Barfi is set in the 1970s in the beautiful hill-station of north India, Darjeeling. The movie is the tale of unconditional love defying societal norms and man's definition of normality and abnormality. Beautifully directed by Anuraag Basu, the movie narrates the tale of Barfi, a hearing and speech impaired who falls in love with beautiful Shruti, only to be rejected in favor of a 'normal' husband. Mystically, he meets Jhilmil who is autistic and despite their odds, both share a bond of love and genuine warmth. Only later does Shruti realise her mistake, is helpless and understands how she falls a prey to the cruelty of social pressures.
Barfi is an epitome of cinematography beautifully portrayed and redefined. Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D'cruz are flawless in the lead roles. It is a light-hearted movie and crucial issues are dealt with simplicity and a sense of humor. The chase and run scenes between the police and Barfi are spiced up with comical gestures and melody which sends cheers and laughter down the crowd.
The movie makes us rethink about the chains that we have tied ourselves into - marriage, monetary pleasure, sacrifice, status and most importantly, our definition of a 'normal' life. It makes us question about the passions, emotions, feelings and values that we subconsciously and more often consciously forgo; in favor of the more obvious. The narrator (Shruti) remarks with grief in the end as to how she could have always lived the life of her favorite grandparents who died in arms together - bonded by love. She regretted not being courageous, not giving in to her passions and betraying love. She knew the life that Jhilmil led could have been hers, Barfi would have only been with her - if - she didn't miss her chance!
