Watch Paheli

Paheli is a romantic fantasy film co-produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment and directed by Amol Palekar. Set in Rajasthan, India, the film is an adaptation of Vijayadan Detha's Rajasthani folktale called "Duvidha" and tells the story of a young woman and a ghost. The story begins with Lachchi (Rani Mukerji), a beautiful and naive bride who is married off to Kishanlal (Shah Rukh Khan), a merchant who has to leave town for work soon after the wedding ceremony. Lachchi is left alone at home with Kishanlal's family, and she feels lonely and abandoned. One day, she meets a ghost (also played by Shah Rukh Khan), who takes on Kishanlal's appearance and charms Lachchi with his wit and humor. Lachchi is unaware that she is talking with a ghost and begins to fall in love with him.

When Kishanlal returns home after completing his business, he is surprised to find that Lachchi is in love with someone else. He tries to get to the bottom of the matter and discovers the ghostly apparition. Kishanlal decides to seek the help of a wise shepherd named Daroga (Anupam Kher), who reveals the real identity of the ghost and the solution to the problem.

The movie is a visual treat, the rustic and picturesque locations of Rajasthan add to the feel of the film. The music of the film is another highlight and complements the story's emotional beats very well. The soundtrack has been composed by the duo of MM Kreem and lyrics by Gulzar, and it features some soulful songs like "Phir Raat Kati" and "Dhire Jalna."

The lead actors Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji have delivered excellent performances. In a dual role of Kishanlal and the ghost, Shah Rukh Khan is effortless and charming, and Rani Mukerji does justice to her role as Lachchi. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their scenes together are delightful to watch.

Anupam Kher, who plays the shepherd named Daroga, brings the right amount of humor and wisdom to the role, and his scenes with Shah Rukh Khan are some of the best in the movie. Other supporting actors like Amitabh Bachchan (who appears in a brief cameo) and Juhi Chawla (who performs a song sequence) also add to the film's charm.

The film's themes of love, tradition, and identity are woven into the story in a compelling manner. It presents a romantic tale with a unique twist, making it an unusual experience for the audience. The folk tale's nuances have been retained, and the movie's message is delivered in a subtle and nuanced way.

Overall, Paheli is a delightful and visually stunning film that tells a heartwarming story with a unique twist. It is a must-watch for those who love romantic fantasies or are looking for a beautifully crafted tale that speaks to the heart.

Paheli is a 2005 romance movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.