By Hindustan Times
Farah-Boman's Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is a feel-good entertainer, but somewhere director Bela Sehgal messes up with the execution. Farah Khan is healthier when she’s not acting, her persona suiting the role. Boman Irani is a delight, feel critics.
"Shirin Farhad... is very clearly modelled at the Hrishikesh Mukherjee brand of cinema – you meet good-hearted characters, enter their lives, see them coping with regular problems after which resolving conflicts without much ado or overt drama," writes Aniruddha Guha, DNA.
"However, Sehgal tries to infuse Bollywood-y elements like romantic songs and coffee melodrama in her film about two middle-aged Parsis finding love. It’s tough to mention if Sehgal intended to spoof the romantic genre as Hindi film audiences understand it or stay true to it, but you want Shirin Farhad... didn’t try too hard to evolve to norms," adds Guha.
Shirin"The concept is unique, but Sehgal messes up the execution. The jokes are forced and reflect not one of the sharp Parsi humour that we're used to. Where it will have turned out to be an endearing love story between two people who find themselves on the lookout for love and companionship, Sehgal subjects us to random gags and bathroom humour that's not even funny," writes Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Reuters.
"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi doesn't encounter as a movie on heartbreaks, heartaches or rona-dhona. This one's a feel-good entertainer. You wear a grin in your face as you exit the auditorium," writes Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hungama.
"The sole shortcoming of the film is that it tends to get just a little melodramatic and overemphasized intermittently, but, thankfully, the lovable scenes between the central characters camouflages this itsy-bitsy deficiency," adds Adarsh.
"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi (SFKTNP) goes directly to prove that the hero doesn't should be right out of Mills and Boons and his love interest could have a couple of extra love handles. Love stories in regards to the middle-aged was only appreciated for his or her comic relief or for catering to these from the similar age group because the couple at the screen. But disregarding these notions, we're ushered right into a world where man meets woman, a seductive saxophone fills up the air after which their paunches collide. Love to start with bump. No honking sound-effects thankfully," writes Kunal Guha, Yahoo.
Direction
"The other debutant on this film, director Bela Bhansali Sehgal gets full marks for managing to set the mood and for keeping this ship from sinking even within the melodramatic scenes. Opening with a rom-com could seem like a secure bet but when your lead pair is 45+ in age and waist size, you're really Russian Roulette-ing together with your career. But having been a movie editor pays off as Bela understands the significance of containing a scene and avoids any spillovers," feels Guha.
Script
"The film never catches hold of you, and despite a brief running time of not up to two hours, it kind of feels to stretch on forever, way to a haphazard script. Among the cast appear to think comedy means hamming, especially Boman Irani, who overdoes every scene," feels Jamkhandikar.
Performances
"Farah Khan is better when she’s not acting, her persona suiting the role. Sehgal’s film seems significantly better than it's as a result of performance of the 2 actors and the chemistry between them. QUITE A LOT OF Parsi actors like Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal, Kurush Deboo, etc, lend the film an actual vibe," feels Guha.
"Boman Irani is a delight and applies himself to his craft as assiduously as ever. Farah Khan's acting debut could be a bit delayed but she extends a vulnerable playfulness to her character and should've opted for this a decade ago. Honey Irani and Shammi are both equally cute and adorable, even if they are saying the obvious things or react predictably in scenes or get screamingly dramatic," says Guha.
"Farah Khan, in her acting debut, is rough across the edges and seems comfortable only when she's being herself. When she's called directly to act, she gets self-conscious and awkward. This certainly doesn't help the already heavy tone of the film and its threadbare storyline," observes Jamkhandikar.
"After portraying all kinds of roles in films like Munnabhai series, Veer Zaara, 3 Idiots, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Well Done Abba, Eklavya, Don series and the new Ferrari Ki Sawaari, Boman Irani portrays another part that makes him stand out within the crowd -- he plays a lover boy, an element he hasn't portrayed earlier. It is a sheer delight watching him get this part absolutely right. Brownie points to this supremely talented actor for another flawless performance!" feels Adarsh.
"The script needed someone as lively and boisterous as Farah Khan and if one were to make use of a cliche, she suits the role to the T. Though that is Farah's first attempt at acting, she depicts the nature with fervor. In fact, I doubt, every other actor would've pulled off this role with such deftness and flair. She nails the nature and the way"! adds Adarsh.
Conclusion
"At under two hours, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi demands little of you and delivers enough so that you can not grudge spending money and time on it. I suggest you watch it for some honest moments and a lovable performance by Boman Irani," concludes Guha.
"Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi might have been a sweet romance, but seems to be a completely forgettable film that you'd be best advised to bypass. In case you must, watch it on television at home on a weekend if you have nothing better to do," feels Jamkhandikar.
On the whole, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi is a simple, unfussy and heartfelt movie that hits the precise notes. The film supports the truth that nobody is simply too old to fall in love. Truly, this excellent love story has no expiry date. Recommended!" concludes Adarsh.
Tweet review
IBNLiveMovies: #Shirinfarhad's biggest flaw is the dearth of a well thought out central conflict, still it's enjoyable. #tweetreview
IBNLiveMovies: It's good that filmmakers are arising with new concepts and higher characterisation. #Shirinfarhad is above average. #tweetreview
IBNLiveMovies: Farah's inhibitions restrict the flow at some places but overall #Shirinfarhad doesn't stagnate. #tweetreview
IBNLiveMovies: The length of #Shirinfarhad is simply perfect. Editor need to be complimented. Background score is overpowering every now and then. #tweetreview
Twitter Buzz
@sonamakapoor: Better of luck for shirin farhad @TheFarahKhan ! From the thrill that's going around btown..Its gonna be great!
@TheFarahKhan: Well the day is here.the judge will b judged?from the ground of my heart n heart of my bottom thank u Boman.Without farhad there is no shirin
