I am just back after watching this movie and have been spellbound by its impact.

Parineeta is by far among the most well executed movies of recent times with superlative performances,brilliant sets and a great music score.To me Parineeta does what Bhansali's Devdas failed to do so miserably.Tell me a throughly engaging story with no pointless overt symbolism and opulence.You are bound to compare the movies at many points due to their thematic similarity.A Parineeta comes across as a refreshing attempt at giving life to another literary classic.

The movie belongs to Saif.He comes up with his personal best and one of the best performances seen on Hindi screen lately.His character connects from frame one and he develops it with masterly ease as the movie goes along.Vidya Balan does a great job for a débutante and for once Diya Mirza actually acts.However if this movie ever belonged to one person,it would be the director.Brilliantly executed effort with great eye for detail and sensitivity to the medium.Its tough to believe this could be his first movie.

The backdrop of movie being set in the 60s is incidental to the story but can't be missed,thanks to brilliant cinematography and authentic sets/art work.

As for the story itself,its a love story whose simplicity lies in the believability of the characters,their motivations.Every character is well fleshed out making you feel and sympathise with their reality.

The movie traces the journey of all characters through their personal trials ups/downs.Be it the Saif's character who goes through a phase of 'taken for granted relationship' with Lolita (Vidya) and comes to realise how this relationship means more than he ever thought.We see him go through seething anger,possessiveness,jealousy,pride,repentance.This is matched by Lolita's old world feminine grace,charm,uprightness,pain and unfailing love for Saif's character.

Sanjay dutt who plays Girish unknowingly becomes a catalyst for change in the lives of all other characters and goes through his personal journey of love,sacrifice,pain.

If there was one flaw (a big word to use) with this movie it was the climax.It seems to disturb the overall pace,mood,flow of the movie by coming in a little too strongly and abruptly.

Last but not the least by any means is the Music score by Shantanu Moitra.Every score has been beautifully woven into the script and each one of his composition is a brilliant and refreshing piece of work.Take away the songs and you will see the movie sag.

Watch out for smaller symbolist details which add that extra touch and take the movie to the next level.One such example Saif in his anger abuses Lolita and insults her and leaves her home.Sitting in the darkness outside her home is a layman who lights up a cigarette as Saif leaves the home and the haunting number 'Raat hamari toh' is being sung in the background.

All in all this one of those movies I would definitely recommend as an example of superlative movie making on Indian screen.