Phillauri (2017)

Phillauri is a 2017 Indian romantic comedy film that beautifully blends elements of fantasy and folklore with contemporary storytelling. The movie, directed by Anshai Lal and produced by the acclaimed actress Anushka Sharma under her production company Clean Slate Filmz, offers a fresh and heartwarming narrative that explores love beyond the boundaries of life and death.

Plot Summary

The story of Phillauri revolves around Kanan (Suraj Sharma), a shy and somewhat skeptical young man who is on the brink of his wedding. In his quest to protect his upcoming marriage from any bad luck, Kanan visits the tree known as a "Phillauri"—a tree traditionally believed to be the abode of spirits. During this visit, he inadvertently frees a friendly ghost named Shashi (Anushka Sharma), who has been spiritually tethered to the tree for over a century.

Shashi is not an ordinary ghost. Her character is vivacious, emotional, and deeply nuanced, offering a poignant glimpse into the societal challenges of early 20th century India. As Shashi accompanies Kanan on his journey, their interactions unearth layers of untold stories—particularly Shashi's own past, which is intertwined with a touching tale of love, betrayal, and redemption.

The narrative oscillates between the contemporary timeline and flashbacks to 1917, giving viewers an immersive experience of two very different eras, yet connected by timeless emotions and desires.

Main Cast and Characters

• Anushka Sharma as Shashi, the ghost: Anushka delivers a compelling performance that captures both the playful and tragic aspects of her character, making Shashi both relatable and memorable.
• Diljit Dosanjh as Fakki, the flamboyant storyteller and musician: Diljit's vibrant portrayal adds a layer of humor and cultural texture to the film, enriching its folk narrative style.
• Suraj Sharma as Kanan, the groom-to-be: Known for his role in Life of Pi, Suraj brings earnestness and subtlety to his character, portraying the transformation from skepticism to acceptance with finesse.

Director and Writer

Anshai Lal, making his directorial debut with Phillauri, steers the film with sensitivity and creativity. His direction ensures that the film’s blend of supernatural elements and romantic comedy is seamless and engaging. The screenplay and dialogues, penned by Ambar Hadap and Anvita Dutt, resonate with authentic emotional depth and cultural specificity, adding layers to the film's storytelling.

Music and Songs

Being a Bollywood film, Phillauri also excels in its musical component. The soundtrack is a wonderful mix of folk tunes and contemporary melodies composed by the talented Shashwat Sachdev. The songs significantly contribute to the narrative, enhancing emotional beats and character arcs.

• - Sung by Neha Bhasin and Divya Kumar, this folk-inspired track is vibrant and catchy, reflecting the joyous aspects of Punjabi culture.
• - The title track sung passionately by Darshan Raval, beautifully captures the film’s themes of love and longing.
• - Performed by Shashwat Sachdev, this song is gentle and romantic, echoing the deep emotional undercurrents between the lead characters.
• - A soulful melody sung by Neha Bhasin that adds further depth to the storyline.

The music, combined with Diljit Dosanjh’s character who is a musician himself, adds an authentic folk touch and enriches the cinematic experience.

Conclusion

Phillauri stands out as a heartwarming blend of romance, comedy, and supernatural fantasy. It offers audiences a unique cinematic experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. With strong performances by Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh, and Suraj Sharma, a compelling script, soulful music, and deft direction by Anshai Lal, the film is a refreshing addition to modern Indian cinema. It subtly addresses themes of love, tradition, and the idea of closure, wrapped up in a story that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.

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