Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, (Introducing) Vidya Balan, Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Dia Mirza , Achyut Potdar and Rajesh...
Starcast: Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan, (Introducing) Vidya Balan, Raima Sen, Sabyasachi Chakraborty, Dia Mirza , Achyut Potdar and Rajesh Sharma
Music: Shantanu Moitra
Direction: Pradeep Sarkar
Parineeta directed by Pradeep Sarkar swept me off
my feet when I first watched it. Based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s 1914
Bengali novella, this film released on June 2005, is a beautiful blend of
romance, drama, and that old-school Kolkata charm. It’s one of those movies
that feels like a warm hug—nostalgic, emotional, and just so pretty to look at.
So, grab a cup of chai, and let’s dive into why Parineeta is still worth a
watch.
First off, the story. Set in 1960s Kolkata,
Parineeta revolves around Lalita (Vidya Balan in her debut Bollywood role) and
Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan), childhood friends who share a bond that’s clearly more
than platonic but they’re too stubborn to admit it. Lalita is an orphaned girl
living with her uncle’s family, while Shekhar is the son of a wealthy, kinda
grumpy businessman, Navin Rai (Sabyasachi Chakraborty). The plot kicks off when
Girish (Sanjay Dutt) enters the picture as a charming saviour for Lalita and
her family, stirring up jealousy and misunderstandings. Throw in family drama,
class divides, and a backdrop of the golden era of kolkata, and you’ve got a
recipe for a classic love story with just enough tension to keep you hooked.
What makes Parineeta stand out is how it nails the
vibe of its setting. The Kolkata of the ‘60s comes alive with cobbled streets,
vintage cars, and those gorgeous Bengali mansions that make you want to move
there ASAP. Pradeep Sarkar, making his directorial debut, paints every frame
like a love letter to the city. The cinematography by Nataraja Subramanian is
just stunning—think soft lighting, warm colors, and shots that linger just long
enough to make you feel the mood. Whether it’s a rainy evening or a Durga Puja
celebration, every scene feels like it’s straight out of a painting.
Now, let’s talk about the heart of the film: the
performances. Vidya Balan as Lalita is an absolute revelation. This was her
first major role, and man, does she own it. She’s got this quiet strength mixed
with vulnerability that makes you root for her from the get-go. Her chemistry
with Saif Ali Khan is electric—those stolen glances and unspoken feelings?
Chef’s kiss. Saif, as Shekhar, is perfect as the brooding, slightly arrogant
guy who’s head-over-heels but too proud to admit it. He nails the balance between
charming and flawed, making you want to both hug him and shake some sense into
him. Sanjay Dutt, playing Girish, brings depth to his role, his Girish is
extremely endearing as the good-guy rival. The supporting cast—Rekha in a
cameo, Raima Sen as Lalita’s cousin, and Diya Mirza—add so much flavor to the
story, making every interaction feel real. Sabyasachi Chakraborty is superb as
the stern patriarch.
The music, oh my god, the music. Shantanu Moitra’s
soundtrack is like the soul of Parineeta. Songs like “Piyu Bole” and “Kaisi
Paheli Zindagani” are so beautifully woven into the narrative that they don’t
feel like typical Bollywood song breaks. “Piyu Bole,” with Sonu Nigam and
Shreya Ghoshal’s soulful voices, is the kind of song that gives you goosebumps
every time you hear it. And Rekha’s dance with Sunidhi Chauhans rendition of
“Kaisi Paheli” is just pure magic—her voice and that retro vibe? I’m obsessed.
The background score, too, deserves a shoutout for setting the tone perfectly,
whether it’s a tender moment or a dramatic showdown.
The pacing is another thing Parineeta gets right.
At just over two hours, it never feels dragged out. The story flows smoothly,
balancing the romance with family drama and societal issues like class and
pride. Sure, some bits—like the whole misunderstanding between Shekhar and
Lalita—can feel a tad clichéd, but the film handles it with so much heart that
you don’t mind. The climax, without giving too much away, is satisfying and
doesn’t overdo the melodrama, which is a win for a Bollywood romance.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the film could’ve
fleshed out some side characters a bit more, like Raima Sen’s Gayatri, who
feels a little underused despite her charm. Also, the class-conflict angle,
while poignant, sometimes takes a backseat to the romance, which might leave
one wanting. But honestly, these are minor gripes in an otherwise near-perfect
film.
What I love most about Parineeta is how it captures
love in all its messy, beautiful glory. It’s not just about grand gestures;
it’s about the little moments—the way Lalita tucks her saree, the way Shekhar’s
eyes soften when he looks at her. It’s a film that feels personal, like it’s
telling you a story about people you know. Plus, it’s got that rare quality of
being rewatchable. I’ve seen it at least three times, and it still hits me in
the feels every time.
So, if you’re in the mood for a romantic drama
that’s equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, Parineeta is your go-to.
It’s got stellar performances, a killer soundtrack, and a vibe that’ll
transport you to a different era. Watch it with someone you love, or just curl
up with some popcorn and let it sweep you away.
By Ayushmaan Mitra
No comments