Billu Barber (Blu-Ray) (Shahrukh Khan / Indian Cinema / Bollywood Film / Hindi Film)

BILLU, THE BARBER: I loved the movie, singing and dancing, but I hated the 2-faced Indian men who was for Billu and then hated him. They gave to him and then they took everything from him. They destroyed him and his business and left him nothing. Then I did not like billu who would not stand up for himself and speak for himself. Even his wife tried to get him to tell this famous star Khan that he was there in this little town. Billu said he would not remember him from childhood. But he did not have the GUTS to even tell him who he was, called him and did not have the GUTS TO SAY "I AM KHAN'S FRIEND, BILLU." He fumbled at that so bad on the phone that they threatened him and said they would call the police on him if he called back again. He was a 200% wimp and it made me very angry that he would not say anything; he kept lying to the village people and school that he could get Khan there, and then he just shut down completely. The school was going to kick out his kids if he did not get the star there, and still he said nothing. He did not even try again. At the School program when Khan finally came to speak to everyone, he began to tell the story of his childhood and a friend he had that did so much for him, and he teared up and continue, then he said his name, Billu. And everybody's mouth fell wide-open. They were all in shock because the thought Billu lied about knowing him, and that he was his friend. He continued telling his story to them all, and they were stunned. When the progrfam ended, (but we did not see that part)...but obviously after he finished speaking to them, they all must have told him that Billu lived there. He said he had looked for him but could not find him...he was here, in the small village Khan chose to do his next movie. Billu also did not want to contact him because he was embarrased that he was so poor living in a shamble of a house, and his friend was so rich and famous. He was ashamed of his life and lifestyle and did not want his friend to see him this way. The town's people, principal and school, all came; they took Khan to his friends house...and as he was talking to his kids and wife, and kids apoligizing for not believing their father, he looked up and saw his famous star friend Khan standing in his doorway. It was amazing. I can't stand people who are so weak that they can't speak up for themselves;he had so much strength around him, his wife, kids, friends, and yet he weakened more. That got me...It's a great movie. A MUST SEE. YOU WILL ENJOY, The end make it worth it.

Shahrukh Khan is of course the main attraction for me in this movie, but the man who played Billu was very good and funny to watch. I loved the music and dancing. Lots of humor in this film. Hindi films are full of every kind of emotion. How can one movie make you laugh and cry at the same time? Hindi movies are my favorite to watch. I miss seeing musicals in U.S. films, and I have to go to Hindi movies to find what I want. Nice entertainment.

Blu-ray version - The main characters are enjoyable, but most of the movie in general is just average. The early part of the movie has a very contemporary/futuristic dance scene (seems out of place, but they explain it) with lots of young ladies in a variety of cool/skimpy outfits (average music). The dance/music skit with Kareena Kapoor is GREAT (in the middle of the movie, it's the only scene that she is in). And the last 15 minutes of the movie are enjoyable (good ending). The blu-ray version is definitely an improvement over the DVD quality (but the DVD looks good in most places). The other reviewer might be right that the overall PQ of this Blu-ray is not up to normal blu-ray specs (hard for me to be sure, I'm using a 2005 big-screen DLP TV). The DVD is dual-layer with the same bonus material as the blu-ray ("making of" & deleted scenes), same 16x9 anamorphic aspect ratio, but the Blu-ray has the DTS audio option and is sharper.

Billu Barber In the film, Shahrukh Khan plays himself, bigger than himself, while showing some disdain for his over-the-top and sometimes ridiculous acting fans. We get the impression that he wants to love and respect these fans if they would just give him a chance. Soon, he attracts a following that is reminiscent of the throngs of people in the movei Ghandi. We are moved to deep sympathy for Billu and his family who are in "bad condition" living in a nice but rundown rural home nearly rupeeless. Thus Billu is ashamed to be seen in this bad condition by his now nearly inaccessible superstar friend Sahir Khan. This is a welcome departure from movies about Indians who live in incredible dwellings, but still struggle with life's issues. There is a lot of subtle humor in this film that we did not catch the first time through. One example is when Billu (Irrfan) is beset upon by his children to take them to see Sahir at a filming. He turns to his wife Bindya (Lara Dutta) and says something like "see what beautiful children we have". Then, without missing a beat, Bindya acts just like the children by nagging Billu to meet Sahir. In another scene Bindya, at Billu's request, very reluctantly lies for Billu by telling visiting officials from the school that he is not home when he is actually. Then, later at a wonderful must see waterfall location, where locals are bathing and washing clothes, she willingly tells absolute whoppers about how Billu and Sahir became friends. Just being Sahir's friend is enough for a large crowd of villagers to hoist Billu up and sing "Billu the Terrible" a song written (in the movie) by a goofy, funny little guy that leads the song from his writing book. Billu's sensible friend calls a halt to the melee and shouts that Billu is just a barber threatening to slap them if they don't stop. There is a momentary pause, then, they go right back to singing Billu the Terrible while hoisting Billu up again. Great song delivered with good humor. Billu Barber is a heart warming story with good music, good dancing and excellent acting, especially, by Irrfan and Lara Dutta. Khan is his usual self while carrying an amazing presence into Billu's home in the final scene.

This is a simple, highly entertaining, family oriented movie. The plot revolves around the concepts of friendship and life priorities based on values. The song Khudaya Khair is particularly captivating and can be downloaded from Amazon.com Billu Barber (2008) CD . It is impossible to get tired from listening to this beautiful song. This was the second Bollywood movie I ever watched, and its beauty stuck to my mind. Irrfan Khan as Billu steals the show. Lara Dutta fits well the role of a gorgeous and at the same time humble and kind wife. The last scene is obviously sentimental but effective. I do not believe in writing spoilers in reviews, although this certainly is not a movie for those who expect big surprises. Beauty and simplicity in life can go together very well.

Received the blu-ray in the mail today but it doesn't play past the opening screen. Looked online and it seems to be problem with a lot of them. Here is a link on blu-ray.com [...]

Despite Sharukh Khan's mediocre acting and larger than life personality in almost each and every one of his films, he comes through as a all-around entertainer. I don't think that Shahrukh Khan is a good actor, but he has a charismatic personality that attracts attention, keep an audience loyal. Irfan Khan plays his role beautifully and I personally find him to be a more mature, versatile actor than most of his Bollywood peers. I only gave this film three stars because I tend to be very critical of Bollywood films and actors in general. But this film is a winner and very much enjoyable. Buy it!

How many Chinese Malaysians would give an Indian produced Hindi movie 5 stars? This speaks strongly for one of the best movies I've seen in a long time - in any language. This goes far beyond your typical Bollywood masala to serve up a really touching story about dignity and friendship. Irrfan Khan is a class act and Shah Rukh Khan pokes fun at his screen persona, with some great in-jokes to keep Bollyphiles - and this viewer - very happy and impressed. A real must-see.

It took me awhile to watch this but once I did I didn't regret it. It's a very agonizing tale of a humble man trying to do the right thing with everyone getting on his case and treating him badly (even his own kids). The ending will bring you o tears!!

Ya I am trying to write a story on grave issue and billu has made helpful to me....thanks

TRES BIEN JE ME SUIS REGALER A LE REGARDER PLUSIEURS FOIS RECU TRES VITE

Great movie and good quality sound and imagery

my favorite so far