These movies are and were part of my weekend binge and therefore very close to my heart. The purpose of these reviews are not to criticize any aspect of this movie. I just want to put it out there. This is the kind of cinema I like.

Non Review Rant

I am reviewing it based on my memories of 2014 when me and my sister watched it every Saturday for lunch.

Cast and Characters

• Amitabh Bachchan as Auro
• Abhishek Bachchan as Amol Arte
• Vidya Balan as Vidya
• Arundhati Nag as Dr. Sunita Vasisht
• Paresh Rawal as Doctor
• Prateek Katare as Vishnu
• Jaya Bhaduri Bachchan as Gita
• Taruni Sachdev as Auro’s friend
• Saurabh Agarwal as Auro’s friend

Credits

• Director: R. Balki
• Producer: Sunil Manchanda, Abhishek Bachchan
• Music: Ilaiyaraaja
• Cinematography: P.C. Sreeram

Plot Summary

“Paa” is a heartwarming story of Auro (Amitabh Bachchan), a 12-year-old boy with a rare genetic disorder called Progeria, which causes rapid aging. Auro is raised by his single mother, Vidya (Vidya Balan), who is unaware of Auro’s true parentage. Amol (Abhishek Bachchan), a young politician, enters their lives and develops a close bond with Auro. As the story unfolds, the truth about Auro’s parentage comes to light, leading to emotional revelations and connections.

Vidya is a medical student at Cambridge. Amol is pursuing a degree in Political Science.  He is ambitious and sharp and determined to be a ‘clean’ politician.

Vidya and Amol run into each other on the streets of Cambridge.  A very melodious song “Mudhi Mudhi Ittefaq Se” plays in Shilpa Rao’s sensuous and unique voice. Sparks fly, heartbeats increase and they soon fall for each other. The song sequence ends when Vidya finds out that she’s pregnant.

Of course, ambitious Amol does not want that so they part ways, on a bitter note.

Auro is their son, who suffers from Progeria, a rare genetic disease since his childhood. Vidya and her mother have raised Auro with care and love, hiding his father’s identity from him.

Fiction is fulled by coincidences.

So, Auro meets Amol during an school event. There are two things that happen in parallel. The father-duo bonding without either knowing they share blood relation will warm your heart. Auro’s antiques will tickle you throughout. On the other hand, Vidya struggles to keep truth to herself.

Review

Let’s talk about a film that touched my heart in ways I never expected – “Paa.” This gem of a movie, directed by R. Balki, weaves a heartwarming tale that defies conventions and leaves an indelible mark.

 

Progeria – Eye-opening Revelation

Much like everybody else, I was not aware of this disease and I literally got goosebumps.

Ilaiyaraaja’s Soundtrack

The songs are far and few but it makes you spellbound.

Performances

Vidya Balan, Amitabh Bachhan, Abhishek Bachhan and Paresh Rawal – when you have stalwarts like these, you cannot expect anything except excellence. And, they don’t disapppoint. 

As do the other actors in smaller roles, especially Auro’s friends in school.

At the heart of “Paa” is the extraordinary story of Auro, a 12-year-old boy who suffers from progeria, a rare genetic disorder that accelerates the aging process. Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Auro is a revelation – the way he captures the innocence, wisdom, and vulnerability of this young boy is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

What sets “Paa” apart is its unconventional narrative approach. Here’s a movie where the father is younger than the son, and yet the bond they share is as deep as any other. Abhishek Bachchan, playing Auro’s father, shines in a role that’s equal parts heartwarming and heart-wrenching. The film explores their relationship with grace and sensitivity, showcasing the beauty of unconditional love.

But “Paa” isn’t just a sob-inducing drama; it’s infused with humor, optimism, and life lessons. The film breaks down stereotypes and misconceptions about disabilities, showing that every individual, regardless of their condition, is capable of leaving a lasting impact.

One of the film’s most memorable aspects is its portrayal of Auro’s outlook on life. Despite his condition, he radiates wisdom and positivity, reminding us that the true essence of life lies in cherishing each moment and spreading joy. His zest for life, his love for his mother, and his unique perspective on the world make him a character that stays with you long after the credits roll.

“Paa” not only entertains but also educates. It sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with rare medical conditions and encourages us to embrace empathy and understanding. It dismantles societal norms and celebrates the beauty of relationships that defy conventions.

For me, “Paa” is a film that resonates on a personal level. It’s a testament to the power of love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty that can emerge from life’s most unexpected corners. It reminds me to treasure each moment, find joy in the simplest things, and cherish the bonds that shape our lives. It’s a cinematic journey that leaves me with a heart full of emotions and a renewed perspective on what truly matters in life.

Trivia

1. Amitabh Bachchan’s Transformation: Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Auro required extensive prosthetics and makeup to realistically depict the condition of Progeria. The transformation was so convincing that many viewers were amazed by his appearance.

2. Real-Life Inspiration: The film was inspired by the real-life story of Sam Berns, an American boy who had Progeria. His story and positive outlook on life left a deep impact on the director, R. Balki.

3. Real Father-Son Duo: “Paa” marked the first time Abhishek Bachchan produced a film, and he took on the role of the father to his real-life father, Amitabh Bachchan. This unique dynamic added a special layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship.

4. Ilaiyaraaja’s Music: The film’s soundtrack, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, was well-received, with tracks like “Mudi Mudi” and “Gumm Summ Gumm” becoming popular. Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions contributed to the emotional depth of the story.

5. National Award Winner: Amitabh Bachchan’s performance as Auro earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, showcasing his incredible versatility as an actor.

Parting Thoughts

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