WHISPERS OF THE SILENT SCREEN: BARFI
As far as the genres are concerned, Barfi is one that covers all. A light-hearted romantic comedy with drama sequences that really went on to carve a niche for itself. A movie boasting an impressive 61 wins and 33 nominations; that went on to become India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2012 in the foreign language film category.
What’s so sweet about Barfi, though? Bad pun aside, let’s take a closer look at this adored blockbuster film and the reasons behind its success. Without any further adieu, let’s dig in (last pun, I promise).
GHOSTS OF THE CELLULOID
That one dialogue, that one quote, that single punchline that gives you chills. Within the realm of cinema, dialogues possess an undeniable allure. Dialogues have always been perceived as the very essence of any movie. Take that away, and the storyline is much harder to comprehend. Paying homage to the golden era of silence, this movie was a perfect tribute to the Mute Magic once portrayed by Charlie Chaplin. The two main leads carry the entirety of the film with just expressions. No word was spoken but one, Barfi! This showcases the extraordinary beauty of authentic acting. Each scene brims with a myriad of emotions and expressions, and the communication is crystal clear. Oftentimes, we’re fascinated by the words. But where Barfi and Jhilmil meet is in the silence behind them. The whispers of the silent screen resound with an intensity that transforms the notion of cinema itself, making “Barfi” an unforgettable and compelling ode to the magic of unspoken stories. Never had the whispers of the silent screen been the screaming of the cinema until Barfi.
VISUAL POETRY
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the value of multiple frames can only be imagined. In “Barfi,” the cinematography transcends expectations, capturing every aspect with sheer brilliance. From the picturesque landscapes of Darjeeling to the vibrant tapestry of Kolkata’s culture, the visuals are nothing short of cinematic gold. What sets this film apart is its ingenious play with light. Sunlight filters through the tiny spaces between trees and leaves, serving as a poignant symbol of hope.
Interestingly, a character strategically blocks the sunlight whenever a scene portrays sadness. For instance, in a particular scene, the female leads use a fan to create a breeze while Barfi enjoys his meal. When it’s with Jhilmil, the sunlight bathes the frame, signifying a happier time in Barfi’s life. However, in moments of despair with Shruti, the scene is enveloped in darkness. The careful manipulation of hues and contrasts adds a poetic touch, setting the tone for each scene. Shadows, projections, and silhouettes are artistically employed to depict crowd scenes, chases, and the mysterious kidnapping, elevating the film to new heights of artistry and creativity. “Barfi” seamlessly captures the raw essence of art and harnesses the beauty of nature to its fullest potential. Every frame is a testament to photographic brilliance, taking the elementary idea of “Lights, Camera, Action” up a notch.
TUNED TO PERFECTION
Lately, music has been relegated to a mere filler, disconnected from the plot, where the ensemble cast indulges in random dance sequences out of the blue. The true purpose and essence of incorporating music into the film’s fabric seemed lost. However, “Barfi” defies this notion in the most remarkable manner possible. The song “Ala Barfi” serves as the perfect introduction to the whimsical character, Barfi. It is intriguing that when Barfi is captivated by Shruti’s undeniable beauty, the song “Aashiyan” accompanies their enchanting moments, highlighting the little joys of life. This lighthearted composition encapsulates their dreams of a future together, intertwined with the promise of cherishing the mundane joys they could offer each other. In contrast, “Kyon” emerges as a spirited and playful melody, capturing the love between Barfi and Jhilmil. Both characters possess their unique brand of eccentricity, and their union fills the void that had long existed within them. The song celebrates their shared madness. No tribute to the musical prowess of “Barfi” would be complete without mentioning “Phir Le Aaya Dil.” As the name suggests, it serves as a heartwarming reunion of former lovers, representing love reawakening in Shruti’s life. The Urdu lyrics infuse an intimacy and heartrending quality into the song, resonating deeply with the audience. In “Barfi,” the songs become the unspoken dialogue, weaving a melodic narrative that seamlessly integrates with the storyline.
A SCANDALOUS SWEETHEART
Barfi is the central character through whose eyes we watch the story unfold. He is a very happy-go-lucky person who captured hearts with his boundless love and unwavering spirit.
Barfi was born with a unique gift — the inability to speak or hear. Yet, his inability to communicate conventionally didn’t hinder his zest for life. He saw the world through a different lens, perceiving the beauty that others often overlooked.
Barfi is a quirky and joyous person, always mischievous and full of childish happiness, as evidenced by his giggles, chases, and pranks played. His joyous laugh echoed through the town, spreading happiness wherever he went.
Yet despite this, he had his insecurities. He always feared abandonment, so he tested his close ones with the ‘Lamp Post Test’. All the people who tried to let go of his hand(except Jhilmil, when his love story with Jhilmil started) meant they would abandon him when things got rough.
Barfi’s biggest flaw was impulsiveness, often taking actions without thinking through, driven by raw desires and emotions. This leads to him often choosing to do something with adverse consequences for him and the people around him.
Barfi also had occasional bouts of selfishness, where he acted solely for his benefit. This strained the relationships he had with others, often leading to arguments and fights with people.
A DANCE OF CONTRASTS
Barfi and the Police Officer, Mr Sudhanshu Dutta, had a unique relationship. They were always in a cat-and-mouse game with each other, primarily due to the mischief Barfi was always up to.
Despite the numerous encounters and the trouble Barfi causes, Mr Dutta’s feelings towards him are complex. While he claimed to dislike Barfi, the two seemed to have an underlying understanding or even grudging respect. Their interactions became a game, with Barfi always slipping through Mr Dutta’s grasp, leaving him frustrated yet intrigued.
In his interview, Mr Dutta said, “If I hadn’t spent half my life chasing Barfi around, I would’ve become the Superintendent.” The intricate relationship between Barfi and Mr Dutta highlights the complexity of human emotions and the blurred lines between adversaries and unlikely allies. Despite their differences and the trouble Barfi caused, Mr Dutta’s ultimate decision showcased a sense of duty, empathy, and a deeper understanding beyond their cat-and-mouse game.
ECHOES OF REGRET: SHRUTI’S ODYSSEY
Shruti, portrayed by Ileana D’Cruz, is a character of subtle complexity. She is indecisive and often influenced by the things around her. She is torn between her desires and societal expectations.
Though her love towards Barfi was unwavering and resolute, her feeble nature and inability to make her own decisions amidst pressure irreversibly damaged her relationship with Barfi. She did regret her decision, ultimately leading her to grow and understand that it’s okay to challenge the norms of society for the pursuit of happiness.
Her character encompasses themes of love, sacrifice, selflessness, courage and many more. The way she understands and relates to the hero’s imperfections and challenges in finding acceptance in society demonstrates that true love can transcend both language and limitations. It also contributes to the film’s exploration of relationships and their complexities, self-discovery, and the pursuit of personal happiness.
As the movie progresses, Shruti undergoes a journey of self-discovery and learns about life. She learns what true love is, embracing one’s choices amidst stereotypes and following and trusting what her heart truly desires. She makes peace with the choices she makes and finds closure in the path she has tread.
THE EPITOME OF LOVE
Jhilmil , portrayed by Priyanka Chopra, is a character who plays a major part in making Barfi the emotional rollercoaster it is. Depicted with childlike innocence, Jhilmil too goes through a journey of self-growth and finding true love. Having autism, she struggles with her communication and is socially neglected for most of the movie. Despite this, she depicts unconditional true love for Barfi, a kind that breaks social barriers and remains strong despite their adversities.
The love that blossomed between Jhilmil and Barfi is ineffable. It was a gradual build-up of trust and belief in one another. The way she clutched onto Barfi’s little finger portrayed a deep sense of trust. Their relationship didn’t rely on big promises or physical intimacy. Little things like mirror shadows and spitting watermelon seeds on a window nourished their relationship. Jhilmil also expressed her love for Barfi through her own lens, often giving him life’s simple pleasures as a token of affection . Jhilmil, being autistic, had to be cared for specially. Barfi showed genuine care and attention towards her, and they found solace in each other’s presence. They created a world of their own, enveloped with love and understanding. Their love towards each other was pure and innocent, transcending communication barriers.
IN THE NAME OF LOVE
The portrayal of emotions at the culmination was astounding. Barfi, running helter-skelter in desperation to find Jhilmil, portrays his unconditional love towards her. Even the caretakers at Muskaan were out of words because of what their eyes were witnessing. It indeed was a sight to behold.
Jhilmil’s innocent and warm smile, when she recognises the shoe, speaks volumes about her love towards Barfi. How she came running to the window, screaming at the top of her voice, with her lips relentlessly uttering his name, illustrates the language of love. The sweetness of Barfi was felt when Jhilmil cried out, “BARFI”.
Shruti’s emotions were bittersweet, encompassing love, sadness and acceptance. She recognised that Jhilmil was the only one who truly understood Barfi and accepted him for who he was. She knew that the bond between them was pure and selfless. She realises that sometimes the best thing for someone you care about is to let them go. Shruti’s act at the end was altruistic. This depicts that she cared for nothing but Barfi’s happiness.
UNVEILING THE UNSEEN
The movie Barfi was greatly ahead of its time. The unique plot and complex love story in “Barfi” also contribute to its brilliance. The film deviates from the conventional portrayal of a perfect hero and heroine, instead depicting the unseen lives of the differently-abled. This choice brings a fresh perspective and challenges societal norms around beauty, love, and relationships. It highlights how love cuts across barriers and how everyone can experience deep emotional connections regardless of their abilities.
At its core, “Barfi” is a heartwarming story that celebrates love, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Barfi’s character, with his inability to speak or hear, teaches us that imperfections are what make us uniquely beautiful. Instead of being defined by our limitations, we should embrace them as part of our individuality. Barfi’s zest for life and ability to find joy in simple moments encourage us to appreciate and celebrate our imperfections.
The portrayal of Barfi and Jhilmil’s relationship adds complexity and depth to the story. Their disabilities do not define their connection but provide a unique lens through which their love story unfolds. The movie beautifully captures the challenges they face, the understanding they develop for one another, and the bond they share, creating a powerful and unconventional romance.
The film’s messages of embracing imperfections and cherishing meaningful relationships are relevant and inspiring, leaving a lasting impact on the audience, making this a must-watch. Barfi makes for a tribute to an unforgettable era in cinema. The whispers of the silent screen are louder than ever in the fervent frames of Barfi.
Writers: jyothi prasad, Dhanush and Aditi Pillai.
