 Auro (Amitabh) is a 12 year progeria infected kid living with his
gynecologist mother Vidya (Vidya Balan) and her mother (Arundhati
Naag). Extremely witty Auro happens to win an award in his school from
a young politician, Amol Arte (Abhishek). On the same night when Vidya
watches its telecast, she realizes that Auro actually met his father
for the first time. During her student days abroad, she was in a
relationship with Amol but had broken off with him over their decision
whether to keep the child or not. 
Amol wanted it aborted and not commit
for marriage as he wanted to pursue his political ambitions. Progeria
affected children don’t happen to live beyond 13-14 years so when Auro
collapses and she fears he is nearing his final stages of his life, she
reveals to him that Amol is his father. What follows next and how Auro
is instrumental and getting his estranged parents back together forms
the rest of the film.
Paa is R. Balki’s next after the immensely lovable Cheeni Kum
(2007). Balki had showcased glimpse of his brand of sarcastic humor in
his debut film and with Paa he has completely established it. The film
has been intelligently narrated cutting away from unnecessary
melodrama. The pacing is just perfect. The selection of child actors
(including Mr. Bachchan) deserves special mention. They act their
natural self and are extremely hilarious. Paa has plenty of wonderfully
written and enacted sequences like Auro’s conversations with his best
buddy in school Vishnu, Auro’s sequences with his stuffed toy King
Kong, Amol – Vidya’s argument over whether to keep their child or not,
Amol exposing his detractors on live national television, Auro and
Amol’s chilling out all day in Delhi, Amol realizing Auro is his own
child and finally of course the climax.
With his Auro act, Amitabh Bachchan yet again proves he is the Paa
of all his contemporaries where acting is concerned. The effortless
manner, in which he has carried out such a challenging act, deserves a
long standing ovation. He is definitely bound to win all the acting
awards for this one. Abhishek Bachchan has put up a very mature act. In
fact you may want to hate his character in the film initially, but full
credit to him for making it very likeable. Vidya with her body language
succeeds in communicating her single mom turmoil. She is effortless
natural as well and looks wow. Arundhati Naag is very good. Paresh
Rawal in a short role as Abhishek’s father is well restrained.
The film scores very high in the technical department. Music maestro
Ilaiyaaraja’s music is melodious and perfectly interwoven with the
film. His background scrore is super fresh. Anil Naidu’s editing and PC
Sreeram’s cinematography are top notch.
Watch Paa with your Maa and Paa and one can confidently say that it
is definitely bound to be an experience which you will remember for a
long time. Paa will leave you with a tear in your eye but also a smile
on your lips.
Rating: 4 out of 5*
Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan and introducing Amitabh Bachchan
Director: R. Balki
Abhijit Mhamunkar/ Sampurn Media
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