Red Chillies Entertainment, ‘Billu’ (earlier titled Billu Barber), is the latest flm from the Priyadarshan Stable, Starring Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta and Shah Rukh Khan in the lead.

sudamaThe film is based on a story from epic Mahabharata, from Lord Krishna’s life, Lord Krishna & Sudama. Sudama who is childhood friend of Krishna, is ashamed of his poverty and thinks that Krishna must have forgot him, but Krishna remembers his friend and his help. Billu Barber is modern adaptation of Krishna-Sudama Story.

It is a remake of a Malayalam film, Kadha Parayumbol. The saga of  ‘Billu’ is about the friendship of an ordinary barber and a Superstar. Priyadarshan has his own unique way of delivering the story in a simple and lucid manner which just grabs your attention.

“Billu” is a story of a barber, Billu (Irfaan Khan). He is struggling hard to run his shop, against all odds, No money, no furniture for shop, another barber in competition with modern saloon. Only person standing by his side is Billu Barberwife, Bindiya (Lara Dutta), who understand him. Billu struggles a lot to earn for his family. His poverty is another reason for loss of education of their children.

Things Suddenly change in a small village Budbuda (UP), when superstar Sahir Khan decides to shoot his film there. Sahir Khan is Billu’s childhood friend. Knowing that  Sahir Khan is Billu’s childhood friend, villegers’  behaviour suddenly changes towards Billu. Everyone wants to meet Sahir Khan through Billu. However, Billu tries to apprach him, but he fails to do so. With this the villagers get angry and already in trouble Billu has to face their additional wrath.  But at the end the story reveals when Sahir Khan himself, tells the villegers about their Friendship.

Coming to the performances, Irrfan Khan has once again done, what he does best, Acting. He is simply superb. He beautifully plays the character of Billu, who is happy and smiles even in toughest times. The scene where Billu rings Sahir Khan to talk is worth mentioning. Irrfan Khan has done it wonderfully. Lara Dutta is good. The kids Gunja & Kalu deserve a special mention.

Shahrukh Khan has played himself. His super stardom has been filmed very well. He calls himself King Khan, His posters are all over the village, People copying his Hairstyle, and even, Billu’s wife dreaming him in her dreams!! The three special special songs with Kareena, Deepika and Priyanka are worth watching. Though they are not of part of story, but doesnt seem to distract too.

The climax of the film, when Sahir Khan harks back to his childhood friendship with Billu and recalls the deep amity they both shared together makes you feel good, makes your heart feel good for the goodness.

With this film Priyadarshan proves that he can still make serious and sensitive films, and he has the same mastery as he has in making comedies.

The songs of film were already hit. The songs have been picturised superbly especially MarJani Marjani & Khudaya Khair. Pritam impresses with spongy music. And Gulzar has again written some great lyrics. just imagine this:

Wo jab nakhun kutarti hai, to chanda ghatne lagta hai,
Wo jab paani pe kadam rakhe, sagar bhi hat jata hai . .

Isnt it amazing!!!

On the whole, ‘Billu’ will be with you even when you leave from theatre. The movie leaves a sweet smile on your face and huge impression on your mind and that is its success.