Parineeta primarily revolves around the lead characters, Lalita and Shekhar. Since childhood, Shekhar and Lalita have been friends and slowly this friendship blossoms into love. A series of misunderstandings surface and they are separated due to the conniving schemes of Shekhar's father. The plot deepens with the arrival of Girish, who supports Lalita's family. Eventually, Shekhar's love defies his father's greed and he seeks out Lalita.
About the film's comparison with the novel, Chopra said in an interview that, as compared to its 1953 namesake film by Bimal Roy, the story was based in the year 1962. He said that it took them one and a half years to script the film, with them adding new characters and emphasizing under-represented characters from the novel.[5][6] In a separate interview, Chopra admitted that he was actively involved with the screenplay because the film was an adaptation of the novel. When speaking about cinematic adaptation, Chopra gave due credit to Sarkar, and Natarajan Subramaniam (the film's cinematographer), for providing the vintage visuals.[7] Saif Ali Khan once said that the film was initially attempted to be made in a contemporary way. When the film's crew did not find the depiction appealing, the filming began with the 60s look.[8]
The choice of Vidya Balan came with Sarkar's prior work experience with her in three music videos.[9] Chopra said that Vidya was screen-tested for six months and only then they were sure of her acting abilities.[7] Saif once said that he was not convinced of Vidya's abilities, since Parineeta was to be her first film.[10] He instead hoped to work with established actresses like Aishwarya Rai or Rani Mukherjee. However, after seeing Vidya portray the character of Lalita, he was thoroughly appreciative of her performance.[8] Getting an opportunity to debut with big names from the industry along with a lovely character to portray made Vidya accept the role of Lalita.[9]
Sreelekha Mitra was approached to portray the role of Gayatri but she refused due to her pregnancy.[11] The role then went to Dia Mirza who liked the script so well that she chose to play the role in spite of it being small.[12] Raima Sen had a similar story with her want to work with the duo of Chopra and Sarkar.[12] The cameo of the veteran actress, Rekha was purely out of her interest in the song, "Kaisi Paheli Zindgani".[7]
Parineeta collected over Rs 170 million in India at the end of 2005.[21] Its overseas success was notable as well with gross collections of Rs. 36 million in the United Kingdom, Rs. 35 million in North America, and Rs 15 million in the rest of the overseas.[22]
Before its release on 10 June 2005, one preview wondered how the film would fare at the box office. Citing comparisons with the 1953 version, the preview suggested that debutant director, Sarkar's inexperience in film-making, the probable inability of debutant actress, Balan to portray Lalita's character appropriately, suitable 1960s depiction by contemporary actors and musician, Shantanu Moitra's until-then unimpressive soundtracks, could be impediments to a successful adaptation.[23]
Derek Elley from Variety said "A character-driven meller that's a treat for the eyes, with performances to match, "Parineeta" is high-end Bollywood near its best". He also says that, "though the climax is still emotionally powerful, it comes over as overcooked."[29] A mixed review from Mid-Day says "Pradeep Sarkar weaves the story like magic, especially in the first half ... excelling in the detailing ... the vintage look of the film (that stood out) with authentic costumes, props and the roads of Kolkata". However, the review criticised the film's climax terming it as amateur, thereby diluting the whole film's impact.[30] Another such review came from The Hindu which begins by saying "A simple enough story, but Sarkar tells it well, with some great shots of Shekhar and Lalita together." The review eventually says "Except for the end ... where it is too much to bear."[31]
The first version of the DVD version of Parineeta was released by UTV Motion Pictures on 30 October 2006. It has subtitle options in English, Arabic, Spanish, German, Italian, Malay, and French. An additional disc includes interviews with the actors and a behind the scenes look at the making of the film. It is available in 16:9 Anamorphic widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, progressive 24 FPS, widescreen and NTSC format.[46][47] The film is also available on Netflix.[48]
The soundtrack to Parineeta was released by Tips Music in 10 April 2005. It received positive reviews, with a reviewer stating, "praising the soundtrack of Parineeta leaves you at a loss for superlatives. In each song, the trend was great singing, great composition, and great lyrics". It was later re-released by Zee Music Company in 2018. Shantanu Moitra composed the music and Lyrics were penned by Swanand Kirkire.[49]
2015: Mehul (Subhashree Ganguly) is infatuated with her tuition teacher, Babaida (Ritwick Chakraborty). Mehul believes Babaida reciprocates her feelings. Babaida tells her that he has something to say to her and she assumes he is going to propose. On Holi, while she is waiting on the terrace (with abeer and vermillion), Babaida introduces Sayantika, his new girlfriend. He puts the abeer and vermillion on Mehul and tells her that she has to shoulder the responsibility of not just him but his better half too. Mehul is heartbroken and starts avoiding him. One day, a distressed Babaida hands her a letter, which she takes reluctantly. Three months later, she is told that Babaida committed suicide. After seeing his body, she breaks down.
2019: Four years later, Mehul is working in a government company with a low-paid salary with which she sustains two households - her own and Babaida's, where only his bedridden mother lives. Her colleague Ananda encourages her to go to an interview at a big corporate company called Unicorn. Mehul does so and is hired. On her first day, she meets her boss, a young man, Ranadeb (Gaurav Chakrabarty). Mehul gives herself a makeover, dressing more provocatively and boldly, and catches Ranadeb's attention. Babaida's mother dies in the meantime. One day, Ranadeb invites her for dinner and tries to sleep with her. Suddenly, his phone rings and Mehul sees his wife is calling him: Sayantika, Babaida's girlfriend. When she provokes him, Ranadeb asks her who she is and attempts to rape her but she escapes.
In present day, Mehul accuses Ranadeb of attempt of rape and gets him arrested. He and Sayantika are also charged with fraudulence and money laundering and cheating following which Ranadeb is sacked from his position and even police also arrest Sayantika , Following which Mehul also files a Petition in High Court demading investigation on Babaida's Sucide and Fake Allegation case that 5 years ago Sayan was falsely charged for rape following which he committed suicide. The media reported If the allegations are found out to be true Ranadeb and Sayantika will be charged for leveling false allegation, criminal conspiracy, abetment of suicide and culpable homicide for which they can also face serious charges including death by hanging as punishment. Thus, it becomes clear that Mehul had entered the company with a motive to avenge Babaida's death. At the end, she speaks to Babaida's portrait and tells him that she considered herself his wife as he had put vermillion on her head (which was mixed with the red Abir) that day on Holi, four years ago. Being his wife, it was her duty to give him justice, and that she executed the vengeance successfully.
Shekhar Rai: [turns around, enraged] Enough, Dad!!! You're talking about my wife and she is not for sale! Everything you say starts and ends with money, doesn't it, Dad?! And the sad thing is that you've turned me into a clone of you! Money, position, fame, I couldn't see past it! And worst of all, because of you I slapped Lolita! I raised a hand on my own wife!
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