Jai Shri Krishna and Sudama!!! (Movie Review: Billu Barber)

Movie: Billu Barber

Director: Priyadarshan

Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Irfann Khan and Lara Dutta

Preview: SRK teams up for the first time with director Priyadarshan. Loads of hype and marketing gimmicks had created the required curiousity in a viewers mind. Inspired by Malayalam movie "Kadha Parayumbol" starring Mammootty, Tamil version "Kuselan" & Telugu version "Katha Nayakudu" starring Rajnikant, the movie is based on the age old story of Bhagwan Krishna and Sudama. The film promises lots of entertainment with three trendy numbers starring Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra.

About the movie - As mentioned earlier, the movie is inspired by the tale of Bhagwan Krishna and Sudama where Sudama's role is played by Irfann Khan and Bhagwan Krishna's role is played by SRK. Billu Billas Pardesi (Irfann Khan) stays in village named "Budbuda" along with wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta) and two kids. He is barber by profession who has a small shop in the village which is on the verge of bankruptcy forced end. One day, Sahir Khan (SRK), the badshah of Bollywood requests his producer and director to shoot his movie in the very same village. People standing in line to meet Sahir Khan, start licking Billu's feet when they came to know that Sahir and Billu were childhood friends. The fact brings relief to Bindiya and kids but creates big problems in Billu's life.

Strengths -

• Irfann Khan and Lara Dutta give an honest performance.
• Last 15-20 minutes are the best portions of the movie. SRK performs well.
• Music is really peppy. Both the versions of "Khudaya Khair" are my favourite numbers.

Weaknesses -

• Although, the end is interesting, the post interval portions are bit slow.
• The character roles are irritating especially Rajpal Yadav.
• Although, the three songs are shot well except "Marjaani" but they are big hindrance to the plot.
• Audiences who have seen the original and remade versions may find the movie extremely boring.

Overall verdict -

The tale of Bhagwan Krishna and Sudama works well and director Priyadarshan does a great job in handling one talented actor and the other superstar by telling a simple tale. The movie will definitely work for SRK fans which is huge and for all those who believe in friendship. Jai Shri Krishna and Sudama!!!!.

Rating - 2.5/5