Paheli (2005)

An absolute waste of money

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

This is the most beautiful Hindi movie I have seen so far. Of course, I would still prefer Veer-Zaara and Devdas plot-wise, but the scenery in this film is simply breathtaking. The director does an excellent job in capturing all the picturesque sceneries from all the most suitable angles. The utilisation of the architecture and the colorfulness of the costumes complement the cinematography greatly. This film is not just about a grand visual experience. The romance theme in it is very commendable as well - the condemnation of "loveless" marriage and the lauding of true love however difficult to attain. Although surreal, this show is unlike The Lake House, where you would feel a little unacceptable after watching because of its time factor separating Reeves and Bullock, and the love between the 2 not able to project an effect of realness. Paheli is a dream, yet it is so real, or rather, so many of us hope it would happen to us so much.

People, it doesn't have to make sense! Its script is woven around an age old folklore! Can't you suspend your disbelief for half a second? I am tired of listening to people badmouth this film. I finally saw it and now I am writing my review. The main story in Paheli is the tale of a woman (Played by Rani Mukherjee) who marries an affluent young trader (played by Shah Rukh Khan) and discovers on her wedding night that she is to become yet another trophy in her husband's house. The next day, when she awakes, she finds her bed empty and is met with the harsh realisation that he meant what he had said the night before when he told her that he would be leaving on an important journey in the morning and would be away for five years. Meanwhile, while on his journey Kishan/Kisna (Khan) unknowingly comes face to face with the 'Ghost of Love' who would be taking his place in his home while he is away on his trip. The Ghost of love (also played splendidly by Khan) is a manifestation of the same man that Lachho (Mukherjee) married, only kinder, sexier, more loving and understanding. It's only natural that she falls in love with him, but the real Paheli arises when a few years later, her husband returns home for find that she as well as his family have taken up with this would-be impostor. Juhi Chawla is excellent as a woman scorned by the disappearance of her husband (played by Suniel Shetty with his scarily blinding highlights that absolutely do not belong in a period piece!!!) who abandoned his family after losing a camel race. Shetty is also the younger brother of Anupam Kher's character, and the maverick Kher plays Kishan/Kisna's father. Also prepare yourself for a cameo by film veteran Amitabh Bachchan who plays a blink-and-you'll-miss-him shepherd in the desert. After Devdas, you were probably thinking that SRK could never outdo himself, but he thoroughly shines in his dual roles within this magnificent film, leave it to the king Khan to make a ghost look to-die-for-drop-dead sexy! And Mukherjee (always in her element) proves that her career is in perfect cruise control. I cannot say enough about Paheli. It was worth them considering for the Oscars, even though I still think that Black (2005) had a better chance. The Beauty of Paheli is as everlasting as it is resounding. The sets, the costumes, the designs, the music, the story lines, the puppetry, the accents, and that one eccentric dancer by the traveling wells were all just perfectly magnificent!

This movie was excellent, first movie to be probably be not influenced by Hollywood, I think that is one of the several things that made me want to see this movie. Excellent in all aspects and I hope to see Bollywood doing similar things in the future. Shah Rukh and Rani once again proved their work to be at the highest level of all celebrities. I own the DVD now and I watch every once in awhile, the dialogues were great, as is the scenery, the costumes, the screenplay, the songs and everyone in the movie. It definitely put a spell on me, such a beautiful love story. Amazingly portrayed, I would definitely read the book.

This movie has got to be one of the worst movies I've see yet. Holy-mother-of-God!!! Seriously! it's beyond fantasy. The worst part of the movie is Shah Rukh Khan. I mean, the guy could never act, a self-proclaimed over-actor, this movie proves his proclamation to be right on target! Ever noticed how he vibrates when he cries? He can't emote.Sure, the movie's easy on the eye. Pretty and beautiful, Rani Mukherjee shines as usual. After seeing the movie, you come out pitying the 'original' Kishen. More than anything else, I came out pitying myself, for having had to pay to watch such a movie. Blech! You would think Amol Palekar woulda come up with a better storyline than this one. Heck NO! Big letdown because of that. If you're thinking of watching the movie, I would strongly suggest taking a nap instead. It's not only stupid but also incredibly boring and slow-moving. Pathetic attempts at humor and the same IL' run-o-the-mill song-and-dance routines make you long(!!!!) for a fast forward button. Catch Parineeta instead.