It’s a good thing the film’s merits far outnumber its flaws. Beneath its cheeky wit and some of those slapstick gags, Shirin Farhad subtly touches upon issues like pride in one’s profession, embracing one’s physicality, and no expiry date on love. Bela steers clear of caricaturing the Parsi community, at best allowing Parsi characters themselves to take affectionate jibes at each others’ tics.

Not scintillating, but sweet.

If you discount the enduring cliché in Kurush Deboo’s presence, SFKTNP celebrates the cultural stereotypes of this cozy community with lighthearted and inoffensive humour. It’s certainly nowhere as grating and overbearing as the other Bhansali, Sanjay Leela’s proclivity for regional excesses as witnessed in Devdas and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. The toning down is some accomplishment for the King of Extravagance given that he has both — produced and written the film.

This is no epic love tale, but it’s worth a watch for those who like their cinema as buttered as their bun maska.

At under two hours, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi demands little of you and delivers enough for you to not grudge spending time and money on it. I suggest you watch it for some honest moments and a lovable performance by Boman Irani.

On the whole, SHIRIN FARHAD KI TOH NIKAL PADI is a simple, unfussy and heartfelt movie that hits the right notes. The film supports the fact that no one is too old to fall in love. Truly, this wonderful love story has no expiry date. Recommended!