PARI | Reviews and Box Office - Page 2

Originally posted by: flameofdarkness

Pari Review

Write a review

• Avipsha Sengupta

• Rating - 3.5
  
  

Desimartini | Updated - March 02, 2018 12:55 AM IST

More reviews

3.6DM (10 ratings)

Verdict - Pari: Perhaps Bollywood's Best Attempt At Horror Genre So Far

Watch trailerRelease date : March 02, 2018

There was a time where horror movies in Bollywood were advertised as Laash Ka Mountain, Khoon Ka Fountain'. From ghosst in white sarees and possessed, loving wives in lonely castle, Pari is a testament to how far Bollywood has come over the years. After struggling with horror as a genre for ages, Pari is Bollywood's first step in the right direction.

The story is difficult to discuss without giving out major spoilers, but what can be said without a shadow of doubt that this is the first time Bollywood has bothered to craft the script of a horror film so carefully. The first half of the movie does not shy away from giving you jump scares and heart attacks moments are plenty, but even then somehow your mind remains more occupied with the story- again a rarity in Bollywood horror films. The film grips you within first 5 minutes and is successful in keeping you hooked till the very end.

Praise is reserved for debutante director Prosit Roy, who comes across as a filmmaker with a crystal clear vision that does not go astray even for a second. He knows exactly what he wants and not a single frame looks unnecessary or forced. The amount of blood and gore in the film is a little surprising by Bollywood standards, but Roy shows a deep understanding of his craft by balancing out the gore with satisfiable substantiation.

Coming to performances Anushka Sharma steals the show and it is her film entirely and not just because of the star value. She transitions from vulnerable to scary with the finesse of a pro. In the history of horror movies, I think, this is the first time she makes you feel for the evil. A tricky job for sure. Parambrata Chattopadhyay, as usual, gives a measured performance that has every ingredient in just the right amount and goes to show why he is considered one of the finest actors in regional Bengali cinema. Debutante Ritabhari Chakroborty does not have the meatiest role to sink her teeth into, but delivers in the limited play area she has been assigned. However, the best part about the cast is perhaps Rajat Kapoor who has made Professor Qasim Ali one of the most intriguing things about the film. If you, even for a second, forgot the calibre of Rajat Kapoor, this film would be a great reminder.

The film's cinematography also warrants a special mention. The gloom of rain drenched Kolkata, the bamboo orchard and slimy ponds of semi-rural Bengal, or the meandering alleys of North Kolkata, the cinematographer Jishnu Bhattacharjee, seamlessly weaves the delicate texture of Kolkata and Bengal without unnecessarily romanticising the backdrop or engaging in the usual cliches. Finally one Bollywood film set in Kolkata without a shot of Howrah Bridge, is refreshing to say the least. The music of the film is also a great contributor to the way the film makes you feel. Music director Ketan Sodha has crafted a sound that strikes just the perfect amount of haunting and heartfelt, which is actually the best way to sum up the films.Also, the make up department deserves so much praise for contributing so greatly to the film.

However, the film is not entirely flawless, of course. The first half although gripping in terms of jump scares offers no insight to the story at all. The knots have been crafted with a lot of patience and the director indulges in carefully layering up the narrative, which sometimes even feel somewhat convoluted. But come the first few minutes of second half and the knot is opened with a quick pull that almost feels jerky to the pace of the film.

The ending is also a little predictable which sort of kills the fun a little.

But taking all into account, Pari is a genre bending attempt at horror that definitely deserves both your time and money.

Pari: Not a Horror-tale

• The Movie
• Review

Movie Review

Rating - 3.5

Verdict - It is a great attempt, for Anushka's bold move.