Review of Parineeta (2005) by Marisa R — 05 Mar 2008

Overall, this is a very nice movie, beautiful to watch, with great tunes, good acting and follows the Bollywood line of parents disapproving of relationships. However, I have to admit I was deeply bothered by the character "Shekar", very similar to Devdas, this guy is just a plain jerk! This is one of the reasons many Non-Indians do not get Bollywood: what woman in the world keeps loving a man who has been calling her 'stupid' since they were children, who keeps scolding her as if she was his child, and doesn't even bother to find out what is going on before dumping her (after making her believe they are committed for life!) and engaging with another woman?!?! On top of that, his father is extremely abusive towards this woman.

.. and they end up falling in love? Please! I hope this doesn't reflect contemporary Indian society. Besides that, the movie is delightful. And the sensual scenes were awesome! This is the 1st time I am convinced by Bollywood actors in a sensual scene.

Ah, and Vidya is absolutely gorgeous: a classic Indian beauty. I am delighted to see Bollywood honoring the beauty of Indian-looking women, instead of Caucasian-looking Indian women.