Father-Son Playing Son-Father: “Paa” Review

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

“Paa” addresses a serious issue progeria which doesn’t have cure.  The Big B. has played one of the most challenging roles of his career, after  Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Black”. Auro is a 13 year-old boy suffering from a rare genetic disorder that accelerates aging. There is a remarkable difference between  his mental and chronological age. The disease hits one person out of eight million, with estimated life to be around 12-13 years.   Though, being unaware of his condition, Auro is a joyful boy, living with his single mother Vidya Arte (Vidya Balan) and his granny.  Amol Arte (Abishek) plays the role of a famous and inspiring politician with a mission. He didn’t want Auro in his life, so Vidya disappeared from his life. Upon paying a visit to Auro’s school, he gets emotionally attached with the progeria-stricken boy, being unaware of their real relationship with each other. The friendship grows and grows. Paa is a directorial venture by R Balki, who directed the critically acclaimed “Cheeni Kum” too.

It has been written and directed very well with some parts being perilously praised. The makeover (by Domini Till and Christien Tinseley) is very fabulous, with giving Amitabh a typical progeria patient look. The symptoms of the disease are wrinkled skin, abnormally big head, loss of hair and abnormal growth. The music is not highly touching except the track “mere paa”. Abhishek, Vidya, and Paresh, have done justice with their roles, but Amitabh outshines the rest. The second half of the film is stronger and more worth watching, than the first one. With almost negligible glamour in the film, it addresses a serious issue. It reflects the story of disease, sufferings and human relationships.