Seven years ago, the film ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ made its grand debut on the big screen, capturing the hearts of audiences with its charming blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, the movie featured standout performances by Kriti Sanon, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Rajkummar Rao, and offered a refreshing twist to traditional Bollywood romance. It eloquently encapsulated the essence of small-town India with a delightful mix of sweetness and spice.
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s direction was instrumental in bringing ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ to life. Her ability to paint the subtleties of small-town life with authenticity and warmth made the film particularly distinctive. Tiwari’s meticulous attention to the minutest details and her ingenuity in blending humor with emotional depth created a narrative that was both engaging and genuine. Her directorial prowess transformed a seemingly simple love story into an indelible cinematic experience.
In celebration of the film’s seventh anniversary, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari took to Instagram to express her heartfelt gratitude. She posted a touching message that read: “Gratitude for the love. And specially for you Amma, the cinema lover. I made Bareilly ki Barfi when the kids were 5 years old. But with your insane confidence in me and telling that there is no reason to feel guilty for following your dream. ‘I am there.’ Your words gave me the wings to follow my unknown path and the reason I got into making movies. Now when I look back, there are so many anecdotes that I will savour always. I hope I continue to tell stories and make you proud.”
The film’s enchanting music, composed by the talented team of Tanishk Bagchi and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, played a pivotal role in amplifying its charm.
. Tunes like “Sweety Tera Drama” and “Nazm Nazm” quickly became chartbusters, perfectly capturing the vibrant and playful spirit of the film. The soundtrack’s blend of catchy rhythms and soulful melodies supplemented the film’s narrative, adding to its overall allure.
Kriti Sanon’s spellbinding performance, combined with the film’s witty script and captivating narrative, significantly contributed to its lasting success. ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ not only showcased Tiwari’s innovative approach to storytelling but also underscored her exceptional ability to create a film that resonates deeply with viewers.
The film narrates the story of a spirited young woman, Bitti Mishra (played by Kriti Sanon), from a quaint town in Uttar Pradesh. Bitti’s life takes an intriguing turn when she discovers a novel named “Bareilly Ki Barfi,” in which she feels an uncanny resemblance to the protagonist. Her journey intertwines with two men, Chirag Dubey (Ayushmann Khurrana) and Pritam Vidrohi (Rajkummar Rao), who bring their quirks and charms to the narrative, creating a love triangle brimming with humor and drama.
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s directorial flair is visible in every scene, be it in the portrayal of a simple celebration at home, the bustling local market, or the whimsical interactions between characters that paint a vivid picture of small-town life. She captures the minutiae of daily routines, community interactions, and familial bonds with a lens that is both empathetic and genuine.
The use of authentic dialogues, adorned with regional dialects and local idioms, added an extra layer of realism to the characters and the settings. The audience could easily relate to the trials and tribulations of Bitti, her free-spirited nature, her conflicts, and her quest for love and acceptance. This relatability is one of the many reasons the film struck a chord with viewers of all ages.
As ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ celebrates its 7th anniversary, it continues to hold a special place in Bollywood’s modern romantic comedies. The film’s unique blend of charm, warmth, authenticity, and memorable music, combined with Tiwari’s exceptional direction, ensures its enduring appeal. It remains a beloved cinematic gem that masterfully captures the essence of romance and small-town life with a timeless allure.
Here’s to ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ — a film that continues to enchant and entertain, embodying the best of contemporary Indian cinema. As we commemorate this milestone, it is a testament to Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s remarkable vision and storytelling prowess, further enriching the tapestry of Bollywood’s dynamic and evolving narrative landscape.