Farrey

The rich-in-content Farrey catches you with complete surprise as it explores the dark side of greed convincingly... Smart storytelling, several nail-biting moments and inspiring performances are its biggest strengths. RECOMMENDED. Before I conclude, I must add, it deserved a catchy, easy-to-comprehend title.

On the whole, Farrey is a well-made and engaging film but if it still does not get the box-office numbers, it will be because of gross lack of promotion of a new star cast film, a difficult title (which is understood mainly in North India only) and a screenplay which leaves some important questions unanswered (as mentioned above).

Director Soumendra Padhi, previously known for his notable work on the Netflix hit series Jamtara - Sabka Number Ayega and the National Award-winning film Budhia Singh - Born to Run, demonstrates his exceptional suitability for this film. His direction is especially commendable with the debutant cast, prominently featuring Alizeh. For those who haven't experienced Bad Genius, Farrey provides a captivating series of twists and turns.

Directed by Soumendra Padhi, "Farrey" is a heist-thriller that follows a group of teenagers attempting to cheat on an international entrance test. Led by Niyati Singh (played by Alizeh Agnihotri), the group navigates the complexities of academic pressure and privilege to achieve their goals.

The film's premise, based on the Thai film "Bad Genius," offers promise but ultimately falls short in execution. While the storyline touches on themes of class disparity and the pressure to succeed, it lacks depth in character development and storytelling.

The performances by the cast, including Alizeh Agnihotri, Sahil Mehta, Zeyn Shaw, and Prasanna Bisht, are decent but fail to elevate the material. Despite the potential for emotional resonance, the film's pacing feels rushed, leaving little room for the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

One of the film's major drawbacks is its lack of a compelling soundtrack and sound direction, which contributes to moments of boredom and disengagement. Additionally, the ending feels predictable and anticlimactic, robbing the film of any lasting impact.

Overall, "Farrey" may serve as a passable one-time watch, but it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression. With its lack of originality and missed opportunities for deeper exploration of its themes, it's a forgettable addition to the genre.

One of the finest movies of 2023. A strong content oriented highly underrated movie. Story revolves around how very privileged students take undue advantage of underprivileged children to make their career. What starts as an average movie takes unexpected turns. Definitely not preachy but story is thought inducing. Alizeh Agnihotri is fantastic! Must watch for younger crowd particularly adolescent n older crowd. Available in Zee5. My ratings 7/10!

One of the finest movies of 2023. A strong content oriented highly underrated movie. Story revolves around how very privileged students take undue advantage of underprivileged children to make their career. What starts as an average movie takes unexpected turns. Definitely not preachy but story is thought inducing. Alizeh Agnihotri is fantastic! Must watch for younger crowd particularly adolescent n older crowd. Available in Zee5. My ratings 7/10!

The word 'Farrey' stands for ways to cheat, to devise ingenious ways to surpass the system and most importantly, do this without getting caught. But what makes the film a terrific watch is the treatment and performances of the lead cast.

'Farrey' sort of pushes the boundaries and caters to a more mainstream crowd. There is very little titillation or need to push the envelope in that space and instead, Soumendra Padhi and his troupe of kids focus on their characters and making the performances take the lead.

When we meet Niyati (Alizeh Agnihotri) in an orphanage wanting to go big, we actually also get into what an all-girls shelter home looks like from the inside. On the other side of the spectrum are the rich and very privileged Chhavi (Prasanna Bisht) and Prateek (Zeyn Shaw). How Niyati gets entangled in what seems like just a mere case of making a quick buck is what sets 'Farrey' apart from the rest.

Performances are the strongest pillars in 'Farrey'. After writing, if there is a force that makes the film worth watching, then it has to be the ensemble that Soumendra Padhi has put together. You can tell from the scenes that he has definitely put these kids through rehearsals and sessions before finalising the main take.

Alizeh Agnihotri, who makes her debut with 'Farrey', is perhaps the best find of 2023. Easy on the eyes and yet so riveting, she shines bright in some of the most complex scenes. The no-makeup, de-glam look also helps Alizeh make Niyati feel real. Her first big scene - the long monologue opposite Ronit Roy - is where you get to see that glimpse of someone who, with the right guidance and support, can be moulded into a terrific performer.

Prassana Bisht, who plays Chavi, is super terrific and so is Sahil Mehta, who plays Aakash. These two actors will go a long way and should get picked up for the right roles.

'Farrey' has a steady first half, but it's the second follow-up storyline post interval where you find the most juice. It's fast paced, makes you sit on the edge of your seat and the characters spring one surprise after another. There is, thankfully, no forced love angle or any other gimmick that might be a distraction to what the maker is set out to do.

'Farrey' is a solid effort that keeps you engaged. The fact that it is based on a real-life event makes it even more fascinating. A solid A + on the mark sheet for the cast of 'Farrey'.

While the film attempts to capture the essene of the original Thai masterpiece, it falls short in almost every aspect. The narrative feels rushed and underdeveloped, failing to delve into the depths of the characters' motivations and the complexities of the cheating scheme. The adrenaline-fuelled sequences of cheating escapades, which were so captivating in the original film, lack the same intensity and suspense in "Farrey".

Alizeh Agnihotri's character transformation from a reluctant participant to an integral part of the cheating scheme feels unearned, and the audience struggles to connect with her on an emotional level. The stark contrast between Niyati's privileged classmates and her own struggles as an orphan feels forced and fails to resonate with the audience.

Overall, "Farrey" is a disappointing remake that fails to capture the magic of its Thai predecessor. The rushed narrative, underdeveloped characters, and the lack of suspense make it a forgettable cinematic experience. For those seeking a truly captivating tale of academic fraud and moral dilemmas the original Thai film " Bad Genius" remains the superior choice.