Film Review: Billu Barber

February 19, 2009 Priyadarshan, one of India's most prolific comedy directors and now an acclaimed art house filmmaker (his "Kanchivaram" is currently on the festival circuit), proves that he's not just versatile but warmhearted too, in a sunny comedy that leaves a glow long after you've left the theater. "Billu Barber" -- retitled "Billu" in India because a barbers' union there labeled the word "barber" derogatory before seeing the film -- may start out slowly at the boxoffice, but it's destined to pick up positive word-of-mouth. Billu ("Slumgdog Millionaire's" Irrfan Khan) is an ordinary, hard-working but dignified soul who toils long hours in his village barbershop, resigned to the fact that he gets no respect.

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