Why I look forward to Billu Barber..
iView Author: SETHUMADHAVAN (Chennai/Vijayawada, India)
Email: sethumadhavan.n@ gmail.com
Why I look forward to Billu Barber
Before I left home for office today, I was just customarily watching Channel V & MTV and I happened to see the first song of Billu Barber on MTV- “Marjaani“. That set me thinking a lot about the movie & then I realized that sitting 6 weeks from the release of the movie (Feb 13th is the release date as of now), I am actually looking forward to Billu Barber and hence this write-up is to explain why I’m looking forward to it.
The Obvious Details
Before I get on with the reasons for looking forward to the film there are a few obvious details about the movie to be mentioned & dispensed away with. Billu Barber, produced by SRK & directed by Priyadarshan ( hereafter referred as Priyan) is the Hindi remake of the Malayalam super hit movie “Kadha Parayumbol” ( meaning- while narrating a story).It’s a modern adaptation of the classic Krishna-Sudama tale that we’ve ( most of us atleast) grown up listening to. The movie was produced by Sreenivasan & Mukesh and directed by M.Mohanan a debutant.The movie was based on a story written by Sreenivasan himself who is known to be a prolific writer apart from being a competent actor.
The story is all about a barber- Balan (Sreenivasan) who lives by his principles in a village with his beautiful wife (Meena) and kids. One day his childhood friend, the current superstar of Malayalam cinema – Mammooty comes to the village for a film shoot & Balan’s life undergoes a journey of dramatic twists. Sreenivsan was excellent as Balan,the movie was very realistic & while Mammooty had very less screen presence, in the climax he makes the audience weep along with him & overall the movie was a throwback to the days of the 80’s when Malayalam cinema was at its best.
Kadha Parayumbol was remade as Kuselan in tamil & Kathanayakudu in telugu.Rajnikanth played the superstar in both, Meena reprised her role in both tamil & telugu.The barber’s role was played by Pasupathy in tamil & Jagapathy Babu in telugu. Unfortunately the movie bombed in both tamil & telugu.The focus was very much on Rajnikanth & the essence of the movie got diluted.
Why do I look forward to the movie?
For one, the movie is directed by Priyadarshan who though more widely known as a master of comedy films, has made a lot of intense/realistic movies like Kaalapani (Siraichalai in tamil, Sazaa-E-Kaalapani in Hindi),Ninnishtam Ennishtam,Aryan,Nirnayam,Advaitham, Thalavattom, Virasat etc.Even his remake of Manichitra Thazhu titled Bhool Bulaiyya was more or a less a serious remake of the original Malayalam classic unlike P.Vasu’s Apthamitra in Kannada & Chandramukhi in Tamil & Telugu. So I know that the direction is in the safe hands of someone who knows how to remain true to the script when required.
Secondly the producer is SRK who has been a brave producer so far. He knows that he needs to make money and so for that he makes OSO, Chalte Chalte or Main Hoon Na for that. But whenever his interest falls upon a suitable subject – he is bold enough to make it into a movie- be it Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, Ashoka or Paheli.With Billu Barber I would say he is again making a brave move. Brave because for one, he is not the lead actor here. Irrfan Khan plays the barber (Lara Dutta plays his wife) and the story revoleves around him- let’s have no doubt about it. Also considering the fiasco that the tamil & telugu movie became after all the hype, it takes all the more guts to go ahead & still make the movie.
Next let’s talk about the promotion of the movie. Yes I know it’s a bit too early since we’ve only seen one promo so far & the first song has just come on air today. But here is what I have to say on the movie’s promotion. All those like me who’ve seen the promo have seen that the focus is on Irrfan Khan as he narrates his story & SRK is also shown as a part of it. Now this is sheer straight thinking. Instead of doing the mistake done by P.Vasu & Co where the entire promotion- posters, CD/cassette cover etc screamed Rajnikanth & even Nayanthara who did not have even a proper dialogue in the movie, SRK & Priyan are on the right track by showing it as it was done in case of the Malayalam original.
While on the movie itself since Priyan has clarified that it will be an honest remake of Kadha Parayumbol I would say that I’m looking forward to a realistic portrayal from Irffan Khan as Billu Barber. I am also hopeful of actually seeing something different from Lara Dutta as it’s not a glamourous role for her. I am looking forward to SRK sweeping our hearts in the climax & based on the Malayalam orginal I am looking forward to some genuinely well made characters ( supporting) and some more than
decent music.
All in all I have a very honest expectation from the movie- that of watching a delightful entertainer which is a throwback to the good old days of cinema- when entertaining need not have to be lavish sets or shooting abroad relentlessly. So that’s why I look forward to Billu Barber eagerly.
Disclaimer- I am not connected to the project in any way and this is not a promotional feature of any sorts for the movie. It’s just an honest write-up from a movie lover based upon the experience of watching the original Malayalam (lovely) and the remake in Tamil (disastrous)
Tags: Advaitham, Aryan, Bhool Bulaiyya, Billu Barber, Chalte Chalte, Chandramukhi, Jagapathy Babu, Kadha Parayumbol, Kuselan, Main Hoon Na, Mammooty, Marjaani, Ninnishtam Ennishtam, Nirnayam, OSO, Pasupathy, priyadarshan, Rajnikanth, Thalavattom, Virasat
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Hmm Sethu, i hope that they wud not focus too much on SRK, for promotion of the movie. The Telugu and Tam versions, ended up promoting it as a Rajni movie, and fans who walked in expecting to see a Rajni flick, were disappointed, and thats why it was a dud in both languages. Hoping that SRK does a honest promotion here, without over emphasizing his presence.
Also wud be interesting to see Lara Dutta in a totally de glam role. Do like her though, she is really sexy and graceful.
As Ratnakar rightly pointed out, if it is not SRK’s movie he should not emphasize his presence.
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I liked the first trailor with Irrfan’s voiceover.
The second one with Kareena Kapoor is what worrying me. I think there are 3 item songs with 3 different ladies so if that’s all they promote, people are gonna get disappointed.
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I do think they will promote those songs also for audio sales.
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So far, SRK’s production has not goofed up on marketing so there is still hope.
@ Sethu: honest write-up. looking fwd to more frm u. btw, tht disclaimer in the end was not really required, coz ppl at PFC know your integrity towards cinema in general, not any ‘camp’ in particular. but then, its better to play safe these days…
i had heard the tamil & telugu versions had a bumper opening, riding on the rajni-factor, but tanked in the next week as people realised the truth abt the movie not being abt the ‘krishna’, but ’sudama’..
but as much u say abt the honest portrayal in hindi and being honest to the original malayalam movie, i think SRK has already tried to sensationalise the product by roping in three actresses for doing some item songs in the movie. hopefully, the sequences are properly integrated as some ‘actual shooting’ with the superstar of the movie, than just a no-requirement ‘filler’ and crowd-pleaser.
Yes, Iam also looking forward to it, more than CC2C, for that matter, coz it has something unusual to say, unlike the former, which is a hardcore masala entertainer.
oops, my bad. i meant CC2c is a hardcore masala entertainer. the word ‘former’ should have been ‘latter’
having item songs and big stars is just to make sure tat the movie gets a gr8 opening, srk is playing it safe.
irrfan is a terrific performer and i m sure he will come out really good. and priyan always does justice to the movie, never plays into the hands of stars. two really good examples of these are ‘hera pheri’ and ‘bhool bhulaiya’ where akki came in only in the 2nd half
i m also looking forward to this movie…
Hi im going to dissapoint you a little
I know a lot of staff at red chillies and most of them are dreading the fate of billu barber
but anyways im open to it although srk playing a star has become the new thing srk does over and over again
am lookin fwd to dis one too. SRK RULES!
Ratnakar,Vishesh-
Yes I agree the promotion should be balanced and not go overboard with SRK in the limelight.In fact if any body from Redchillies will read this, I want this to go as a humble plea from my end on this.And yes I did like the first promo myself.
Jha-
Yeah you are right, I just thought its better to clarify, otherwise this comment section may head in a different direction.
Jha & Vishesh- I am hoping that the Marjaani song would be the only “item” song & it will have all the 3 heroines- Kareena,Deepika & Priyanka in it.And yes I expect it to be a song shown being filmed based on the original that I’ve seen.
Crazyrals,Vivek,Magik-
I’m eagerly awaiting this movie.lets wait & watch.
Ya Sethu!!!
I’ve seen original Malayalam version,.
And Rajani’s “Kuselan”(which I dislike like anything)
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promo of “Billu Barber” on Mtv is really nice,
Especially at the end of it, they have this signboard named “Billu Barber”
apart frm SRK,Priyan,Irfaa, Lara,Kareena,Deepika & Priyanka, i am excited for the lyrics of Gulzar saab and in the very first song he left me floored
marjaani khasmanokhaani marjaani..
waiting to listen more of his gulzarish lyrics!!
Shekhar – the signboard with “Billu Barber” on it is very heartwarming & simple.
Ajay- Yes the lyrics of the music I’m sure must be impressive.Whatever I’ve heard of Marjaani certainly makes me feel so.
Reeeeaally lookin forward to watching Billu Barber….Cant wait to watch SRK and Irfan sharing screen space…I also love the concept of the movie an hope that SRK continues to do more movies like this…
BEST ONG IS WITH DEEPIKA WHICH WILL ROCK NATION AND ALL PARTIES.
Sethu: nirnayam was by sangeeth sivan, bro of santosh sivan
Ram-the Nirnayam that you are talking about is the Malayalam version of The Fugitive.I’ve seen it a few times.It has Mohanlal & Heera.
The Nirnayam that I’ve mentioned is a telugu movie with Nagarjuna & Amala.I’ll take care to mention the language hereafter.
I guess Nirnayam was directed Sangeet Sivan and not Priyadharshan
Interesting article. Some nice points where u have explained the blunders in Telugu and Tamil version. I personally think Irfan is one of the very talented actors in our country who is underutilized as of now and if SRK is smart enough(which he is) we will see Billoo Barber portrayal justified by Irfan. I really look forward to see this one for Irfan.
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and to some extent SRK as usual
JJ- I’ve already clarified above that the Nirnayam that I’m refering to is a telugu movie with Nagarjuna & Amala and it has been directed by Priyan.And yes the malayalam Nirnayam is directed by Sangeet Sivan.
@ All- Priyan has made movies in tamil & telugu also apart from Hindi and Malayalam.
Sethu – Good analysis – however I disagree with you on one point, movie will not work for me. The reson being the entire movie rests on the climax, and I dont have enough confidence on SRK to carry it off. KKKG, Kuch Kuch Hota hai Climax are examples. They aboslutely did not work for me as I did not connect to SRK’s acting in the emotional scenes. If he proves me wrong, I’ll be happy. But as of now, I am not looking forward to it..BTW did you listen to the fantastic Naan Kadavul?
Just found out that Gulzaar Saab & Pritam are kollaborating for the first time. Another reason to wait for this one!
It would be for the second time; I think, they worked together for a couple of songs in Just Married or for the enitre album.
@ HG: is it? hvnt heard much abt the movie? it was the fardeen starrer right? well, gulzaar saab has used the term ‘oni-boni’ once again for billu after chappa chappa!
Anand-I hope that SRK will prove you wrong this time
Havent listened to Naan Kadavul completely but did get a feel of it from the music launch shown yesterday.But would try to listen to the same today.Ilayaraja is a legend!!!
HG,Magik- Gulzar with Pritam spells good news- first time or not.
Off-topic! Help!
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Quick question:
Does any one know about Institute of Moving Images?
They are having evening workshop for movie making here in Ahmedabad.
Vishesh-
I dont know about it- but yes I did ask if you were bout to do the course @ MICA on someother post.
Vishesh- just noticed that you had mentioned St.Xavier’s in the other post.So where did this Institute of Moving Images come in?Are they doing it@ St.Xaviers?
To all- I think the audio release of the movie is scheduled in less than a week’s time- probably Jan 6th is the date.So lets wait & watch for more.
Sethu,
Yeah, this Institute of Moving Images are organizing a course in St. Xavier’s so was wondering how good it is, if anyone heard of that institute earlier?
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Kuch nahi hua toh, I will go ahead and try, let’s see dekhte hain
Sethu, good post. I am looking forward to the movie as well. I am not too bothered about the number of item songs – how does it matter? If someone does not enjoy these, feel free to walk out for a smoke or a stroll and come back to watch the movie. As long as the heart of the original is not unduly tampered with (like say an attempt to give more screen time to SRK etc), it should be fine. After all the makers are trying to see that there is enough in the movie for all kinds of viewers – and why not?
The only thing I don’t agree with you on is Bhool Bhulaiyya. I don’t think it did even an iota of justice to the original – the latter part of the movie appeared more comic than eerie to me. I hope Priyan does a better job with Katha Parayumbol!
Kic- Thats a different perspective that you’ve thrown on the item numbers.Yes whats essential is not diluting the essence of the original.
Regarding Bhool Bulaiyya it was more on a comparison with what P.Vasu did in Kannada,Tamil & Telugu.
Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t know how to market his films and he hasn’t learnt anything from Phir Bhi Dil Hain Hindustani.
Only promotional video songs – Marjaani & Love Mera Hit are appearing on the channels. Irrfan Khan promo of the movie has disappeared now. It is all about how those promotional videos were shot.
Where is Priyadarshan?!
I think most of the movies promo start off with a teaser and then go to songs, no?
Ghajini, Dev D (stretching thoda bahut over here), SiK, OLLO, even Dasvidaniya etc.
And when the movie gains prominence on the mindset you start giving more details about the movie.
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Another thing is, you want to music sales to pick-up so you need to popularize the songs. Song hit hain, toh movie may get a better opening. e.g. Bhool Bhulaiya had Hare Raam song.
Well the audio release is happening tomorrow & so its no surprise that the focus is on the songs-
“Marjaani” & “Love Mera Hit” for the time being.I’m sure the Irfan promo & something new would again be back on air.
I agree with Honhaar Goonda. While music did play a role in Ghajini, Dev D etc, these generally relate to the central characters in the movie and around the theme. Here Kareena, and to a lesser extent SRK, is not what the movie is about nor do the songs have any bearing on the same. Hopefully SRK will take some time out before the release to showcase the movie himself (just as Aamir did for his production JTYJN) AND by using means relevant to the theme rather than just dancing around in cricket stadiums or the odd interview.
Digressing a bit ..towards another sooper performer….
Hows Manoj Bajpai’s jugaad shaping up guys???
Any insider info at all….
I hope he shapes up after that recent dud with the shetty sisters….some blot on his career ….
DND- Jugaad is supposed to release on Feb 6th along with Dev D, Aloo Chaat & Mere Khwabon Me Aaye.Sorry to disappoint you , but there’s no buzz about the movie.You should better look forward to watching him in Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti.
And the movie that you’re referring to is Fareb which came out way out in 2005- not recent @ all.
Kic,HG- I certainly hope SRK comes back with the theme promos soon, very soon.
Sethu, isn’t SRK shooting for “My Name is Khan” in the US. I guess (hope?) he’ll make some time out to publicise BB, given that it is his home production. After all, Aamir did a superb job with JTYJN despite not featuring in the movie!!
Kic- yes I guess he’s in the U.S- but I’m sure he would take some time out for BB since its home production as you rightly pointed out.In fact I would expect him to do initiate something in the next few days hopefully!!!
Vishesh,
Hn u finally joined the Institute of moving Images?
I’m doing their evening filmmaking workshop in Pune. It is really amazing. I’m enjoying every bit of it. Already made three films.How is ur experience
Bakwas movie tha. Saving grace was Irfan’s performance. Laura was also very good ( her career best IMHO . some morning/evening/night shots were brilliantly pic.
KCP- have you seen any of the earlier versions
( Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu)? watch out for my review of the movie- coming soon