Poster of Billu Barber

Shraddha Walavalkar

Those who remember and further enjoy the story of ‘reunion’ of Lord Shri Krishna and his childhood friend ‘Sudama’ would end up enjoying ‘Billu Barber’- SRK’s ‘family’ production. Barring the gracious appearances by Dipika Padukon, Priyanka Chopra and Karina Kapoor in the rather sensuous tet-a-tet with SRK, the movie qualifies as a good family entertainment item and hence the title.

The story of a small town barber – ‘Billu’- (Irfan Khan), living with his wife – ‘Bindia’- (not at all glamorous unusual Lara Dutta) and two kids is of utmost hardships. The problems of a barber’s life are very well portrayed. Irfan Khan delivers in his the most normal and sulky way to create the environment. Though, the village has got an appearance of a set than the natural one, especially when it comes to the ‘barber shop’ and the market place, thanks to Priyadarshan touch.

On the other hand the formidable star of the Bollywood – Sahir Khan (SRK – obviously) has decided to visit Billu’s village to shoot his next movie. A passing comment by Billu in the past to his family members about his ‘friendship’ with Sahir ensures that the village runs after Billu for his one glimpse and all of a sudden the things change for poor Billu who is shy of meeting Sahir thinking if he would recognise him. What happens next is anybody’s guess.

The movie is lifted by a Khan – sorry SRK lovers I don’t mean SRK- but Irfan. The under-play of this actor ensures that the character of a poor village-man stands straight with well carved out borders. SRK is nothing but just a flamboyant presence throughout the movie. If some find tears as SRK addresses the villagers in the climax, it is less to do with his charisma, but the climax building ability of Irfan Khan in Priyadarshan way. Lara Dutta has played her role very well. She has emerged as a perfect mother of two and not the usual hotty.

The incidence of Bindia slapping the child for expressing his grief as he can’t meet Sahir in a meeting for orphans as his father is alive, surely makes all viewers laugh first and then think for a while. The movie is also worth a watch to see Om Puri (miser money lender) falling off a chair and the more than known presence of Rajpal Yadav (as a talentless local poet) along with others in supporting cast.

The music numbers are absolutely boring barring the ‘billu bhayankar’. The pleasant nature-scape of the village is well captured and so are the special effects, though all of it moreover is used to build Sahir and is rather unwanted.

The movie goes well with the minimum storyline and ensures that it will bring the ‘time pass value’ for the viewers than anything more than that.

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4. Aamir Khan ‘Ghajini’ first Indian action film to Reach Korea
5. Shaapit movie reviews

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