2009 November, 5th

Phil Butler

The upcoming film Paa is something of an interesting case to demonstrate what film and acting is all about. Film, and acting, is a little more about transformation than it is celebrity and fanfare. It is the transforming element of this genre which compels us really. Such was the case for Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man (and dozens of other films), as now for Amitabh Bachchan, in his personification of a slightly mentally retarded person. Of course the actor’s part is just an element that helps the film “transform” or transport us as the movie goer.

Paa is directed by R. Balki, and also stars Amitabh’s son Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, and Paresh Rawal. The story is about a father and son, and obviously an emotional journey exhibited through the condition of Amitabh’s character, a rare aging diseases called progeria. Obviously, the abbreviated life component avails much in condensing both emotion and the central message too. But, perhaps most interesting for this film is the real life twist of father playing son, and vice versa. Another interesting turn of events puts Abhishek’s wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan firmly in the promotional seat for the film.

Without delving too much into the story, which is somewhat obvious but richly told, this “trans-formative” aspect for Amitabh Bachchan seems the most compelling thing besides the obvious quality (although a low budget piece) of the film. This actor’s ability will carry the film, and perhaps propel all concerned to a different level of film making? The selection of Amitabh in the key role here says a little about it as well. Balki revealed the importance involved in casting Amitabh in the central role in talking about the script with the press.

“It’s not that I wrote a script and then thought of casting Amitabh, rather I wrote it keeping him in mind.”

A compelling and touching story, painted with acting strokes by talented actors, set to grip us on the right level? This is an interesting film to look out for, as well as one with box office potential. You know, one of those that proves you don’t have to spend a billion bucks to make something loveable and successful? Paa is in production and scheduled to be released November 20, 2009. This will be a fun one to watch out for.

• 2009/08/28 -- Rituparno Ghosh’s “Shob Charitro Kalponik” Reviewed
• 2009/08/10 -- Katrina Kaif To Provide the Sexual Tension for Dostana 2
• 2009/08/08 -- Bollywood Debuts Chirag Ruia With Chal Chalein and Raises Issues [video]
• 2010/02/03 -- Eros International, Comcast, and Time Warner Open Test Market
• 2010/01/29 -- Indian Media Spoofs Movie Reviews, Veer and Tamizh Padam [video]
• 2010/01/28 -- Lisa Lazarus Talks About Salman Khan, Veer, and the Future
• 2010/01/27 -- Veer Interviews Continue With Rare Behind the Scenes Images

About the Author

Phil Butler is editor-in-chief of Everything PR and senior partner at Pamil Visions PR. He’s a widely cited authority on beta startups, search engines and public relations issues, and he has covered tech news since 2004. Phil wrote in the past for ReadWriteWeb, Mashable, Profy, SitePoint, Search Engine Journal, AltSearchEngines. Follow Phil on Twitter or send him an email at phil [at] pamil-visions [dot] com.

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