The word 'Farrey' stands for ways to cheat, to devise ingenious ways to surpass the system and most importantly, do this without getting caught. But what makes the film a terrific watch is the treatment and performances of the lead cast.
'Farrey' sort of pushes the boundaries and caters to a more mainstream crowd. There is very little titillation or need to push the envelope in that space and instead, Soumendra Padhi and his troupe of kids focus on their characters and making the performances take the lead.
When we meet Niyati (Alizeh Agnihotri) in an orphanage wanting to go big, we actually also get into what an all-girls shelter home looks like from the inside. On the other side of the spectrum are the rich and very privileged Chhavi (Prasanna Bisht) and Prateek (Zeyn Shaw). How Niyati gets entangled in what seems like just a mere case of making a quick buck is what sets 'Farrey' apart from the rest.
Performances are the strongest pillars in 'Farrey'. After writing, if there is a force that makes the film worth watching, then it has to be the ensemble that Soumendra Padhi has put together. You can tell from the scenes that he has definitely put these kids through rehearsals and sessions before finalising the main take.
Alizeh Agnihotri, who makes her debut with 'Farrey', is perhaps the best find of 2023. Easy on the eyes and yet so riveting, she shines bright in some of the most complex scenes. The no-makeup, de-glam look also helps Alizeh make Niyati feel real. Her first big scene - the long monologue opposite Ronit Roy - is where you get to see that glimpse of someone who, with the right guidance and support, can be moulded into a terrific performer.
Prassana Bisht, who plays Chavi, is super terrific and so is Sahil Mehta, who plays Aakash. These two actors will go a long way and should get picked up for the right roles.
'Farrey' has a steady first half, but it's the second follow-up storyline post interval where you find the most juice. It's fast paced, makes you sit on the edge of your seat and the characters spring one surprise after another. There is, thankfully, no forced love angle or any other gimmick that might be a distraction to what the maker is set out to do.
'Farrey' is a solid effort that keeps you engaged. The fact that it is based on a real-life event makes it even more fascinating. A solid A + on the mark sheet for the cast of 'Farrey'.
