Parineeta
Parineeta
| 10 June 2005 (USA)
Parineeta Trailers

Since childhood, Lolita has been in love with her next-door neighbor, Shekhar, whose father, Navinchandra, is a wealthy but heartless businessman. When she discovers Navinchandra's plan to seize her uncle's home and turn it into a hotel, she decides to seek help from Girish, a steel tycoon. Shekhar, however, suspects romantic motives are behind Lolita's entreaty.

Reviews
Alicia

I love this movie so much

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Actuakers

One of my all time favorites.

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Roxie

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

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Jenni Devyn

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

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aaronbir

This movie was so totally interesting and full of good storyline Good screenplay good editing good direction Saif was doing a good job Sanjay is remarkable vidya was superb in her debut performance Songs are really impressive 5 star Don't miss

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reel magic

Every now and then along comes a story that touches you, a story so vivid that it takes on a life and history of its' own. In the genre of love stories, this is one of them.If I would have to sum up the main issue of the story, I would have to say the loyalty of a woman. Of a lover, a parent or a friend, of feelings.In the case of the movie I would have to add the honest belief in this piece of literature. Judging from three film adaptations, it is obviously a much admired story in India.Let me just say that I was impressed by the whole romantic setting and the subdued, peaceful quality of it, which probably serves to underscore the harmonious character, and the quiet dignity and virtue of Lolita (the irony of a name). However and more importantly, I was amazed, and gladly so, by the emotional pull between the main actors. Saif Ali Khan has shown his best (I didn't believe he had it in him to portray this type of character). And as for Vidya Balan, I believe she steals the show. Except for being radiantly beautiful, she manages to express a great subtlety of emotion, and in a debut role, at that. She understands her character, and embodies it to perfection.This film is worlds apart from your typical shallow masala entertainment which in many a case insults the intelligence of the public.I've seen Parineeta twice so far, and it's done wonders for my perception of what great Hindi cinema is. And now, excuse me, I'm off to see about the book.

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nedtheone

For a nation starved of creatively fulfilling cinema, Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Parineeta is like a dream come true. If you overlook the overindulgence in melodrama in the last few reels of the film, Parineeta may well classify as a classic entertainer with brilliant performances, outstanding music and superb production values. Based on Saratchandra Chatterjee's novel, Parineeta is the story of two childhood friends - Lolita (newcomer Vidya Balan) and Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan), both hailing from different strata of society. They share an unspoken bond of love. Enter Girish (Sanjay Dutt) from London. Shekhar is driven to jealousy by the growing affections between Girish and Lolita. A series of circumstances manipulated by Shekhar's father Naveen Rai force the two lovers apart amidst a series of misunderstandings and betrayals. Parineeta is the story of a woman's endless wait for her love and director Pradeep Sarkar weaves the story like magic, especially in the first half. The relationship between Lolita and Shekhar is beautifully established right from the beginning. Sarkar excels in the detailing - the vintage look of the film stands out with authentic costumes, props and even the roads of Kolkata. Which makes the deliberate plugs of brands like Saridon and Cadbury stand out sorely. Some of the sequences haunt you much after the film is over: Shekhar's complex state of mind during his marriage with Gayatri (Dia Mirza) and his confrontation scenes with Lolita. Girish's first encounter with Lolita and Saif's anguish as he helplessly watches his love slip by are excellent. The scene in the recording studio is worth a mention. Full marks to Vinod Chopra and Sarkar for a deft screenplay. Sarkar's picturisations of Piyu Bole and Soona Mann Ka Aangan are mesmerising. The background score is heavily inspired by 1942: A Love Story. Perhaps the only problem with the film lies in its script and maybe contemporarising it would have helped. In the second half, the script stumbles. And then comes the worst part - the climax. The wall breaking scene between shouts from family and friends screaming, "Todh, Shekhar todh!" is so amateur that it dilutes the whole film's impact. All the performances are top class - Vidya Balan makes a sensational debut. Whether it's her coy demeanour with Saif or her confusion with Sanjay, Vidya is an absolute delight. Sanjay Dutt is in super form. Sabyasachi Chakraborty as Saif's father is brilliant. Among the others, Raima Sen and Ninad Kamat (as Shekhar's friend) add enormously to the film despite their miniscule parts. But Parineeta really belongs to Saif Ali Khan. It's his best performance to date. Khan showcases a plethora of emotions, all in right doses - jealousy, compassion, callousness, insecurity, resentment and joy. It's hard to imagine any other actor playing the role. With this film, Saif rightfully acquires his position in the top rung of the industry. If Parineeta falls short of being a masterpiece, it's only due to the few howlers in the latter half. But even the chinks in the armour can't rob the film of its sheen. For Hindi cinema, it's a big step forward.

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vrbass-1

This has to be one of the best (perhaps the very best?) Hindi romance film. The plot is a venerable old yarn from the 1950s, many elements of which are now clichés in these romances. But this remake gives them new life, with fabulous photography, great songs and terrific acting. The chemistry between Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Kahn is tender and touching. Saif's long road to choosing between loyalty to his demanding father and to the woman he loves it skillfully portrayed. And the final sequence will have you laughing and cheering and crying with joy.There is not one thing to pick at as the "weak point". This one is shorter than usual for a Hindi film, just over two hours, but that's precisely what is called for to make the story unfold, no more or less. (That would make it a good first Hindi film for those who aren't excited about sitting for three or four hours.) In short, it's just brilliant.

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