Camera work is brilliant. I dont think there was even a single frame where i felt things were misplaced.

Overall credit to the director Sarkar as well. I think Sarkar and Chopra have done such a good job with the script, he is able to command audience attention and keeping it focussed on the story instead of being distracted with anything else, like an misplaced song, unnecessary comedy track for relief etc......this is another example of fine teamwork.

Saif - very nuanced actually....very different from anything he has done before this.....but i preferred him more in EHT and DCH....but he is competent

Vidya Balan - SUPERB, especially considering she's a debutant. Her expressions and dialog delivery are incredibly good ! I have suspected at times that perhaps her voice is dubbed for it sounds too good to be this polished. Knowing Pradeep Sarkar's an ad man, he could very well have roped in a voice over artist to do the job.....but this is mere speculation...if it is indeed her own voice, this gal has a great future ahead of her.....completely at ease in front of the camera, she comes off as a natural....watch out for her.

It seems there is not much interest amongst Zulmi's to go watch 'Parineeta', what a shame. It is no wonder that Bollywood only wants to make crap like 'Bunty Aur Babli' & 'Kya Kool Hai Hum'. When Zulmi's, who I would expect to be more discerning viewers than the average, don't want to watch 'Good' films, then what can one expect from the average audience. If this is the case for a movie produced by a big name like 'Vidhu Vinod Chopra starring 'Saif Ali & Sunjay Dutt' then god only save 'good' films with smaller setups.

Hmmm, "not much interest ".
I guess, the problem is "not much release", where many zulmis are, US, Canada. Is Parineeta widely released in UK??

ha ha!! sanjay bhaii, dont get dishearted! I will be watching it tomorrow!!

But you are absolutely right, box office numbers/pundits will tell you soon the ironical reality, that people insist on making/declaring shits like KFHH and BNB to be hit class!! and this one only for critics

I will again say, with deep sigh, that specially our new generation has been exposed to so much of this crappy, remade, remix rehased shit by these bhatt, chopra ramu factories...their movie/art taste is already screwed up . No one will buy Parineeta soundtrack, but people will buy parineeta remix shit!!

and theatrewalas(panwalas) wont dare to exhibit good films as they know their fate!! no one is going to come and watch it 3X like Kaal janjaal and BNB crap

alright I finally got to see this movie...I don't want to be overly critical here like the LP scratch bs..hope I don't hurt those of you that love it so dearly..everyone has already talked about the strengths..so I'm not gonna reiterate a lot of it and just focus more on what I perceived were weaknesses

my 2 cents..
(SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS!!!)

cinematography: no doubt it is outstanding..the first song, is picturized so well and blows you away..so many stunning visuals..is it better than devdas in terms of visual? to be honest, it is close, with devdas having a slight edge for me..I like colors and bhansali does a good job with it..given the period and the scope of the story, the camera work here is outstanding as well..it would be a real pity to wait for a dvd if you have an opportunity to go to a theatre..

acting: Saif was looking like a hero..amazing how much he has changed from the 'ashiq awara' lad...he's got style, substance and can carry off a movie..is this the best acting for him?..I think ek hasina thi had more polished acting..but its hard to compare parineeta with EHT because the roles were entirely different..my problem with him specifically in this movie are that, while his emotions were contrained (thank god he didn't pull off a SRK), I felt at points like at the recording studio, he was just average....again the important thing is that he did not have a below average moment throughout the movie..and overall had great screen presence

Sanjay Dutt: man I don't like his acting at all..there's something about the way he emotes, the way he looks that doesn't seem right..I really can think of many other people who could have done a better job than him..you do tend to like his character through the movie, but I want more in terms of raw emotions....with sanjay, u do get the sense he was really trying..I'll give u one scene that did impress me about sanjay..at the end, when he talks to saif and walks away and sees saif's dad and looks him straight in the eye..that was terrific and very apt..

Rekha: I realize she was singing in a moulin rouge club, and hence an extra oomph was added to her look..but her dressing was bad..her make up was horrible...her motions in the dance didn't seem fluid..she played well with her eyes and tried to look seductive..but that was about it..I realized she was brought in to create a sense of nostalgia but for the sake of the movie, get the best person that can do the job best..mallika arora or any of the item people would have been better in my opinion..rekha looked old, danced old, busted a few classic hind filmi eye looks but that was about it..

Vidya: I didn't know what to expect..first time I saw her, I didn't think she was pretty..her face grew over time and I found her to be such a cute, innocent person..sure she had excessive eye movements to emote her feelings, but her overall package was outstanding..when she cried and was talking her feelings out, you would totally melt..I never cry in movie, believe me this was probably the closest I have come..again other than some typical filmi eye movements, her entire package, facial expression, body language etc was the BEST I have seen in the longest time..i absolutely loved her and I so hope she does well..

others: vidya's uncle acted very good..the two other girls (reema sen and ??(sister))..they were definitely guilty of overacting at times, especially reema sen's sister..I didn't like saif's mom at all..she looked like such a darling but when it came down to it she seemed too hasty with her emotions and like a kid would get excited or say something like it was rehearsed rather than taking her time, emoting it well and saying it..almost a childlike rehearsal..diya mirza..average at best..she looked good but her acting could be improved (she say's 'I'll kill him' at one point when saif was leaving which came out of nowhere and made absolutely no sense at that point..maybe the scripwriter could have given her a better choice of words there OR it could be some bad editing job by the cinema guys in my area which seems highly unlikely)..saif's dad..definitely made sure we disliked him as per his character..his acting was good..no major complaints there

story line: I felt there were holes that could have been explained better..I realize you r bound by the actual story and that defines the boundaries ...so its not the director's fault..my personal complaint has to do with the ending..I found it ridiculous..come on, break through a wall when I'm sure he could have saved that time to go around to see her..or everyone all of sudden being on his side without really knowing what's going on..and his mom..jesus christ..when she said 'break it' as well, I was hoping a brick would fall and knock her out..

now my friends, this is an overly critical review..I did go with high expectations and I would say given that, I'd rate the movie a 8/10..just to calibrate it with my taste for other movies, I'd rate lagaan 9.9/10 (the gori girl singing/dancing is the only reason it doesn't get a 10 ), devdas (7/10), black (8/10)

other bits: they showed the trailer for the next munnabhai..and definitely has lots of potential..VC might have another hit on his hands..they also showed a trailer of yagna with AB..looked interesting as well..

in conclusion, I just wish they would have tied the loose ends of the movie..tidy up the last part of the movie, polish the mom's acting (btw it is only a very minor role), replace rekha, instill some more life in sanju (god save his eyes..this man needs sleep!)...I loved the songs..as much as I hated rekha in the song, the actual song (kaisi paheli) she 'sings' is my favourite of the movie..I'm still listening to it as I write this post..it is amazing how songs can create nostalgia of a time period..folks, there are many reasons why this movie is a can't miss..the director's work is outstanding..there r always gonna be quirks, but given the recent barrage of bs being assembled, this is a diamond in all that mess..definitely definitely watch it..and just take my post as my own view..would I go to see this movie again - hell ya, especially for the visuals and 60s nostalgic feel for the movie..and i love feel good movies

I mentioned in the previews also, he looked old and dragged!
But that might be the requirement for his character!

I am seeing it this weekend, though not a fan of period/costume dramas I am def looking forward to this one - will post my thoughts once I feed my eyes with the visuals .

Yaar, one thing I fail to understand is what is this aversion to period/costume movies that so many people seem to have. I can understand when someone calls Mughal-E-Azam a costume/period movie but Parineeta? What is the problem with the story supposedly taking place during the 1960's? How does that detract from a good story? In fact to me personally the charm of watching an era gone by as a backdrop only adds to the charm of the film. In fact I personally totally agree with the film makers that this story would just not work set in today's time. The characters, rather in fact the very basic premise of the film would be totally unbelievable for today. Whereas, although I was too young to remember the 1960's that well, I am still old enough to relate to a time when such characters could and I am sure did exist.

Its really a personal quirkiness and nothing more - let me clarify that I do enjoy well made films ( period or non-period) but if given a choice I would choose say Satya over Pinjar/Laagan/Choker Bali/Devdas - its just me, don’t know about others

Ok!! Sanjay Bhaii!! Thanks to my preview during crap BNB, and your strong recomendation, I finally made it today:

Verdict: 2 Thumbs up(3 Hrithik style).

Rating :8/10

Now!! Let me elaborate !

Film was a bit short(4 clock show finished including interval at 6.30)

My comparison was not Devdas but another film by VVC..1942 a love story. and this is not HISTORICAL/PERIOD film.

First half..left me wanting more, not much inspiring ,proceedings a bit slow and draggy, less eventful. I kinda declared that 1942 a love story was a better film, as 1942 moves at more brisk pace in the pre interval and all songs happen during that period. First 10 minutes were kinda a set back for me as director threw 3 songs in back to back and then Rekha's song even done well was unecessary for film's proceedings.

Now it is Second half and director is ready to draw all his strings together at much brisk pace making it more interesting and engrosing.

Raat Hamari hai, is excellent imho!

Direcor got AMBIENCE and the look and feel of the film to the period of 60s just right , and on the money! Costumes etc are mostly done perfect to the times.

Sets are beautiful, elegant and not on your face out of this world.
Kabootars are there as usual members of VVC films and few scenes heavily remind of 1942 a Love story! a few scenes e.g confrontation between Saif's Dad and Lolita and Dad and Saif are very very close to proceedings of Devdas(same writer/novelist) Colors are not on your face and have a mute/sepia tone making it kinda nostalgic!

Performances:

Imho, The Winner is Bidya Blan, she is simply awesome, she kinda reminded me a combination of Meena Kumari and Suchitra Sen!
She has simply given One of the BEST performance this year and gives, any Rani, Wani, Poo, woo, Preity, Chopra..run for their money! It is unfortunate that she will be side lined as Best Debut!
Imho, none of seasoned numero ones and zeros could have matched her well poised, elegant and understated performance!HATS OFF!!

Saif..this is another feather in Saif's cap, he simply shines in this role where you can still see undertones, of immature/kinda irresposible guy that he has played umpteen time!

Sanjay Dutt!! As I said before does show his age, kinda reminding you as kinda Uncle of Gal's age group! But as you get use to him, he again prooves his metal as one of dependable actor who does not care how much footage he has or if he is playing dad(MK) or what? He sleep walks with success! and Madam Bavri gets to sit in his lap too!!

Supporting cast does just adequate job not as a class it self act that you see in films like Lagaan, Devdas, or 1942 a love story or Parinda!

Cinematography is A class! Dialogues are good with few single liners with good timings( I wish these dialogue writers would restrain from using contemprory English words!

Music..enhances the ambience! back Ground score is adequate!

Cinema Print ..was clean and Good!!
Sound was Good for thios kinda film!


Theater was kinda half to 2/3 rd filled for a mid week show( disappointing), mostly older people and women! A few young chicks too, and occasional kids( So rana's yard stick, might not work), 8pm show was already sold out!

I saw MSK mid week too, and it was houseful!

People dont seem to have much appetite for Non AB, Aish, SRK, CHOPRA, SLEEZY and non cheesy flicks!

But all the crowd seemed liked it!! My older kid gave it Thumbs up, and younger..thumbs side ways!

I think World of Mouth will determine the fate of this film!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
If you dont want art of good cinema to die, then dont miss this one!

OH!

*** I did see trailor of Munna Bhaii Sequel..that did look interesting.

Preview of Yagna with BIG B 's RAJPUT, KAJRARE NAINA style!

and RAMU's SARKAR, that appeared interesting even I still think Southern film maker have a speciality like Masala Dosa! To make better Family Fued and Family Gangster flicks!

and did see BRRB and NO ENTRY previews too..no comments on Anil shaking with Basu!

MINOR SPOILER ALERT!

Glad you enjoyed the film Arsh bhai and your review seems to be quite on the money. If I were to have written the review it would have probably been very similiar to your's, although I think I enjoyed the film just a little bit more than you did. But then again that could have a lot to do with the fact that I am so sick and tired of the mostly crap films that keep coming out that in comparison Parineeta just made my day. I specially agree with your observations regarding the back to back songs in the begining of the movie, which I also had found rather ill timed. But for that matter, I had a similiar problem with 1942 A Love Story and with the very song heavy first half. It is only with the entry of Jackie Shroff that I felt 1942 A Love Story picked up steam and the viewers interest. By the way this was inspite of the fact that I think 1942 A Love Story had some of the most beautifully picturised songs ever. Anyhow, the fact that the music/songs are great one can still live them. Regarding the Rekha song, although I agree with you to some extent that it could have been done without, I still feel that since the issue of Lolita going to Moulin Rouge plays such an important part in forming the mindset of Saif's character it would be difficult to take the song out from the movie now without it leaving a void. If the movie had been scripted a little differently then the song could have definately been done away with.

PS: Everyone here seems to have been shown the previews to Munnabhai and Yagna with the screening of Parineeta which makes me feel cheated since we were not shown the same.

I wanna see this and I've only got enough time to see one movie this Friday; it's either Parineeta or Batman Begins Although at the moment it's looking like Batman as for some reason Parineeta listing isn't coming up for a Friday showing

I hate reading threads about movies especially as apne loog cant' tell how good/bad a movie is without spoiling it - but Sanjay's post above caught my eye, regarding the disinterest in the movie. Only two things have raised my interest in this movie, one is the VVC name attached to the project and other is recommendations of certain people here. Otherwise I can’t tell from the few promos I’ve seen if the movie is any good or not – all it looks like is another love/marital drama looking lavish in its period setting. But seeing the interest that this has caused here, I’ll be definitely trying to catch this at the cinema if it is showing.. otherwise it’s Batman.

Ali

Batman at the IMAX in Manchester for me! Might watch Parineeta later in the weekend!!

Batman review on msn.com came good - so far the best batman movie.

Guys please don't let this become a Batman thread. By the way I have read some horrible reviews for 'Batman Begins' so personally I would recommend watching Parineeta over Batman Begins. I can't imagine too many occassions where I will be able to recommend a Bollywood movie over a Hollywood one.