Lafangey Parindey

You can surely tell 'Lafangey Parindey' has been passed through Sanjib Datta's editing bay one too many times. Style over substance is the norm as the whole film looks like what someone might vomit up after partially digesting Natarajan Subramanian's digitized footage. Eldridge Rodrigues' insistently fussy and grandiose production design mistakes extra-crisp textures, brilliant colors and high contrast backdrops for story atmosphere and style. Yes it's flashy as hell, but amphetamine-fueled methods do not compensate for distinct lack of substance. Sham Kaushal's action all but forces its bulky, twitching mass down your throat until you realize you haven't been entertained but assaulted.

'Lafangey Parindey' is certainly a front runner for one of the worst mainstream Bollywood releases of the year. It will try your patience and give you a throbbing headache - about all it does with any success.

What do you expect from a love story now-a-days? Should it be different? Should it be unique? Should it be one of a kind? But how many times have you come across a love story that is different or unique? You'd say none! I wouldn't disagree. But, Lafangey Parindey somehow doesn't go down as common love story. Okay, it's not different but it is not a million times seen love story..

She, a wannabe figure skater, cannot see. He, a bare-knuckles street- fighter, doesn't need to. But both Pinky Palkar(Deepika Padukone) and Nandan Kamtekar(Neil Nitin Mukesh) have their sights firmly set on a better life, a life beyond the mean backstreets of Mumbai. One Shot Nandu, as he is called, fights blindfolded every week for Satta King(Piyush Mishra) and lays his opponent low with one blow, always wins. Pinky, dreams of making it big by winning a reality show but an accident takes away her eye sight and then she is supported by Nandu to refocus her goal. Dekhne ko aankh nai keeda maangta hai. This is the lesson he gives to Pinky. She starts using her all sense organs to offset the absence of sight. Together they form an unlikely pair, but as fate had decided they fell in love and with predictable twists and turns they finally achieve their goals.

The movie is a predictable ride from the beginning, but the typical Mumbai lingo along with fine performances of specially supporting actors prevent you from looking at your watch and the ceiling. The first half is slow and little boring but the skate dancing in the second half is the saving grace. Many scenes do bring smiles and laughs during the movie.

Neil Nitin is evolving. He has done extremely well. Deepika is finally learning to act. This is her finest performance to date. Piyush Mishra is exceptional. As stated earlier, the supporting actors have done a brilliant job. Music by R. Anandh is good. Special note for the song Man Lafanga sung by Mohit Chauhan. Choreography is top notch. Bosco-Caeser are sure to get many accolades for the skate dancing in the climax of the movie. Dialogues by Gopi Puthran are hilarious. Action and cinematography are OK. Pradeep Sarkar of Parineeta and Laga Chunari Me Daag fame surely has attempted a very different genre this time. He doesn't succeed, nor he fails. The movie is perfect mixture of entertainment and boredom. Seldom you get bored and often you laugh.

To conclude, I would say go for it, if you are looking for a complete masala Bollywood flick and some brilliant skate dancing.

My Rating: 6/10

Thanks & Regards

Aditya Chopra pulls off another great love story, but this one is a bit different than his usual. Though the story line is somewhat predictable, it is still entertaining watching Pinky achieve her dreams despite the odds and Nandu change his whole attitude towards life. The supporting cast all play their roles well. The film achieves a form of grittiness through excellent use of cool colors, gritty music and scenery. But even through that, the underlying love story is not lost. The soundtrack is excellent with weird bits of Celtic, gypsy and classical all thrown in and used at the most appropriate times. This story will have you bobbing around happy at the appropriate times and sad the next when things don't always go as expected. You will enjoy the triumph of the human spirit in this movie. Good for guys as well as gals

This film truly surprised me. I was expecting one of the same old formula gangster cum romance film; but, surprise, it takes pot shots at life! It is definitely one of the most entertaining films of the year. Gopi Puthran the story/screenplay/dialogs writer is truly a great find and we will certainly hear more about him.

In the acting department, the entire cast surprises you by giving very competent performances. I really loved the Bhai, KK Menon makes a good guest appearance. Both Deepika and Neil surprised me with their performance! All the other goofy named characters were also good.

The story is extremely well written and the film is well directed. The dialogs are memorable and strong! Mumbaiya and tapori (rowdy) language rules! This film reminds you of the good old day films where story and entertainment was paramount. Basically, that formula has been worked out for today's audience.

The songs and music are quite good. The photography too is quite good.

What is outstanding is the skating choreography (Sandro Guerro)! Deepika and Neil really shine in the skating scenes!

The end is a little bit abrupt and predictable!

Will I watch it again? Yes, of course. There is a bit of violence and gangsterism is the backdrop, but this film is about life and love. Definitely worth a watch, if not more. Go for it! Finally, a truly entertaining film.

Nice story line. I loved that it was always close to reality and not much unrealistic like most such Bollywood movies. Neil did act very well too - so was Deepika. Worth watching.