Australia's Best Movie Magazine

Film reviews

The Vow

A saccharine and paint-by-numbers slice of romance, which is largely boosted by the appeal of its two leads.

Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (3D)

The under-utilised 3D adds little to this prequel, which only serves as a sore reminder of the brilliance of the original films.

Any Questions For Ben?

The talented bunch of actors ably cut through the surface gloss, but it’s tough to remain invested in the plight of the self-absorbed lead.

Shame

It starts off as brutal but arresting stuff, and the two lead performances are scorching, but disappointingly dissolves into a case of tragedy for the sake of tragedy.

search the site

Enter search term:

newsletter

Enter your email address below to receive the weekly Filmink newsletter

Enter search term:

Lafangey Parindey (Film)

by Mamta Bhatt | August 24, 2010 12:46 | Edited August 24, 2010 12:47

While driven by compelling performances, the film fails to explore the ideas and themes it raises and wraps up the narrative too conveniently

Set in a small neighbourhood in Mumbai, Lafangey Parindey tells the tale of two individuals drawn together through tragic circumstance. Nandu (Neil Nitin Mukesh) is an aimless thug who illegally boxes for a gambling gangster. He's intoxicated by the quick cash and uninterested in long-term goals. Pinky Palkar (Deepika Padukone) is a big fish in a small pond, who eschews her small town life and dreams of making it as an international skater. Her sole purpose is to earn enough money to escape the drudgery of Mumbai, where her talent is stifled. Both live completely opposing lives until one night Nandu accidentally runs Pinky down and leaves her blind. Though his crime is never exposed, he is tormented by the event and vows to help her see and dance again. As he grapples his guilt with his growing affections for Pinky, the film explores what it means to get a second lease on life.

 

Deepika Padukone is the heart and soul of Lafangey Parindey, and the sole reason to watch the film. Her performance as the blind tomboy is perfection; it's a testament to her skills that every emotion flits across her flawless face and moves the audience with a single glance. Mukesh's physical appearance makes his role as a small-time Mumbai thug hard to believe, but he enacts his role with great sincerity. Though he is overshadowed by Padukone's prowess, he perfectly downplays the predictable tough guy exterior/soft guy interior, and leaves an indelible mark with his smitten stares and shy demeanour.

 

While the acting is compelling, the narrative leaves a lot to be desired. Though the love story is novel and the ideas of seizing life, destiny, second chances and empowerment, are well thought out, the screenplay only scratches the surface of the issues. There are no repercussions and the resolutions are too convenient. The writers do little to flesh out the story, and ultimately undermine the compelling themes that could have enhanced this sweet, simple tale.