old age as she looks back on her life. The fact that Barfi found Jhilmil and, despite everything, loved her wholeheartedly brought many of us to tears. The scene where Jhilmil screams Barfi’s name while he follows Shruti, and Shruti pushes him away because of the love that has endured all these years, and how broken it will leave Jhilmil, creates a complex yet deeply moving moment, ultimately offering its own sense of redemption. The attention to detail in the film’s execution was daring, and though risky, it paid off brilliantly.
Joy, Music, and Heart in Perfect Harmony
The film’s setting in Darjeeling and Kolkata adds another layer to the story. From the beautiful Mall streets, Hill Cart road, and tea gardens to the swarming markets and old trams of Kolkata, the locations are captured with care, showing everyday life in Bengal in a natural, authentic way. Street musicians, local festivals, and cultural traditions make up the world of Barfi! feel alive and lived-in, giving the story a sense of place that stays with you.
The music, composed by Pritam, complements the story beautifully. Songs like “Phir Le Aaya Dil” and “Aashiyan” reflect the emotions of the characters and the mood of the scenes without ever feeling forced. The mix of humor, light-hearted moments, and heartfelt emotion keeps the film engaging from start to finish.
What makes Barfi! memorable is its ability to celebrate the small joys of life while exploring love and human connection. Watching Barfi, Shruti, and Jhilmil navigate life together is funny, touching, and occasionally bittersweet, carving a permanent memory.
