BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment

BeSummers Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

Plustown A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

Nayan Gough A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

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.

long-ford This is a classy period drama, a rarity for the Hindi film industry. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, it's basically a love triangle based in sixties Kolkata. Vidya Balan shines as the beautiful Lolita. Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt both play second fiddle as Vidya hogs the limelight. Sanjay in fact is slightly miscast as he appears too old for the part. The period recreation is done well on a limited budget. The music is effective and goes well with the style of the film. One drawback: the melodramatic climax that weakens the film. Still, its quite watchable.Overall 7/10

Afzal Shaikh Parineeta is an enjoyable, almost Chekovian tale about the age-old tensions between individuality and family. The plot of the film, set in the early 1960's, is based on the fateful consequences of a misunderstanding that spirals out of control between a young man, Saif Ali Khan's spoilt but earnest Shekhar, and a girl, Vidya Balan's spirited orphan Lolita, who live next to each other in Havelis(large Indian houses) which belong to connected Calcutta families.The script is well written, with lively dialogue, three-dimensional characters and an intriguing plot. The splendour and beauty of the sets cannot be questioned, and Pradeep Sarkar's direction is assured. As a viewer should come to expect from Indian cinema, the music and songs are melodious and memorable, and half-justified in Parineeta as Shekhar is something of a songsmith.The acting of the leads is very good. Saif Ali Khan gives a studied, understated performance, showing well the fraught circumstances his character feels himself in, and Vidya Balan brings out a good sense of pathos to her role while managing to show strength and avoid sentiment. The surrounding cast lends good support, especially Sanjay Dutt's wonderfully contained comic performance as a businessman returning from England.The only problem with Parineeta is its smallness in scope. The story the film is based on has been updated to Calcutta in the 1960's, and not up to the present day, presumably to avoid it seem antediluvian. This is telling and, despite attempts to have the characters spend some time away from the narrow range of their lives in the Havelis, Calcutta, which at the beginning of the film is described as a vibrant, multitudinous city in foment, seems virtually absent. This makes Parineeta, an otherwise engaging film, seem a little fey.

moezoe1989 This movie should have been nominated for the Oscars. It could have won and is much better than Paheli. For some reason, this film seems different from other Indian films. The acting was excellent as was the plot. For most of the film the viewer is left wondering what is gonna happen next. Not knowing what to expect. This the best film I've seen Saif work in so far and Vidya Balan is going to be a big hit. There were some guest appearances and unexpected actors that show up, if the viewer doesn't know the cast. This is a film that everyone should watch, even those who usually don't watch Indian films. It is a riveting film that is worth watching. So go and watch it!!!