It must be made clear at the very outset that Phir Milenge is not a movie that will spread a wide awareness of AIDS. It takes up the issue of AIDS by showing the impact the disease has upon the lives of those infected with the virus. It takes you into the lives of these characters and shows how they are socially ostracized and shunned by those who were once close and dear.
It also highlights the struggle of a girl to fight for her rights against all odds and shows that there are people who would come forward to support the cause of an HIV+ girl fighting for her rights in a 'civil' society that does not discriminate on the basis of a disease.
In a way, Phir Milenge looks inspired from the Hollywood flick 'Philadelphia' that got Tom Hanks an Oscar statuette. Of course, in Revathy's movie the mandatory romance is thrown in to suit the Indian palate. There is a short romance between Salman and Shilpa in the first half. In the second half, there is a subtle relation growing between Shilpa and Abhishek.
So, at the core, Phir Milenge remains a movie about relationships. But the question is - can this movie grip a viewer for its entire duration.
The film is a bit slow in pace compared to a normal Bollywood flick. But it does have some moments that remain etched in one's memory. But there are some flaws too. For instance, when Salman Khan returns in the latter part of the second half, he looks too healthy to pass for a man with AIDS.
Shilpa Shetty deserves a real compliment for her performance in the film. She brings out the predicaments of her character, using the subtle expressions that only a crafted actor can do. Abhishek Bachchan's brooding persona suits his character, but he doesn't have the gift of gab to pass for a lawyer.
In short, Phir Milenge is a film that explores the subtleties of human relations without being melodramatic. It doesn't speak much about the symptoms and the possible cure for AIDS, but it does highlight its gravity by showing the impact it has upon the lives of people.
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