Movie Review - Paa

Take your Maa, Paa, friends, uncles, aunties, neighbours to the nearest theater playing this charming little movie.

Even though you expect the tragedy nearing the climax, there is still much to love about 'Paa' and its wittily-named central character.

Auro (Amitabh Bachchan) loves fart and potty jokes, he calls his auntie 'Bum' because of her rather large posterior, he enjoys everything there is about King Kong and computers, he loves cracking jokes with his friends over the phone, and hates it when his mom drops him to school.

In short, Auro is just another loveable kid, only difference is, he's got a body of a 60-year old. One day Auro is given an award at a school function by.

The friendly neighbourhood politician (Abhishek), his single mom (Vidya Balan) realises that the man is none other than her estranged boyfriend who had dumped her after she had gotten pregnant. How mother, father and son reconcile forms the rest of the story.

Note the order - mother, father, and son. More than often, the film curiously pushes Auro to the background, which is frustrating because his presence lights up every frame of the film. This is Auro's film, why are we watching unnecessary sub plots and meandering scenes (like the one in the Metro)? Moreover, why is this film called 'Paa'? Paaji Abhishek Bachchan's performance exudes the dexterity of a little girl whose shoelaces have been tied together, but Vidya Balan is a powerhouse. Her towering screen presence nicely accentuates her quiet dignity, and her dialogue delivery is masterful. If anything, 'Paa' is more about Maa's love for Auro.

Amitabh Bachchan was an inspired casting choice, he is simply wondrous to behold as the gawky teenager Auro. He is borderline unfathomable as his gait, voice, eyes don't the least bit remind you of his own self. There is not the slightest hint of his late sixties, and the prosthetic makeup is unbelievably believable. The cinematography by PC Sreeram is top notch and Illyaraja's score is beautiful. Director Balki does well as he avoids schmaltz in favor of witty lines.

However the editing could've used a once-over as 'Paa' constantly veers off focus roving into unwanted, uninteresting territory. The transition from comedy to drama is jarring. The scene where Abhishek Bachchan attacks the media comes off as amateurish and clumsy, and the extra-smug Jr B ends up looking pretty silly in the process. Jaya Bachchan's cameo during the beginning credits was a daft idea as well.

Flaws aside, 'Paa' is still very enjoyable as it celebrates the unique qualities which make special people shooting stars. There are a couple of scenes that will have most people watery-eyed. Watch it for Big B, who is at his versatile best here.