Paheli (2005)
Director: Amol Palekar
Movie review
From Time Out London
Palekar’s puzzling ‘re-telling’ of a classic Rajasthani folktale is a bit of a mystery. A ghost (Khan) assumes the form of Lachchi’s (Mukherjee) absent husband Kisna (Khan) and they fall in love. Naturally complications ensue when the real hubby returns and finds his virgin bride with child… The film has ‘women’s weepie’ aspirations but Palekar is no Sirk and he has little to say about the folk tradition and its preponderance over everyday Indian life. It is commendable to see A-list Bollywood stars supporting different commercial cinema but this touristy vision of Rajasthani life, filled with not-so-special effects and colourful songs, lacks the dramatic impact to transcend its preposterous plot. Only Bachchan’s customary cameo (temporarily) lifts the spirits.Author: ASi
Time Out London Issue 1819: June 29-July 6 2005
Cast & crew
Director: Amol Palekar
Producer: Gauri Khan
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Juhi Chawla, Suniel Shetty, Anupam Kher, Dilip Prabhawalkar full cast
Duration: 140 mins
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