Billu

It was nice to see rural India for a change. The village, the simple people untainted by the urban life. After all how much of ‘foreign trips’ one can take? It brings back memories of friendship between Lord Krishna and his poor mate Sudama. The film celebrates friendship, simple living in villages and their little problems. The film’s title created an unnecessary controversy. So Billu Barber became only Billu. It did not make a difference to the fortunes of the film. If Irfan Khan bought out a fantastic performance throughout the film, even Shah Rukh Khan delivered his best in the last fifteen minutes. The film is worth watching for those last fifteen minutes where friendship takes on a new meaning.

The story revolves around two best childhood friends. One remains where he is in life and the other moves away-only to return in a new fangled avatar with the goodies and richness. Between the two friends, Lara Dutta makes her presence felt too as the nagging and lovable wife. Dosti is much more than just hugging one another and texting messages. It is more than sending email cards and tying bands on friendship day. It means sacrifices, so that one can endure the love of the relationship. Billu encompasses it all.

Director Priyadarshan has shifted from his village comedies to do this emotional tale. The film is a copy of a Tamil title. Shah rukh Khan proves that the theatre in him is not dead! Irfan Khan is a perfect match as Billu and as a friend.