Paa
2009 · Directed by R. Balki
Original language: Hindi
- drama
- family
The story
Auro suffers from a progeria like syndrome. Mentally he is 13 but physically he looks 5 times older. In spite of his condition, Auro is a very happy boy. He lives with his mother Vidya, who is a gynaecologist. Amol is young, progressive politician. He is a man with a mission. Auro is Amol's son. Paa is a 'rare' story about a father-son, son-father relationship.
What it’s like
Warm, saturated Indian interiors and bright, sunlit streets give Paa a bright, affectionate surface, with close, intimate framing on faces that carry the film's emotional weight. The camera stays close and handheld in domestic scenes, lingering on small gestures, while political rallies bring louder colour, crowds, and busy cuts. The score leans on lively, melodic Hindi pop and gentle orchestral swells, with quieter piano-like moments when the story turns tender. Its vibe is bittersweet and buoyant, a comfort watch with an undertow of grief, suited to a lazy weekend afternoon or a family evening. The pacing is brisk and sociable, with rapid comic beats giving way to slower, quieter passages between a father and son. Emotionally it moves from playful humour to earnest sentiment, following a fiercely protective mother, a grandmother, and a politician learning to see his child anew. Intensity is low: no violence, no gore, no sexual content, and only mild peril, though some scenes touch on illness and social prejudice. It suits viewers who want heartfelt, humane family drama with plenty of light, warmth, and laughter.
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