Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic sentiment
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
From the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
...the story of a poor man and God has been turned into the story of a poor man and a movie star. I'm not denying it accuracy, for in this world without towering figures in politics and sports, the stars are the ones who bestow the nation with wonderment -- it's just as valid as America now calling superheroes the new Greek Gods. And while the analogy may be correct -- and no offense to Mr Khan -- isn't it at least a little disturbing?
Top critic
Film review ·
Watch it for Irrfan who gets every shade in, from self-respect to bafflement to misery, in his portrayal of a poor man who's got too much pride to remember himself to a friend who's gone so far ahead of him in life's sweepstakes. And for SRK playing SRK. Just don't pay too much attention to the film.
Film review ·
The flamboyant SRK has colourful sets, slick costumes and three of Bollywood's current hotties — Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor — for arm candy. Irrfan has his crumpled shirts, bewildered expression and his trusted umbrella hooked on to his arm. Priyadarshan orchestrates a classic face-off and when they finally come face to face, it is a brief encounter, but one to remember.
Film review ·
The film may not have done well in its Tamil version (Kuselan), but Priyadarshan has suitably peppered it with some heart-tugging moments to make it a moving ode to friendship and ordinariness. Of course, Irrfan manages to invest the ordinary with kingly glow, even as Shah Rukh lends the glamour quotient with his filmy naach-gaana.
From our readers
2 ratings · user score 7.5
When it was first announced that Shahrukh Khan's next film would be this one, many were under the impression that this would be a historical film but it isn't at all. Sometimes we remember our childhood and in particular our friends and the times and various moments at the time. The problem is that we can only remember them once they have gone and they cannot be recreated .This is a simple story which has been portrayed in a most simplistic manner by the makers and the actors. . A Simple man, who owes a lot of money to many and yet people in the village don't want to know him or want to go to his shop has his life turned upside down, when a film company comes to make a film. Starring Irrfan Khan, Lara Dutta, Shahrukh Khan, Asrani, Om Puri, Rajpal Yadav and Manoj Joshi, this is directed by Priyadarshan while Preetam provides the music score. Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone make special appearances. Even though it stars Shahrukh Khan and has been produced by him and his wife, this is not a typical Shahrukh Khan film but Irrfan Khan instead, as he has done a very good job in his role and it suits him. Lara Dutta has also done a good job in this film as has "King Khan" himself. The special appearances by Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor and Deepika Padukone add glamour to the story and its worth while watching and listening to the songs that they perform to – the music and the songs are worth listening to. Being a person who has had some experience in photography, the cinematography is worth a mention and must say that this is good and more so where the interior is concerned and also the hills. Regarding certain aspects of movie making, there is also some good comedy and comic situations. The choreography direction includes Shahrukh Khan's friend and director of movies such as "Mein Hoo Na" and "Om Shanti Om," Farah Khan. This has to be one of the better movies this year and is worth watching.
Credits
Irrfan KhanBillas Pardesi aka Billo Barber
Shah Rukh KhanSahir Khan
Lara DuttaBillu's Wife
Om PuriSahukaar Daamchand
Rajpal YadavZallan Kumar
Manoj JoshiDamodar Dubey
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Deepika Padukone
AsraniNaubat Chacha
Rasika JoshiPrincipal Gahalot
Atul Parchure
Nagesh Bhonsle
Priyanka Chopra JonasHindi films like Billu
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