Friday, February 13, 2009

Movie Review: Billu starring Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Shah Rukh Khan.

Hi Readers,

When the name Shah Rukh Khan appears to be the producer of a movie...one expects quality entertainment. When one hears the name Priyadarshan, one expects a film with excellent comedy. When Irrfan Khan is mentioned...we expect a quality acting performance. When we hear the name Lara Dutta...we expect a performance with the bonus of beauty. When you know that three beautiful ladies are appearing in item numbers, one expects great escapism. Does the film meet the expectations?

The story of Billu is simple. A story of a simple man Billu (Irrfan Khan) who resides in a village. He is married to a beautiful wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta). They live a hard life but they keep themselves happy. One day, a movie superstar Sahir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) comes to shoot for a movie in their village. News spreads around the village Billu is Sahir's childhood friend. Billu does not want to visit Sahir for many reasons but they are good at heart. As the people in Billu's village use him to get close to Sahir, does Billu take advantage of the news that he is friends with the superstar?

Visually, the film is excellent. Manikandan is excellent with the sets. The fact that he captures the village with excellent beauty. He also makes sure all the songs are visualised amazingly. He does not disappoint. Writers Mushtaq Sheikh and Priyadarshan do not disappoint with the screenplay. The story never loses focus as everything falls into the narrative superbly. Even the songs go with the narrative.

The songs are all done excellently. The choreography for each song are done brilliantly, not one of the songs disappoint. My personal favourite is Marjaani, there is something about Shah Rukh at the end of the song. Love Mere Hit Hit, Deepika is beautiful and she does dance well but it is Shah Rukh that makes the song go that extra mile. Rocking and Reeling is brilliant and Priyanka is stunning. Aa Ae O is done amazingly. The songs all stand out and that is another special thing about the film.

The director, Priyadarshan has created one of his most amazing directorial movies. This is far by one of his best films of recent times. The way he brings out the excellent screenplay, the way he brings out brilliant performances in each of his actors. After Virasat, this is the film that makes us realise how great Priyadarshan is. Also, he makes sure all the songs go with the narrative and the glamour is sure seen. He also is brilliant with the comic scenes and the humour is subtle and funny. Priyadarshan executes the climax with the audience feeling great and total paisa vasool.

For the performances:
Irrfan Khan - This actor has never given a performance that leaves you disappointed. He makes sure that the audience empathises with Billu in so many scenes. Irrfan is in total ease with his character. He makes Billu funny but not in a derogatory way. Irrfan proves why he is a quality actor and one only needs to watch the climax to see the beauty of the actor's performance.
Lara Dutta - She is totally de-glamourised and she makes sure that she is not just a pretty face. Despite looking simple, she looks beautiful and her acting is amazing. She makes sure that Bindiya understands her husband as well as her own children. Lara shows how star-struck normal housewives may be. An excellent performance.
Shah Rukh Khan - He proves that not only has he produced one of the best comedy movies this decade but proves why he is the best at bringing out emotions. He plays the superstar brilliantly and spoofs himself a little too. Just watch the climax scene and you will realise why Shah Rukh is the best star-actor in the industry. He compliments the story brilliantly.
Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and Asrani create giggles and make sure you laugh out loud.

Overall, the film is brilliant. From performances to the tight screenplay to the brilliant visuals to the excellent item numbers...nothing leaves you feeling empty. The dialogues are brilliantly written and has each scene goes by, the audience is able to interact with the story. If you are looking for a film that has a complete package in quality entertainment, then you will not be disappointed here. Go and get yourself to the local cinema and watch this film that creates laughter as well as tears. This film should do well at the box office...super-hit is expected.

Rating: 4/5 - Paisa vasool in quality and entertainment.

Lots of love,
Rahul N. Singh

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