Review: 'Lafangey Parindey' is a tribute to Mumbai's spirit

Lafangey Parindey (U/A)
Cast: Neil Nitin Mukesh, Deepika Padukone
Director: Pradeep Sarkar
Rating: ***

After churning out trash like Tashan, Pyaar Impossible, Dil Bole Hadippa and Badmaash Company in the recent past, Yash Raj Films finally seems to have got it right. Lafangey Parindey packs all the right punches, just like its rough-and-tough hero, biker/boxer Nandu (Neil).

Set in a Mumbai chawl, Lafangey Parindey drives on a cliched storyline with Nandu and blind Pinky Palkar (Padukone) at its helm. Nandu has taken upon himself (and his gang of tapori friends) to put back on track Pinky’s life and her goals. Pinky, you see, has been blinded in a freak accident.

The story of an urban, lower-middle-class girl trying to make it big in life is not entirely original. But the punch and energy pumped in by the lead pair makes it look like will and human spirit got a new package, with the ribbon of determination on it.

Nandu makes a living delivering knockout blows (mind you, only one punch per match, which also gives him the moniker One Shot Nandu) while rollerskating dancer Pinky is a bird waiting to break free from the loser wadi crowd and win talent contest India’s Got Talent. Winning the competition would be her “passport” to the world and to Rs50 lakh.

Nandu, who is fighting his own demons, is dragged into Pinky’s dream on skates. Predictably, it all turns out well in the end for the intrepid pair.

I don't think anyone had a doubt about Neil Nitin Mukesh’s acting ability though his past films (Johnny Gaddar and New York) were duds at the box office. He looks great in every frame and carries off Nandu’s rugged demeanour with panache. Padukone has said in TV interviews that playing a blind girl was a very challenging role, and it sure is. Looks like she did not work hard enough, as her acting remains mediocre and fails to convince. YRF must now wish the audience remains blind to these flaws. The screenplay is loose and leaves a lot to the audience’s questioning minds. But you are compelled to forget all that with the raw energy and high pace of the film.

Mumbaikars will relate to the never-say-die spirit and the locations in the film. Names like Chaddi, Diesel, Gulkand, Ganya and the Bambaiyya Hindi are sure to strike a chord with the city's dwellers. Though Lafangey Parindey claims to be a romantic action film, we see very little action and lots of subtle romance. I doubt the claims made by the actors that they did their own stunts, as shoddy editing lets the cat out of the bag. The figure-skating sequences are exceptional and the trainers deserve applause.

The music (R Anandh) moves with the film and songs like ‘Man Lafanga’ and ‘Nain Parindey’ are hits already. The songs help quicken the pace and are enjoyable.

Lafangey Parindey doesn’t disappoint you after taking the onus on behalf of Yash Raj Films to entertain you. It is worth a watch for the stubborn spirit of Mumbai that the film portrays so well.