Barfi! Movie Review

Barfi! is what I thought Bollywood can never produce. A simple feel-good, lucid, hearty, sensational movie that just makes you cheery after the long tiring week. Don't watch it for what you normally expect from bollywood, dialogues-masala-bla..bla..bla..Watch it for Ranbir. Watch it to get back in time. Watch it if you like to swirl in Barfi's World like how you do while reading Ruskin Bond's novels.

That rare film that puts a smile on your face even before a single frame of the story is revealed, Anurag Basu’s Barfi envelopes you like a warm blanket from the moment you settle into your seat. There’s a lot that’s admirable about Barfi, particularly the simplicity of its characters. Sadly, Basu’s film goes on too long and drags its feet in the end. Barfi had the potential to be great cinema, but as it stands it’s a respectable film that’s still better than a lot else you’re likely to see.It’s a treat like the mithai it takes its name from. Go on, indulge your sweet tooth........Read Full Review

There is so much to like here. It is a film made with love, shored up by wonderfully etched vignettes, Ranbir Kapoor's stupendous performance and Pritam's gorgeous soundtrack. Director Anurag Basu who has also written the story, bravely creates a world that is original and tender like a fable. The narrative is purposefully confusing. A tedious thriller track leads nowhere. And the film seems to insist too hard that we find the magical in the mundane.

Barfi! is a heart-warming love story which is different. It will be loved by the class audience and the city-based public. The leisurely pace of the drama will add to the boredom of the aforementioned audience. Had the drama been more compact and linear, the film would’ve been far more universal in its appeal. The post-interval portion, especially, is long-winding and, therefore, boring.On the other hand, there are plenty of heart-warming scenes and moments, which will be simply loved by the audience.......Read Full Review

'Barfi' - Now this is called international quality cinema. Breathtaking, like a cloud on a wing, or a slice of barfi. Do not expect heavy massy dialogues or item songs in this beautiful silent film that speaks so much. It's for those who Love - from the heart, not the mind, or with words and those whose love has class. 4.5 stars for 'Barfi'. Unmissable!....via twitter

BARFI! is akin to a whiff of fresh air. Its foremost triumph is that it leaves you with a powerful emotion: Happiness! I sincerely believe, no Hindi movie buff should deprive himself/herself of watching this brilliant motion picture. The beauty of the film lies in the fact that it instantly absorbs you into Barfi's world. Savor Ranbir, Priyanka and Ileana's paramount performances, one of the strengths of this movie. Strongly recommended! ......Read Full Review

For a story riddled with disabilities, Barfi is more than ably handled by Anurag Basu. He remarkably immerses you in his world of sounds and verbose silences, recreating Chaplin's antics, stripping two superstars down to basics and sensitively spinning a magical world of unconditional love. The narrative is too non-linear at times, and the pace slows in the second half. That apart, it's truly path-breaking for Bollywood......Read Full Review

Barfi! is a well-crafted script with an intriguing back-and-forth narrative but it all goes south towards the end. It is a bravura performance, highlighted by a particularly vulnerable outburst where Barfi momentarily drops the smile and would really, really like to yell. Some earnest parts of Barfi! convinced me to forgice the flawed centre. Barfi is magical but deeply flawed...... Read Full Review

‘Barfi!’ comes out of mainstream Bollywood, whose standard idea of creating difference is to shuffle one step forward, two steps back. 'Barfi’! does take several brave strides. It’s good in many ways; what stops it from being a great film is a degree of fuzziness, and an insistence on prettiness......Read Full Review

Barfi! is a very charming film. It's remarkably devoid of vanity. Barfi! exudes the warm glow of a life well lived. Barfi! celebrates life without dismissing the dark passages and roadblocks that we often encounter as we travel through that craggy road to death. Barfi! comes as close to being a modern masterpiece as cinematically possible. To miss it would be a crime. To embrace it is to serenade the sublime.........Read Full Review

From start to finish, director Anurag Basu never gives up on Barfi's quirkiness. Barfi! is a visual and emotional cycle ride, meant to be enjoyed at leisure with loved ones. Barfi! is a thorough tearjerker. Dissecting a film that left you speechless is difficult. Just let go, indulge in the magic of Barfi!......Read Full Review

Basu’s Kites could’ve done with better writing. This one suffers from the lack of a competent editor. But editors also bring a certain rhythm to a story, effectively taking things forward – long passages, short passages, humour alternating with drama etc. You sorely miss that in this movie. Barfi! remains a series of perfect looking chaotic montage shots, going back and forth, forth and back.......Read Full Review

Anurag Basu’s ‘Barfi!’ is a perfect sweet treat for his audience. Like it has been discussed, those film makers who have been portraying the handicapped as dull and boring in their films must take a lesson from ‘Barfi!’. Go and savour it!.......Read Full Review

The film allows the viewer to experience a range of emotions and even if it doesn’t invite much empathy, it keeps you interested, attentive and anxious to learn what will unfold next. Barfi! is not a story that will make it into the ‘Chicken Soup for the deaf and mute’ or the ‘Spinach salad for the autistic’. But when you watch the film, you will realize that we should only be glad about that. In short, Barfi says it best when he says nothing at all.........Read Full Review

Barfi is a film you can watch and enjoy with family and friends. You can see a bit of you, and a bit of everyone close to you! It might not do great at the box office, but nevertheless....we suggest that you don't miss it as Barfi celebrates life! Accepting oneself with all shortcomings, loving each other and smiling your way all the way upto the finish line - this is how one can describe Barfi!......Read Full Review

What’s Good: The spell-binding direction; the wonderful performances; the cinematography and the music.

What’s Bad: The movie stretches a bit; the plot gets convoluted in between.

Watch or Not?: Barfi! is a movie that will tickle you and bring tears to your eyes with equal ease. Don’t miss this sweet story........Read Full Review

BARFI! is a one-man show - Ranbir Kapoor. This film is ROCKSTAR in its impression, which could have been bigger than Sanjay Leela Bhansali's BLACK. But Director Anurag Basu gets into unnecessary twists and turns, which is like elbowing your way into a crowded street. The three star rating is not for the brilliance of the film; it's for the genius of Ranbir Kapoor. A performance worth a watch!......Read Full Review