| This
beautifully narrated movie revolves around three close-knit characters
and their complex relationships, which slowly arise with time.
Lolita
(Vidya Balan) is an orphan living with her aunt, uncle and cousin,
Koel (Raima Sen). She is the neighbour and close friend of Shekhar
(Saif Ali Khan) with whom she has grown up.
While
his father, Navin Rai, is a sharp businessman, Shekhar is fully
absorbed composing music.
Navin
has recently employed Lolita to work for him as a favour to her
family. He has also lent Lolita's uncle a large sum of money by
accepting their house as a guarantee for repayment.
Soon,
life changes in Lolita's household when Girish, who is from London,
comes into their lives. He is the brother of Lolita's aunt.
But
Girish's arrival gives rise to jealousy in Shekhar as Lolita and
her family start spending more time with this calm-natured Londoner.
It
is not long before Lolita catches wind of Navin's devious scheme. So the heavy
burden of the loan is quickly lifted by Girish who bails the family out from their
financial crisis. When
Shekhar hears about this, he is overcome by bitterness towards his close friend
Lolita. By
now Girish is secretly in love with Lolita and intends to marry her. It
is on the day of Shekhar's wedding to the rich aristocratic spoilt Gayatri Tantia,
that he discovers the truth. He challenges his father to reclaim his true love.
But is it not too late? Director
Pradeep Sarkar's idea of shifting Sarat Chandra Chattopadhayay's 1913 original
classic to the Kolkata of the 1960s has really paid off.
The
film has reflections of Sarat's previous classic - Devdas
- which also deals with a similar story of two neighbours and the
intense love for two individuals.
Lavish
sets, costumes and lighting splendidly recreate the Kolkata of the 1960s.
Coupled
with melodic songs and blending flawlessly with the narration (Vidhu
Vinod Chopra's trademark), the story unfolds slowly until it reaches
its surprising climax.
Vidya
Balan as Lolita does full justice to her role. She portrays her emotions through
her eyes with ease. Saif
Ali Khan is superb in every frame - a natural in every way. Sanjay Dutt is equally
good in his brief role as Girish who acts as the light at the end of the tunnel
for Lolita's family.
Parineeta,
is a must see. It is a classic and rare example of Bollywood at
its best!
Currently
at number 8 in the UK charts, this film will be in cinemas for long time to come.
Go and watch it! Reviewed
by Manish Gajjar
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