Released on September 14, 2012, Barfi! is a heartwarming Bollywood film that masterfully blends romance, comedy, and drama. Directed by Anurag Basu, the movie stars Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and Ileana D’Cruz in pivotal roles. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Darjeeling and Kolkata, Barfi! tells a tale that transcends language, societal norms, and disabilities. With its unique storytelling and endearing characters, the film has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Let’s dive deeper into what makes Barfi! a timeless classic.
Table of Contents
- 2. Plot Summary
- 3. What’s Good?
- Exceptional Performances
- Direction and Storytelling
- Music and Background Score
- Cinematography
- Emotional Depth
- 4. Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths:
- Weaknesses:
- 5. Target Audience
- 6. Box Office Details
- Budget:
- Worldwide Box Office Collection:
- Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- 7. Recommendation
- Genres:
- Rating:
- Cast:
- How is Our Review?
- About the Author: Rampukar
2. Plot Summary
Barfi! revolves around the life of Murphy “Barfi” Johnson (Ranbir Kapoor), a deaf and mute young man known for his mischief and charm. The story intricately weaves his relationships with Shruti (Ileana D’Cruz), his first love, and Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra), an autistic woman. The narrative alternates between past and present, unraveling Barfi’s struggles, joys, and unconditional love. While the plot is filled with humor and light-hearted moments, it also explores deeper themes of acceptance and resilience. The story’s unpredictability keeps viewers engaged without giving away too much.
3. What’s Good?
Exceptional Performances
Ranbir Kapoor delivers a career-defining performance as Barfi, portraying the character’s innocence and mischief with effortless charm. Priyanka Chopra’s portrayal of Jhilmil is equally commendable, capturing the nuances of autism with sensitivity and depth. Ileana D’Cruz adds grace and emotion to her role as Shruti, making her character relatable and memorable.
Direction and Storytelling
Anurag Basu’s direction is a work of art. He successfully balances humor and emotion, creating a narrative that feels both fresh and timeless. The non-linear storytelling adds layers to the plot, making it a delightful puzzle for the audience.
Music and Background Score
Pritam’s soulful music is one of the film’s highlights. Songs like “Phir Le Aya Dil” and “Aashiyan” beautifully complement the film’s mood. The background score, with its whimsical tones, enhances the charm of Barfi’s world.
Cinematography
Ravi Varman’s cinematography is visually stunning. The scenic landscapes of Darjeeling and the vintage vibe of Kolkata are captured with elegance. The use of warm tones and soft lighting gives the film a dreamlike quality.
Emotional Depth
The film’s ability to convey emotions without relying heavily on dialogues is remarkable. It’s a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the actors’ performances.
4. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Unique Concept: A refreshing departure from typical Bollywood fare.
- Strong Performances: The cast’s dedication shines through in every scene.
- Engaging Narrative: The blend of humor, romance, and drama keeps viewers hooked.
- Attention to Detail: From costumes to set design, everything feels authentic.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: Some scenes, especially in the second half, feel a bit stretched.
- Predictability: While the story is engaging, a few plot points are somewhat predictable.
- Limited Screen Time for Supporting Characters: Certain characters could have been explored further to add more depth to the story.
5. Target Audience
Barfi! is a film for everyone who appreciates heartfelt stories and strong performances. It’s perfect for families, romantics, and fans of offbeat cinema. If you enjoy movies that make you laugh, cry, and think, this one’s for you. However, those looking for high-octane action or fast-paced thrillers might find it slow.
6. Box Office Details
Budget:
The estimated budget of Barfi! was around INR 30 crores.
Worldwide Box Office Collection:
The movie was a massive success, earning approximately INR 175 crores worldwide.
Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas):
- Day 1: INR 8.5 crores (India) | INR 2.5 crores (Overseas)
- Day 2: INR 11 crores (India) | INR 3 crores (Overseas)
- Day 3: INR 13 crores (India) | INR 4 crores (Overseas)
- Day 4: INR 6.5 crores (India) | INR 2 crores (Overseas)
- Day 5: INR 6 crores (India) | INR 1.8 crores (Overseas)
The film’s consistent performance at the box office reflected its universal appeal and positive word-of-mouth.
7. Recommendation
Barfi! is a cinematic gem that celebrates love, life, and the beauty of imperfections. With stellar performances, soulful music, and an engaging narrative, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves meaningful cinema. Highly recommended for a wholesome movie experience!
Genres:
Drama, Romance, Comedy
Rating:
7.533/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Ranbir Kapoor | Murphy Johnson “Barfi” |
| Priyanka Chopra Jonas | Jhilmil Chatterjee |
| Ileana D’Cruz | Shruti Ghosh Sengupta |
| Saurabh Shukla | Sub-Inspector Sudhanshu Dutta |
| Jisshu Sengupta | Ranjit Sengupta |
| Ashish Vidhyarthi | Durjoy Chatterjee |
| Akash Khurana | Jung Bahadur Johnson |
| Roopa Ganguly | Shruti’s mother |
| Sujata Sehgal | Miss D’Souza |
| Arun Bali | Jhilmil’s Grandfather |
| Sumona Chakravarti | Shruti’s Friend |
| Haradhan Bandopadhyay | Daju |
| Uday Tikekar | Shruti’s Father |
| Shreya Ghoshal | Hemalini |
| Bholaraj Sapkota | Bhola |
| Preiti Mamgain | Jhilmil’s Mother |
| Kenneth Desai | Senior Inspector |
| Neeraj Khetrapal | Utensil Shop Owner |
| Rajeev Mishra | Dutta’s Assistant |
| Nirmala D. Thappa | Maalti Maasi |
| Apurva Pranjape | Jhilmil’s Sister |
| Rahul Malhothra | Young Barfi |
| Bhagyashree Dembla | Young Jhilmil |
| Subhankar Ghosh | Kolkata Police Inspector |
| Purva Parag | Barfi’s Mother |
| Archana Dani | Maid |
How is Our Review?
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
