Komal Nahta, Koimoi.com
Rating: *** 1/2
There has to be something really special about a movie with two of the lead characters disabled in some way and the third always missing something in her life, and yet it never bogs down the movie or the story. Barfi! is lovely in a touching way that is difficult to define. It’s difficult to have two disabled characters and not portray their stereotype or make the audience feel pity for them. But Anurag Basu does it skillfully with the script and story. He builds the characters so finely that you come to love each and every one of them by the end of the movie. Barfi! leaves you with that warm, cuddly, magical feeling with a few tears to match. It’s really worth a watch.
Taran Adarsh, Bollywoodhungama.com
Rating: ****
The late Rajesh Khanna put it across marvelously in the memorable ANAND, ‘Zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi.’ Notwithstanding the roadblocks in our lives, one should celebrate life every single moment, every single day. That, in a nutshell, is the essence of Anurag Basu’s BARFI! The beauty of the film lies in the fact that it instantly absorbs you into Barfi’s world. Director Anurag Basu, a proficient storyteller, approaches Barfi’s character with acute sensitivity and perceptiveness. Also, a film like BARFI! is simplistic and unfussy to the core. I sincerely believe, no Hindi movie buff should deprive himself/herself of watching this brilliant motion picture. Also, the viewer needs to savor Ranbir, Priyanka and Ileana’s paramount performances, one of the strengths of this movie. Strongly recommended!
Suparna Thombare, Bollywoodlife.com
Rating: ****
The Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D’Cruz starrer is a cinematic joyride. The strength of the film is the nonlinear narration, raising your anticipation levels and making you curious about how the story is going to unfold. Barfi! starts off rather slowly, but 15 minutes into the film and the leisurely pace of storytelling becomes pleasurable. Most of the dialogues come in the form of narration, but the scenes are so beautifully crafted that you don’t really miss the dialogues at all. This is where Pritam Chakraborty’s music plays a big role. It is soothing and touching, and takes the screenplay to a new level. Anurag Basu has put his heart and soul into the film, and why it all works is because he keeps it light. Watch Barfi!, feel it and soak it because it is pure cinematic joy. And above all its magical!
Pooja Rao, Bollyspice.com
Rating: *** 1/2
Anurag Basu’s Barfi! takes a light look at relationships, how each develops over time and dire circumstances, leaping thru physical, financial handicaps that the society otherwise deems stigma. The proficiency of filmmaker Anurag Basu in dealing with the various shades of relationships is admirable and his confidence in his subject is evident. While the narrative seems simplistic, the layers of emotion each character resigns to is treated with ingenuous compassion and in tandem with the sweetness of the title. You get as involved in Barfi’s journey as all his fellow co-stars and you’re taken on this breezy ride with the right amounts of effervescence, leaving you with warmth in your heart.
Soumyadipta Banerjee, in.com
Rating: **** 1/2
Now, imagine a film without sex, violence or a screenplay from the south. Also, throw in a pre-condition that the hero and the heroine wouldn’t speak a word in the film. Any director attempting to make such a movie must be prepared to put his career in a coffin before taking his first shot. But people who have succeeded ended up creating a masterpiece. Barfi is just that – a masterpiece which is comparable to India’s best films. When everybody is busy making remakes of south films, thinking of a film like Barfi requires tremendous courage. Absolute courage, because you never know if the audience will reject your film and you will end up in a trash can with other directors who have ventured off the beaten track. Anurag has shown grit and courage to go full throttle with a subject like Barfi where he portrays the life of a deaf and dumb young boy and makes you laugh even at the grimmest of situations. This film will not excite you or thrill you but will melt your heart.
