Goutam Ghose's 'Paar' tells the story of a young couple, Naurangia (Naseeruddin Shah) and his wife Rama (Shabana Azmi) who are forced to flee the village because of atrocities committed by the zameendar (landlord played by Utpal Dutt). It's a little difficult to follow in the beginning as the storytelling isn't linear and it moves back and forth in time. Some of the village sequences (that do not involve Rama and Naurangia) feel a little overstretched. The best parts of the film are the sequences with Shah and Azmi.
Once the film focuses on the couple's 'quest' to make a life for themselves in the city, the viewers are involved and rooting for them to find a solution. Their struggle mirrors the harsh reality of the streetlife that most villagers experience when they're looking to make a life in the big busy Asian city (with no connection to anyone). Yet, Naurangia and Rama are not without hope. Their love for one another is solid and they are each other's strength.
When an opportunity, that promises enough money to at least get by for a few days, presents itself to Naurangia he is excited but also cautious. This proves to be a dangerous challenge that involves his four-month pregnant wife but he sees this as the only way out now and they'll both just have to succeed in this task to survive.
Despite the initial confusion, Ghose's direction is very good, especially in the second half. I also liked his occasional use of dark humour. The subtle cinematography and score are impressive. Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi are at their best. That's not a surprise as these two actors have always brought out the best of each other. Furthermore, Azmi looks beautiful and authentic. Of the supporting cast, Om Puri stands out while the others are competent.
'Paar' succeeds in both its depiction of a reality that is often overlooked and telling a character driven story about survival.
