Barah Aana

The plot is very binding, telling the story about three middle-class men trying hard to meet ends. It showcases the plight in a very sharp manner, but on the other hand gets monotony while doing so.

The first 30 minutes fails to keep its viewers hooked, as it shows the prologue & introduces the character. Running for less than 100 minutes, it finds grip just before the intermission as is when the plot gets interesting. The climax is although implied, very good and the sole reason why I give it 6.7 out of 10.

Naseeruddin Shah, I won't say was wasted, but was not utilized much. Vijay Raaz steals the limelight with Arjun Mathur. Supporting cast is supportive. Music is fine, so is the cinematography & setup. Direction is average. Narration is fine, but the whole experience could have been more intense, had the makers polished it. Average comedy-drama.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended, but nothing out-of-th-box here as we expect from independent movies.

Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES

Profanity: Mild; Beeped out | Nudity/Sex/Foreplay: No | Vulgarity: Mild | Violence: Strong | Gore: Mild | Alcohol/Smoking: Strong | Drugs: No

It is definitely in the "cheesy Hallmark movie" lane (nothing wrong with that when one's in the mood) but there's a little more magic and charm than you'd expect. Some laugh-out-loud moments, and if you speak a little Italian you'll be delighted that for once a streaming film has authentic local accents. The English-language clichés used by the Italian characters are a little off and the dialogue for the American Dad is slightly stilted, but overall we had fun watching it. Scott Foley is cute as ever and his daughter's comment about how the world is working out for her generation rings true. Great voice, natural acting, strong presence from Maia Reficco. Also enjoyed Simone Luglio's likeability and character. Violante Placido is perfect as the smart mayor and fun romantic interest.

Just happened to catch the premier at the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF-2009), and not to mention the presence of the legendary Naseeruddin himself and Director Raja Menon at the ocassion.

The story of the movie is not so different than any other off-beat bollywood movie, but the direction impresses. The laughters never miss their slots. The pace of the movie is apt and well poised with the life stories of 3 men (who happen to share a room). The screenplay is intelligent and leaves an impact.

Acting wise, Vijay Raaz takes away the applauds, as Naseer strangely isn't explored at all.

Overall, surely worth a watch if you need some light hearted entertainment with a touch of class direction.

Amazing picture, absolutely amazing, the part was awesome, the script obviously well done; the acting and the cast are incredible.

I can't tell you how wonderful the movie was.

The concept of the movie is very interesting.

Nasheerudin Shah is a versatile actor, and one of my favourite actors.

Time and again he proves that he can do better and better. The movie is extremely well made.It's a definitely must see for movie lovers.

The storyline is very unique.

I feel that the movie is well packaged in terms cinematography, direction, editing and execution.

Raja Menon has done a brilliant job as debut director.

'Barah Aana' tells the story of there friends (who are strangely three men of different generations) who are working ill-paid jobs that they hate and are desperate for something bigger and better, well, not necessarily better. Raj Kumar Gupta's screenplay does not really offer much. The pacing is decent at the beginning but it really slows down to lethargy. It's only 90 minutes but it felt much longer. Menon's story itself isn't that interesting to grab the viewer's attention and sustain it. The execution is pretty ordinary too but I liked the way the sets were designed. The plus point of 'Barah Aana' are the performances by the three leads: Naseeruddin Shah, Arjun Mathur and Vijay Raaz. These three lift the film above mediocrity but otherwise the film itself is very much forgettable.