Phir Milenge

First and foremost, I would like to appreciate the effort that has been put in by all the cast and crew of the film to make this film extremely watchable again and again and again...

Secondly, the performance given by Ms. Shilpa Shetty is laudable. I mean, she is such a treat to watch on screen. Even Abhishk and Salman have put in a wonderful performance.

Last but not the least, Revathi, the captain of the ship (sorry for using the cliché) has put in a lot of effort to make the film look simple, real, and stunning (at least to the Indian society). Of course, the mail plot of the film is inspired from the Hollywood flick Philadelphia. But the characterizations, screenplay are trailer-made for bollywood movie goers.

Despite the fate of this film at the box-office, i recommend the film to all. Though there is another film ( My brother Nikhil) based on the same AIDS concept, i think, Phir.. is better.

Revathy's 'Phir Milenge' is a film about a young woman who tragically finds out that she is an HIV positive, a result of a one-time affair she had had with an old friend a few months before. Now she has to cope with the cruel society and its prejudice. This young woman is played by Shilpa Shetty, an actress who sadly never was flooded with great film offers before, but here was given a splendid chance to showcase her talent in a role that was not only one of her best, but one of the best of the year.

This film, inspired by the American picture Philadelphia, is made by Revathy in her own different and convincing style. India is not America, and the prejudice can go to any extents in there. Some may say it goes over the top with a stereotyped depiction of prejudice. But if we have to be honest, we got to admit that it's the real situation, not only in India but in all over the world, caused by the ongoing lack of awareness of AIDS and of what it actually is.

I found the film realistic, intense, powerful and emotionally touching. But one aspect that impressed me the most was Shilpa Shetty's magnificent dramatic performance. Her heartfelt, sensitive portrayal of the optimistic, stubborn and strong career woman Tamanna Sahni was both heartbreaking and inspiring. She was natural, moving and believable all through, performing the most difficult emotional moments with amazing depth and conviction. Abhishek Bachchan and Salman Khan provide great support. Bachchan is particularly impressive as the simple, humorous lawyer who supports Tamanna throughout the film.

Towards the end, the film includes several scenes, some of which are heart-warming, and others are simply heart-rending. The first is Shilpa and Salman's first meeting when he is already at the advanced stages of his illness, when the two start crying as he asks her to forgive him. The following scene of Shilpa's breakdown when she visits Abhishek, is even more powerful, showing Shetty's acting at its deepest expressive level. Phir Milenge is a wonderful dramatic feature which shows us how unexpected life can be. Despite a somewhat slow and dark development, the film remains steadily interesting and compelling and ultimately leaves a mark. I highly recommend.

Phir Milenge deals with the issue of AIDS. But within it is hidden a more critical issue of how we deal in our relations.Are most of the relations which seems so powerful on top, doesn't have a hollow base ? And a slight shock ,rather a small fear ( even if it's misplaced) crumbles the entire building. There is a general psychology prevailing in our mind which attach's AIDS only with sexual relation .And instead of taking it as a disease, we start taking the person himself as a disease for society. We start believing that he is a curse to society and in turn we make a disease which was physical in nature to mental forcing the patient to bear with mental trauma of social boycott.

Coming to the movie, I must admit that before this movie I never take Shilpa shetty seriously considering her only as a item girl .But believe me, this movie has transcended her from a heroine to a good actress. Excellent acting done by her under the able hands of a sensitive director.As for the rest of cast , Abhishek Bachchan needs a special mention for his acting as well as selection of film. He is one actor to watch out in future who dares to go again formula cinema of bollywood and do meaningful films.

I am half Indian myself..tho I have waited till I am 39 to get in touch with my roots, I must say I am enjoying exploring Indian culture where ever I can.

Because of my situation I tend to look things up on the internet and watch Bollywood hits when ever I can in order to get a feel for my roots as I can.

With all that said, I must say, of all the Indian movies I have seen..this movie has been one of the most progressive and its storyline and acting were surprisingly progressive and wonderful.

The lead actress is extremely attractive and expressive..she is teamed up with a handsome leading man..tho I must say..it was sad to know what happens in the movie ..but..it does end on a tone of hope.

The music selections were great...and I was glad to see they did not make this into a musical as do most Hindi movies.

This movie is an adult film..tho there is no nudity or even explicit scenes..I think children would have a hard time understanding and thus enjoying the story.

But..it is a good movie to watch with your teenagers..the topic of this dangerous social disease(AIDS) is something good to discuss with your teens.

THe moves is overall excellent...especially if you into Hindi films as I am these days.

EIGHT stars out of TEN. Only because I am saving the other two stars for something even better.

Enjoy the movie!

I have seen this movie and although I felt it did address an issue which i have not seen dealt with in Bollywood...i did think it tried to copy Philadelphia.

I work with AIDS patients, or shall I say people who have advanced HIV infection. I have met many Asian people with the virus and I felt that this film did not address them.

If the movie had gone on a unique road...maybe come up with different areas of suppression, maybe dealt with the HIV issue without having to copy a hugly successful Hollywood film...then it may have been entitled to the respect it was due....but copying another movie to put across a message...i felt, lost its appeal.

The tagline is not very optimistic either. It doesn't matter if you have HIV or if you test negative....Life can still disappear...in a moment. The tagline is saying that once u are diagnosed...ur life disappears.....death is imminent.

How about the thousands of people who are surviving Aids...living 20 odd years? How about representing hope? This film I feel has let down the message of what Aids is about...and I feel has used another film to up its ratings. It was poorly told, the script was not very good and the only commendable performance was given by Salman Kahn.