The 2012 movie ‘Barfi!‘ Honestly, it is a masterpiece in the manner in which it delivers some messages through beautiful images. The movie is like a part of a larger story that is full of laughter, tears, and moments of happiness. It is a film directed by Anurag Basu that tells the story of Ranbir Kapoor’s Murphy “Barfi” Johnson, who is deaf and mute but leads an extraordinary life. Barfi interacts with the world in a playful way, with love and with life, and proves that happiness lies in the heart and not in circumstances.
The heart of the film is based on Barfi’s connection with Shruti Ghosh, played by Ileana D’Cruz, who is a shy, intelligent, and thoughtful girl-next-door, and Priyanka Chopra’s Jhilmil Chatterjee, who is an autistic young woman belonging to a rich family. The film treats the characters with different abilities with dignity and sensitivity, bringing out their realities rather than patronizing them or reducing them to clichés, and all the more so in its moments of joy and struggles.
Heartfelt Performances in Barfi Capture Love, Loss, and Redemption
Ranbir Kapoor’s act is one that is full of love as well as emotion. The way he has portrayed the emotions of Barfi through his facial expressions, actions, and body language is exemplary, and something that Bollywood rarely dares to attempt. The performance put up by Priyanka Chopra in the role of Jhilmil was also praiseworthy, as she was able to display the innocence, playfulness, and vulnerability of her character quite effectively. Ileana D’Cruz was able to make sure that Shruti was a complex character with depth and silence, while also showcasing the patience and reality of her love for Barfi. All three performances are an integral part of the emotional side of the movie.
The movie showcases the beauty of love and pain that ensues after, coming through quite well in the old age of Shruti as she remembers her life. The fact that Barfi was able to find Jhilmil, and that despite all the circumstances, he loved her with all his heart, is something that brought tears to many of our eyes. The bit where Jhilmil calls out to Barfi as he is chasing Shruti, and Shruti pushes him away because the love that has developed between them will only end up leaving her shattered, and how this provides its own redemption to the end of the movie, is something that is complex yet quite emotional. The level of detail in the delivery of the movie was quite daring, and although it did take a chance, it has really worked wonders for the movie.
Joy, Music, and Heart in Perfect Harmony
The fact that the movie is based in the cities of Darjeeling and Kolkata adds another layer to the tale. Whether it is the Mall Roads, the Hill Cart Road of Darjeeling, or the markets of Kolkata, every location has been handled with care, thus giving an insight into the lives of the people in the state of Bengal in their most natural form.
The songs composed by Pritam match the story aptly. Songs like “Phir Le Aaya Dil” and “Aashiyan” express the emotions of the characters and the mood of the situation without ever seeming to be randomly inserted into the movie. The presence of comedy, lightheartedness, and emotional elements ensures that the viewer is kept engaged throughout. What makes Barfi! a memorable experience is its ability to showcase the small pleasures of life, along with exploring the world of love and the meaning of love in connecting people. The journey of Barfi!, Shruti, and Jhilmil in life is nothing but hilarious, emotional, and at times bitter-sweet.
