Phillauri 2017
Directed by
Anshai Lal
Made by
Fox STAR Studios
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Phillauri (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A young man named Kanan (Suraj Sharma) travels back to India from Canada to marry his long-time girlfriend Anu (Mehreen Pirzada). However, he discovers that due to being a Manglik (born under an unlucky star), he must first marry a tree before uniting with her. Reluctantly, Kanan follows through with this unusual tradition, only to find himself haunted by the spirit of Shashi (Anushka Sharma), the woman who lived in that tree and now claims to be his ‘wife’.
The film unfolds Shashi’s poignant story through her flashbacks. In a time long past, Shashi is a vibrant young woman engrossed in the poems of a local poet known as Phillauri. The village’s heartthrob, Roop Lal ‘Phillauri’ (Diljit Dosanjh), notices her unique absence at his performances. When he confronts her and admits that he is the one writing the poetry, Shashi challenges him. She tells him to use his gift for greater causes rather than frivolous matters, especially during the burgeoning struggle for independence. This moment transforms Roop Lal, igniting a newfound purpose in him to share the essence of Phillauri’s poetry, which he ultimately realizes was never his to begin with.
As fate weaves their lives together, one evening while singing a poem, Roop Lal encounters Shashi, who reveals herself as the true poet behind the words he has celebrated. Their love flourishes as she inspires him to take her words to a larger audience. But their path is not without obstacles. Shashi’s elder brother, a respected village doctor, discovers their affair and confronts Roop Lal. Acknowledging his past failures as an alcohol-dependent drifter, Roop Lal vows to prove his worth and expresses his intent to marry Shashi after recording her songs in Amritsar.
Time passes, and as Roop Lal secures a recording, he sends the earnings home with a heartfelt letter proclaiming his love and intent to marry Shashi on Baisakhi. However, on the day of the wedding, Shashi learns of her pregnancy but keeps it to herself, anxiously awaiting Roop Lal’s arrival. As hours pass with no sign of him, despair envelopes her, leading to a heart-wrenching decision as she succumbs to the depths of sadness and betrayal.
Meanwhile, Kanan’s modern-day struggles are compounded by his increasingly fraught relationship with Anu, who feels distanced from him amidst his ghostly encounters with Shashi. In an unexpected turn, Shashi reveals her presence to Anu, who slowly begins to understand the significance of Shashi’s unfinished story. When her grandmother plays a cherished record from Roop Lal, its date unwittingly connects to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which strikes Kanan with clarity.
In the film’s emotionally impactful conclusion, Kanan, accompanied by Anu and the spirit of Shashi, visits the site of the massacre. Shashi’s spirit finds solace as it reunites with Roop Lal, who perished on the very day he was meant to marry her. Before their celestial ascent, Shashi imparts heartfelt words to Kanan and Anu, imploring them to cherish their love eternally—a promise they embrace as they embark on their own romantic journey.
Timeline
Track the key events of Phillauri (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Kanan Returns to India
A young man named Kanan makes the journey back to India from Canada, filled with anticipation as he prepares to marry his long-time girlfriend, Anu. His excitement soon turns to concern when he discovers an unusual requirement related to his astrological condition as a Manglik.
The Tree Marriage
Due to being a Manglik, Kanan learns that he must first marry a tree before he can wed Anu. Reluctantly embracing this strange tradition, he participates in the ceremony, setting in motion a series of supernatural events he couldn't have anticipated.
Shashi's Spirit Appears
After the tree marriage, Kanan finds himself haunted by the spirit of Shashi, a woman who once lived within the tree. As she claims him as her 'husband,' Kanan is thrust into a world filled with her poignant memories.
Shashi's Flashbacks Begin
Through Shashi's flashbacks, we learn about her vibrant life and her passion for poetry. She becomes a devoted admirer of the local poet known as Roop Lal 'Phillauri', highlighting her deep connection to the arts and personal expression.
Roop Lal Meets Shashi
Roop Lal notices Shashi's absence during his poetry performances and confronts her about it. In a pivotal moment, Shashi challenges him to use his talent for greater causes amidst India's independence struggle, igniting a purpose within him.
Love Blossoms
Roop Lal and Shashi's relationship blooms after she reveals herself as the true poet behind his celebrated poetry. They inspire one another as Roop Lal begins to share her words with a broader audience, deepening their connection.
Sibling Confrontation
Shashi's older brother discovers her secret romance with Roop Lal and confronts him. This moment serves as a wake-up call for Roop Lal, who reflects on his past failures and pledges to prove himself worthy of Shashi's love.
A Promise to Marry
As Roop Lal secures a recording of Shashi's songs, he sends the earnings home in a heartfelt letter, expressing his love for her and his desire to marry her on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi. This solidifies his commitment to their future together.
Tragic News
On the day of their long-awaited wedding, Shashi learns that she is pregnant, but she chooses to keep this information to herself. As hours pass with no sign of Roop Lal, she is engulfed by despair and heartbreak.
The Heartbreak
Shashi's sadness and betrayal culminate in a heart-wrenching decision as she succumbs to her grief. This tragic turn of events marks a significant shift in the narrative, emphasizing the themes of love and loss.
Kanan and Anu's Struggles
In modern times, Kanan grapples with the difficulties of his relationship with Anu, as her feelings of distance grow due to his ghostly encounters with Shashi. This modern love story intertwines with Shashi's past, presenting emotional challenges.
Anu Meets Shashi
Shashi’s spirit eventually reveals herself to Anu, providing a bridge between their worlds. Through memories and shared experiences, Anu begins to understand the depth of Shashi's story and its importance to Kanan's journey.
The Jallianwala Bagh Connection
Anu discovers a cherished record that links back to Roop Lal and uncovers a poignant connection to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This revelation strikes Kanan with clarity, shedding light on the intertwined fates of the characters across time.
A Journey to the Past
In a climactic moment, Kanan, accompanied by Anu and the spirit of Shashi, visit the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. It is here that Shashi's spirit finds peace, symbolizing a profound connection between love and history.
A Promise of Love
Before Shashi ascends with Roop Lal's spirit, she imparts earnest words to Kanan and Anu, encouraging them to cherish their love eternally. Their journey forward reflects the love stories that connect them across generations.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Phillauri (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Kanan (Suraj Sharma)
Kanan is a modern young man grappling with unconventional traditions that affect his relationship with Anu. His journey reveals his internal conflicts as he reconciles the past's influence on his present. Through his interactions with Shashi's spirit, Kanan learns the importance of love and understanding history.
Shashi (Anushka Sharma)
Shashi is a vibrant young woman from the past whose spirit influences Kanan's life. Her talent for poetry and her tragic love story with Roop Lal shape the emotional core of the film. As a character, she embodies the themes of inspiration, loss, and the longing for connection.
Roop Lal 'Phillauri' (Diljit Dosanjh)
Roop Lal is the charming village heartthrob whose life is transformed through his love for Shashi and the search for artistic integrity. Initially self-indulgent, he learns to channel his passion into meaningful pursuits, albeit at a great personal cost. His character arc explores the motivations behind creativity and love.
Anu (Mehreen Pirzada)
Anu is Kanan's long-time girlfriend who struggles with her partner's connection to a past she cannot understand. Her character evolves as she learns to appreciate the weight of Shashi's story, leading to personal growth and the ability to cherish her relationship with Kanan fully.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Phillauri (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Early 20th Century, Modern Day
The movie oscillates between the early 20th century, a time marked by the struggle for India’s independence, and modern-day India, highlighting the lingering effects of the past on present relationships. The historical context enhances the emotional weight as characters confront personal and societal issues, particularly in light of events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Location
Phillauri, Amritsar, India
Phillauri is a quaint village in India known for its rich cultural heritage and connection to traditional poetry. It serves as the backdrop for the intertwined stories of love and loss between Shashi and Roop Lal. Amritsar, another significant location, is famed for its Golden Temple and historical events, including the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre that deeply affects the characters.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Phillauri (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love and Loss
The theme of love and loss permeates the narrative, showcasing the deep connections between characters across time. Shashi and Roop Lal's tragic love story highlights the impact of societal expectations and personal sacrifice. Kanan's journey also emphasizes the significance of love's endurance in the face of haunting memories and unresolved stories.
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Art and Inspiration
Art, particularly poetry, acts as a catalyst for change and self-discovery in the film. Shashi, as the true poet, inspires Roop Lal to rise above his vices and bring her words to life. This theme illustrates the transformative power of artistic expression in shaping identities and relationships.
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Tradition vs. Modernity
The movie contrasts traditional customs, like Kanan's need to marry a tree due to his Manglik status, with contemporary relationship dynamics. This exploration raises questions about societal norms and personal choice, reflecting on how tradition can both guide and complicate modern love.
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