‘Pari’ Critics’ Verdict: Low on Horror but High on Anushka Sharma

Is it a yay or nay from the critics?

Film: Pari
Director: Prosit Roy
Cast: Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chatterjee, Rajat Kapoor

Excerpts from reviews of Pari.

“...the whole enterprise never rises above its silliness. The plot, trying desperately for gravitas by referencing certain yesteryear events in Bangladesh, without really giving us a credible reason, never hangs together, never feels true. Mumbo jumbo about ‘ifrits’ (evil spirits) is bunged in, and a lot of blood is let. By the end of it, a good couple of quarts of the red stuff have been spilled, but instead of scary, it’s all too dreary.... Anushka Sharma plays Rukhsana with a great deal of bloody enthusiasm. You cannot accuse her of not trying hard, but the film is so poorly-written, and so scatter-brained that nothing can rescue it, not even a leading lady who is determined to do something different with her producing heft.”  

Shubhra Gupta, The Indian Express

“As an atmospheric piece alone, it (Pari) could be to Hindi horror cinema what Kahaani was to thrillers.... There’s a lot going on between the pages. It suggests the existence of a parallel fantasy world with rules and history of its own – one that, if read, might have assumed the form of a gothic love story, gory revenge drama or even a ghostly psychological thriller in our minds. Filming Pari lends it a language that, in this country, is obliged to acquire the tropes of horror cinema.... It’s rare to see a successful mainstream actress not only believe in this as a producer, but strip herself of beauty so fully that her hideousness becomes beguiling.”

Rahul Desai, Film Companion

“The lead actress is also the film’s producer. She spares no effort in either of the two roles to prop up Pari. The technical attributes are well above average, the acting is strong, and the intent seems to be to blend genre elements with a certain degree of social relevance through the means of referencing recent events in India’s neighbourhood. It is, in the end, too laboured a film to enthuse us to ignore its many failings and get into the swing of things.”

Saibal Chatterjee, NDTV

“Pari is technically competent, and Prosit Roy receives production support in plenty. The costumes, hair and make -up, and background music being noteworthy. The cast, which includes Ritabhari Chakraborty as Arnab’s fiancée, contribute with wholehearted performances. Anushka Sharma, in particular, immerses herself into a physically exhausting character. But an elaborate track about satanic worship along with themes of good versus evil and love limits this film’s appeal to the loyal viewer who favours this genre.”

Udita Jhunjhunwala, Scroll