18 Years of Paheli: Why It Is An "Unique Piece of Art" That Also Became An Official Entry To Academy Awards

Paheli starring the king of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan and the evergreen Rani Mukerji, directed by Amol Palekar was released in the year 2005 on this day. The film was well-received in foreign countries but became an average hit in the theatres. 

It tells a story of a ghost (dual role of SRK) falling in love with a woman named Lachchi (Rani) who gets recently married to Kishan (SRK) the one who leaves the town due to his business purpose. How the tale continues when the ghost takes the lead makes an interesting screenplay.

Though it was an average hit initially there are many reasons which make it a unique piece of art like the story, cultural presentation, cinematography, lead actors’ chemistry, songs, etc. Let’s have a look at these crafts in detail to know it's one of the best. 

·       Storyline

Though it’s a remake or an adaption of a play, the storyline makes a difference of all. A man ghost falling in love and receiving the same affection from the living woman, is unique in itself. People who seek love tales might have definitely liked it, if not you should watch it. 

·       Culture of Rajasthan

It is very rare in Bollywood when it comes to showcasing any Indian culture but Paheli by Amol Palekar has done his job very well by presenting the culture of Rajasthan. Their costumes, lifestyle, living area, scenic sand views everything was simply perfect.

Keeping the storyline aside, whenever any culture is shown in a movie, it makes us feel personal, easily touching our soul, and we enjoy watching it. Paheli is one of them. 

·       Cinematography

The camera is handled by Ravi K Chandran, one of the greatest cinematographers in the Indian Film Industry who also works in the Tamil and Telugu industries. The way this man has framed every shot is simply mesmerizing, especially in the songs we deeply feel when it is about the colour palette and wonderful shots. Also, it drives us into the beautiful sandscapes of Rajasthan and from the very opening shot of the film that its sheer, magical palette overwhelms us.

·       Lead Actors’ Chemistry

No doubt each and every cast member has done a fantastic job but special mention goes to the lead stars. Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji were seen together in the movies Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Chalte Chalte before Paheli came into the picture, where they already had a lot of fans for their chemistry on-screen. After Kajol-SRK, we love Rani-SRK is what clearly shows and when we got to see them in Paheli it was indeed a cherry on the cake. Isn’t that special?

·       Music

If Paheli’s direction, cast, and scenes are great then the music is the greatest. Composed by now recently Oscar-winning musician MM Keeravani, he takes us into a different world with his soulful and soothing music. Dheere Jalna, Kangna Re, Khaali Hai, Laaga Re Jal Laaga, Minnat Kare each and every song has its own magic. 

That’s how it also reached for an official entry to the 78^th Academy Awards for Oscars and indeed that was huge. In all, you must watch the flick anytime soon if you haven’t yet.