Every now and then along comes a story that touches you, a story so vivid that it takes on a life and history of its' own. In the genre of love stories, this is one of them.If I would have to sum up the main issue of the story, I would have to say the loyalty of a woman. Of a lover, a parent or a friend, of feelings.In the case of the movie I would have to add the honest belief in this piece of literature. Judging from three film adaptations, it is obviously a much admired story in India.Let me just say that I was impressed by the whole romantic setting and the subdued, peaceful quality of it, which probably serves to underscore the harmonious character, and the quiet dignity and virtue of Lolita (the irony of a name). However and more importantly, I was amazed, and gladly so, by the emotional pull between the main actors. Saif Ali Khan has shown his best (I didn't believe he had it in him to portray this type of character). And as for Vidya Balan, I believe she steals the show. Except for being radiantly beautiful, she manages to express a great subtlety of emotion, and in a debut role, at that. She understands her character, and embodies it to perfection.This film is worlds apart from your typical shallow masala entertainment which in many a case insults the intelligence of the public.I've seen Parineeta twice so far, and it's done wonders for my perception of what great Hindi cinema is. And now, excuse me, I'm off to see about the book.

This has to be one of the best (perhaps the very best?) Hindi romance film. The plot is a venerable old yarn from the 1950s, many elements of which are now clichés in these romances. But this remake gives them new life, with fabulous photography, great songs and terrific acting. The chemistry between Vidya Balan and Saif Ali Kahn is tender and touching. Saif's long road to choosing between loyalty to his demanding father and to the woman he loves it skillfully portrayed. And the final sequence will have you laughing and cheering and crying with joy.There is not one thing to pick at as the "weak point". This one is shorter than usual for a Hindi film, just over two hours, but that's precisely what is called for to make the story unfold, no more or less. (That would make it a good first Hindi film for those who aren't excited about sitting for three or four hours.) In short, it's just brilliant.

This movie should have been nominated for the Oscars. It could have won and is much better than Paheli. For some reason, this film seems different from other Indian films. The acting was excellent as was the plot. For most of the film the viewer is left wondering what is gonna happen next. Not knowing what to expect. This the best film I've seen Saif work in so far and Vidya Balan is going to be a big hit. There were some guest appearances and unexpected actors that show up, if the viewer doesn't know the cast. This is a film that everyone should watch, even those who usually don't watch Indian films. It is a riveting film that is worth watching. So go and watch it!!!

Parineeta is one of the best Bollywood films this year. The story is nothing new with its familiar basic building blocks centering around such melodramatic stock items as a father-son-conflict, a greedy bad guy trying to lay his hands on what is not his and one of these contrived misunderstandings with final twist involving a badly suffering heroine and her out of line and abusive lover. Sounds familiar? Sure, it's in every other Bollywood film. The reason that Parineeta is nonetheless one of the finest Hindi films in 2005 is the execution which is most of the time very tasteful and does not resort to the formula masala shenanigans (over the top humor, fights, sound effects etc.) that may please the masses but are poison to any serious work of cinema. The cast is very good. Newcomer Vidya Balan is a discovery and Saif Ali Khan competent. Technical standards are high. The occasional slip such as the piano playing scene(s) (Khan is faking unconvincingly when in the picture while a professional's hands and arms during close-ups are correct and obviously someone else's) can not change the overall verdict: very good. The DVD is a technical milestone for Bollywood with its (almost) flawless picture quality and a DTS track. Well done. Stay away from rip off pirate discs! The original deserves to be purchased.