"The role requires acting and Alizeh delivers."
Farrey is an engrossing heist drama film that intertwines sharpness with education.
Based on the Thai movie Bad Genius (2017), the film features a resplendent Alizeh Agnihotri as the central character named Niyati Singh.
The film was released on November 24, 2023, and is directed by Soumendra Padhi.
Farrey uses pulse-racing scenes and an expertly crafted storyline to keep the audience hooked to a story that is in turn inspired by true events.
The movie draws inspiration from a scandal involving going abroad to enable cheating in exams.
While the controversy fascinates many, does Farrey equally intrigue viewers?
DESIblitz is here to help you decide whether to watch the film or not.
A Gripping Storyline
Comparisons between this film and Bad Genius are inevitable for viewers who are familiar with the Thai thriller.
On the other hand, Farrey is a whole new experience for audiences who sign up without previous knowledge of the content.
For both these sections of the viewership, however, Farrey is a deeply gripping watch.
It is perfectly capable of transfixing the attention of all audiences. A major reason for that is the storyline.
The movie focuses on two highly intelligent students: Niyati and Aakash (Sahil Mehta).
They are both so clever that they continuously secure top marks and are offered to sit a scholarship test for Oxford University.
However, despite their academic strength, both come from humble backgrounds. Niyati is raised by Ishrat Kada (Ronit Roy) in an orphanage.
Meanwhile, Aakash is poor and makes food deliveries for a living.
A desperate need for money lures Niyati and Aakash into helping several other students cheat in exams in return for hefty payments.
The story is incredibly crisp and original. Scenes in which Niyati devises ploys to oversee the cheating are jaw-dropping and prove that her mind works beyond a pen and paper.
At one point, Niyati tells her classmates: “We need to think of a way by which we can cheat in front of everyone.”
The crudeness of this sharp character is so likeable that the viewers instantly connect with this juxtaposition and root for her all the way.
Furthermore, Farrey also blends this with the right doses of emotion and dilemmas.
However, the film may appear rushed towards the end as consequences for the final act of cheating are not fully explored.
Nevertheless, the storyline keeps the audience engaged and it is this ability to keep viewers invested that is the strength of Farrey.
Fantastic Performances
No matter how captivating the storyline of a film is, its success always depends on the performance.
Magnificent performances adorn Farrey. The key players of this film glisten with charm and confidence.
Sahil Mehta as Aakash is fierce yet vulnerable. He is supportive of Niyati, who is his close friend. He just wants her to be safe and well.
This kindness is heart-wrenching when he finds himself bloodied and bruised in a ditch. That is when his unrelentingly brave side comes out and he is never afraid to stand up for his rights.
Prasanna Bisht and Zeyn Shaw play Niyati’s friends Chhavi and Prateek respectively. They are terrific in their roles.
Prasanna infuses Chhavi with moral uncertainty yet strong resolve. Even though audiences perhaps can find her methods offensive and questionable, Prasanna does not inherently make her a villain.
Chhavi has her desperation and reasons for her deeds. Alizeh and Prasanna also share an electrifying chemistry that will remind you of your own irritating best friend.
Zeyn also takes care of some heavy lifting as Prateek, who brings humour and banter to serious scenes.
Undeniably however, it is Alizeh who is the real star of the show.
Making her debut and despite being the niece of superstar co-producer Salman Khan, there is no vanity in her performance.
It is a tricky film to start with, but Alizeh has proven that she is an actress for the ages.
Anupama Chopra from Film Companion praises Alizeh’s performance. She says:
“Props to all of [the producers] for choosing material that doesn’t require [Alizeh] to fit into that typical Bollywood newcomer mould.
“The role requires acting and Alizeh delivers. The storytelling falters but Alizeh powers through the soft spots.”
Unsurprisingly, Alizeh won the 2024 Filmfare Award for ‘Best Female Debut’.
The acting is sublime and rich with emotion. Viewers should look forward to what is awaiting this fresh, new cast next.
The Music
Music composer duo Sachin-Jigar creates the soundtrack for the film.
The songs do move the story forward. One of the tracks is ‘Ghar Pe Party Hai‘ which showcases Niyati arriving for a house party at Chhavi’s place.
In addition, the title track underscores the rush that cheating can bring and makes the audience feel that they are right out there where the action is.
Outlook India speaks positively of ‘Ghar Pe Party’, explaining:
“Booming production, the song really does feel like a banging indoors loud party where the kids are going hardcore in celebration of their youth, and party spirit.”
Decorated with stunning visuals and opulent scale, the music importantly does not saddle the movie and can perhaps even be an appropriate breather away from the scheming and plotting.
Direction and Execution
Soumendra Padhi – famous for helming the television series Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega (2020) – makes a masterful feature film debut with Farrey.
The film is filled with slick cinematography and camera angles to aid the thrilling genre.
However, the scenes building up to the climax in Australia perhaps hurry too much.
The iconography set in Sydney is a bit fleeting.
A few more scenes may have allowed a better sense of the character’s emotions.
But then, this does not take the heart away from Farrey. If this is a true indication of Soumendra as a filmmaker, the future of the Indian film industry is in great hands.
The director shares how the film impacts him personally:
“In my student life, I have witnessed a personal account of the story I wish to tell in Farrey.
“This issue is largely present with the youth of our country and it is something that a lot of young students deal with.
“So, it was important for me to bring this subject to light.”
Co-producer Salman Khan solely credits Soumendra for the strength of the film that convinced him to release it theatrically:
“After I saw the final film, I was really impressed and I told Alvira (his sister) that this film should be released in theatres.
“The credit for making such a good film has to go to the director.”
For any film to work well, a skilled director is the most essential thing. Soumendra fits the bill aptly and the result is there for all to see.
Farrey is intensely powerful and ground-breaking. It is charming, thought-provoking and fascinating.
A heist film risks going wrong if the script and execution are weak.
This film manages to avoid all the potential potholes. Aided by a highly commendable cast, the film ticks the right boxes.
Ultimately, the movie is a triumph for Alizeh Agnihotri. She appears as somewhat of a veteran actress rather than a newcomer.
At a runtime of just under two hours, his drama is rousing and riveting.
With Farrey premiering on ZEE5 Global on April 5, 2024, keep your popcorn ready and prepare to be spellbound.
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