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Lafangey Parindey is an unusual name for a love story. After directing the classic 'Parineeta' and the disastrous 'Laaga Chunri Mein Daag', ad-man turned director Pradeep Sarkar has taken an altogether different path with Lafangey Parindey. Sarkar has selected a simple love story this time which is set in a chawl and all the characters speaking tapori lingo.
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It is about a group of youngsters living in the backstreets of Mumbai. It is the love story of Nandu (Neil Nitin Mukesh) and Pinky (Deepika Padukone).
One-Shot Nandu takes boxing to a new level by knocking down his opponents - blindfolded. Needless to say, One-Shot lives life on his own terms and is a local hero amongst his friends. But all that changes when he meets Pinky.
Pinky works at a mall, but is a dancer on skates. Strong-headed, talented and fiercely ambitious, she aspires to rise above all the 'losers' living in her locality and carve a niche for herself. Two different personalities. Two different lives. Destined to meet.
Lafangey Parindey starts with gusto! Also, it moves on a singular path, without diversifying into unwanted sub-plots and superfluous characters. In fact, the story takes off at the commencement of the film itself and how Neil and Deepika's lives get intertwined makes for interesting viewing.
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The film has some truly engaging moments and most of them are in its first hour. However, the first half tends to drag slowly. Sequences between Neil and Deepika after the accident are wonderful and keep you hooked.
But things again begin to slacken in the post-interval portions, when the love story takes over and Neil and Deepika realize that they share a deeper bond. Just when things are about to go downhill, the climax happens and Lafangey Parindey is back on track.
In fact, the drama in the finale - when Deepika and Neil have to perform the final act for a television show - is the highpoint of this film. The skating sequences and choreography are stunning and awe-inspiring.
On the downside the love story is conventional and dreary. Also, the investigating officer's track is half-baked and looks like an add-on. Besides, the film is embellished with a mediocre musical score apart from the song 'Man Parinda' which is a beautiful composition by R. Anandh. Also, the Bambaiya Hindi has its limitations.
Neil is the wrong choice for this part as he lacks the fire to carry off the role with flourish. Lafangey Parindey clearly belongs to Deepika Padukone, who suits the character and enacts it with such competence that it leaves you amazed. Piyush Mishra is first-rate as Usman. Kay Kay Menon is okay in a brief role.
The friends, each them, leave a mark. Especially Namit Das, who's wonderful. On the whole, Lafangey Parindey may be predictable, but is engaging and entertaining nonetheless. A decent watch!
