Artivels Undescribable Perfection

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Merolliv I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

kathuria_nidhi Folklore set in Rajasthan in warm and colorful hues of emotions, fancies and temptations; Paheli captures the desires of a newly wed woman who must submit her ripened youth to a ghost and bask in the glory of her womanhood. She steals away 5 years of unbridled moments of love, lust and fulfillment for herself. Paheli is a stream of consciousness, which must follow its natural flow and will not be abruptly bent or change its course towards the end by the director, to satisfy and uphold the moralistic aspirations of the society. More than anyone else, the one who walks away with the top honors for this film is not Shahrukh Khan or Rani Mukerji, but the director Amol Palekar! For long, Amol Palekar has made films, which are made on thin budgets and only see the light of the day in film festivals. Labeled as an 'Art' filmmaker, Amol yet again attempts an arty treatment to the subject, and this time to the advantage, which he gains over mainstream film-making. No filmmaker in the mainstream cinema has ever been able to consummate the subject of falling in love with another man with such palpable simplicity and solution. Amol Palekar, aided with an exceptional Rajasthani folktale in hand- 'Duvidha' an interpretation by Vijaydan Detha, gives a true director's cut in Paheli that is gripping and delightful. In poetry that is simple and touching, Shahrukh explains to his beloved what he is and why he is, his existence an excuse for clouds to pour, a reason for sun to rise…Dialogues are a happy mix of Hindi and Rajasthani that support a powerful narration and screenplay. Magical rain scene on the terrace, conjuring of the gold coins, scene where the ghost directs a playful sea of rose petals to keep his lover from going and the use of ghost puppets as the voice of reason, is enchanting. The location and sets add depth to the story and cinematography captures its novelty in the colors, the director paints on screen. Costumes are elaborate and fit well with each character's get-up and personality. Music by M.M. Kreem portrays the emotional turmoil of the characters, not obstructing the story in any way. With lyrics for films as distant from his personality like Bunty Aur Babli, Gulzar has yet again proved his versatility and creativity in Paheli. Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher and Rajpal Yadav in cameo performances do justice to the characters the writer etched and infuse much animation and excitement to them. The ever-beautiful Juhi Chawla slipped into her role with subtle charm, grace and vitality, although one can't help feel sorry for Suniel Shetty in such an inconsequential role, where not much scope of leaving lasting impressions is present either. Other supporting cast as Shahrukh's kaka and two servants were well placed in the story and delivered good performances. Rani Mukerji is constantly raising the bar for her contemporaries with the complex characters she plays with utmost natural ease. Shahrukh Khan in a double role is a double powerhouse of throbbing passion and sensitivity, playing his part as a ghost and a man of average vices and virtues with conviction that will continue to haunt you, long after you have walked out of the theater with a smile on your face. Lachhi (Rani Mukerji) is married to Kisan (Shahrukh Khan) who is more interested in giving the accounts of marriage expenditure to his typical baniya father (Anupam Kher). He leaves his trembling, crying and yearning new bride on her nuptial bed to pursue material gains to please his father. A ghost who had briefly witnessed Lachhi's beauty and attracted her in its many magical forms falls in love with her. The estranged bride is feeling hurt and betrayed. She is vulnerable but not naive and makes a conscious decision of taking the ghost as her companion, who assumes the appearance of her husband. What happens when the real Kisan comes back? Does she go back to him or does destiny has other plans for her? Watch Paheli to find out!

venkat1926 A veteran short story writer once said about one of his stories that adults may not understand his story but children will. this film is a delightful romance. it is no use asking how can a ghost impregnate a woman. While reading some stories or viewing some films we suspend our sense of reality. there are no gruesome or handsome villains who invent new forms of coldest cruelty . There are no impossible and bloody fight scenes. True the story is mythical but quite allegorical. In one scene the ghost says that he is "love" every woman yearns for. In this film the sexuality of woman is described as something holy. In traditional societies normally the sexuality of women is suppressed on the plea of need for social stability. But in myths and folktales this taboo is transcended. The songs and dances mostly based on Rajasthani folk idioms are delightful. Rani Mukerjee acted superbly and there is a delightful cameo role by Amitab Bachan There is humor, joys and sorrows in this film. credos to Amol Palekar.

breview_2005 I recently saw this movie and thoroughly enjoyed it.When I saw the movie I thought that this movie was like an eye candy. So visually beautiful still real. This is a very simple movie based on a folktale. I loved the beautiful costumes, lovely songs. Credit goes to Amol Palekar for taking a very simple story and making it look so beautiful. I couldn't help but notice that Amol does know Rajasthan. Peacock's sound in the background when Rani and Sharukh wake up in the morning and the other attention to details made it so real. Rani did a very good job. It would have been good if Shahrukh could act too but lets not ask for impossible. Lets skip the camel race scene altogether. Unfortunately SRK can't be subtle.A word of warning for Hindi movie fans that this is not a regular commercial Hindi movie. If you liked Ankur, Avishkar(Rajesh Khanna), you will enjoy this movie. If Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, K3G is your kind of movies then stay away from this.

zakali4u The film had potential unfortunately it was casted very poorly. We all know Shah Rukh Khan is not a good actor under pressure. He can pull of easy more comfortable roles as they are not demanding by the film. But this film demanded an actor who can act beyond himself. Shah rukh failed to do that and failed this movie. He must attempt to better himself by playing less of the standard roles, I acknowledge they are giving him hits but thats a tribute to the style of film. Romance and Family films with a few stars are major hits no matter of the performance. I can think of a few actors who would of done themselves credit Salman, Amir as well as some others and the newcomer Arshad Warsi can successfully portray themselves in any role.