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Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 116 min
Echo score 78
Directed by
Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring
Raj Kumar Yadav, Pankaj Tripathy, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon, Javed Akhtar, Naila Grewal
Budget
$2.7M

In the city of Bareilly, India, Bitti Mishra is a young woman who feels out of place due to her unconventional interests, including breakdancing. Seeking a connection with someone who understands her, she embarks on a quest to find the author of a novel that resonates with her. This search leads to unexpected encounters and forms surprising connections, ultimately setting her on a charming journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of love in her community.

Comedy Romance Cast, crew & box office
On this page (7)
  1. 1 Characters explained (4)
  2. 2 Where & when it takes place
  3. 3 Themes & meaning (3)
  4. 4 Character & meaning questions
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Bareilly Ki Barfi
  7. 7 Every angle

4 main characters · contains spoilers

Bareilly Ki Barfi Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Bitti Mishra

    played by Kriti Sanon

    Bitti is a free-spirited young woman who defies traditional expectations, seeking love on her own terms. With a blend of confidence and vulnerability, she represents the modern Indian woman striving for individuality. Her character reflects the struggle between societal norms and personal desires.

    • 👩‍🎤 Independent
    • 💖 Romantic

  • Chirag Dubey

    played by Ayushmann Khurrana

    Chirag is a kind-hearted man caught in a web of his own emotions, balancing his feelings for Bitti with the facade he has created for Pritam. His character embodies loyalty and compassion, showcasing the complexities of love and friendship. He is determined to protect Bitti, even at the cost of his own happiness.

    • 🤵 Loyal
    • 💔 Heartbroken

  • Pritam Vidrohi

    played by Raj Kumar Yadav

    Pritam is a charming yet conflicted character representing the ideal of a 'bad boy'. His initial indifference towards Bitti conceals a deeper vulnerability and desire for connection. As the story unfolds, he grapples with his past and his true feelings, revealing a multifaceted personality.

    • 😎 Charming
    • 🎭 Complex

  • Rama

    played by Swati Semwal

    Rama serves as Bitti's friend and confidant, adding layers to the narrative with her own perspectives on love and relationships. She contrasts Bitti's free spirit, providing moments of reflection and support in Bitti's journey. Her character represents the importance of friendship in navigating romantic entanglements.

    • 👭 Supportive
    • 🌺 Friend

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:13

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Setting

Where and When Does Bareilly Ki Barfi Take Place?

The setting of Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern attitudes and challenges faced by young people in India today. The narrative dives into issues of love, self-identity, and societal expectations in a culturally vibrant backdrop.

Location

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a northern Indian state known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It is famous for its cities like Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, and Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities in the world. The state's diverse culture is reflected in its festivals, art, and cuisine.

  • 🏞️ Landscape
  • 🏙️ City Life

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:13

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3 major themes

Bareilly Ki Barfi Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Heartbreak

    The theme of heartbreak is prevalent, particularly through the character of Chirag, whose past relationships shape his present actions. Bitti also experiences emotional turmoil as she navigates her feelings towards Pritam and Chirag, creating a complex love triangle. This theme highlights the vulnerabilities associated with love and the pain of unrequited feelings.

  • Self-discovery

    Bitti's journey represents a quest for self-discovery as she seeks a partner who embraces her true self. The story encourages breaking free from societal norms and the expectations placed on women in traditional settings. Through her pursuit of love, Bitti learns to assert her individuality and desires.

  • Identity

    The theme of identity plays a crucial role as characters adopt different personas, particularly Chirag who masks his feelings through his writing. Bitti's desire to meet her author's persona causes a mix-up of identities that challenge the perception of self and love. The narrative weaves a tale of how our identities can be shaped by both personal history and societal pressures.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:13

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Character & theme questions

Bareilly Ki Barfi Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Bareilly Ki Barfi set?

The movie is set in Bareilly, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Bareilly is known for its blend of traditional culture and modern urban life, providing a relatable backdrop for a story about a young woman navigating love and self-identity in a community-oriented setting.

  • bareilly
  • uttar pradesh
  • setting
  • location
  • india
Q2

What kind of world does Bareilly Ki Barfi portray?

The film portrays a culturally vibrant Uttar Pradesh city that balances traditional values with modern influences. The setting highlights the community-focused lifestyle and family expectations that shape the characters' decisions, particularly regarding marriage and personal choices.

  • bareilly
  • uttar pradesh
  • indian city
  • culture
  • setting
Q3

When does Bareilly Ki Barfi take place?

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern attitudes and challenges faced by young people in India today. The story unfolds against a backdrop of current social dynamics, including changing views on romance, individualism, and family expectations.

  • contemporary
  • modern
  • time period
  • present day
Q4

What are the main themes of Bareilly Ki Barfi?

Bareilly Ki Barfi explores three interconnected themes: heartbreak, which shapes characters' actions and emotional journeys; self-discovery, following Bitti's quest to find love on her own terms; and identity, as characters navigate between who they truly are and the personas they present to the world.

  • themes
  • heartbreak
  • self-discovery
  • identity
  • love
Q5

Who is Bitti Mishra?

Bitti Mishra is the protagonist, a free-spirited young woman who defies traditional expectations in her community. She embraces her individuality, including her interest in breakdancing, and seeks a partner who accepts her for who she truly is rather than conforming to societal norms.

  • bitti mishra
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • free spirit
Q6

Who is Chirag Dubey?

Chirag Dubey is a kind-hearted man who becomes central to the story's romantic complications. He harbors deep feelings for Bitti but maintains a emotional distance through a creative facade. His character embodies loyalty and compassion, often prioritizing others' happiness over his own.

  • chirag dubey
  • love interest
  • author
  • romantic lead
Q7

Who is Pritam Vidrohi?

Pritam Vidrohi is a charming but conflicted character who initially appears as the ideal 'bad boy' but reveals deeper vulnerability as the story progresses. He grapples with his past and genuine feelings, representing the multifaceted nature of romantic attraction.

  • pritam vidrohi
  • love interest
  • bad boy
  • character
Q8

Who is Rama in Bareilly Ki Barfi?

Rama is Bitti's friend and confidant who provides support and perspective throughout Bitti's journey. She represents the importance of friendship in navigating romantic complexities and offers moments of reflection contrasting with Bitti's more impulsive approach to love.

  • rama
  • friend
  • confidant
  • supporting character
Q9

What is the theme of self-discovery in Bareilly Ki Barfi?

The self-discovery theme follows Bitti's journey as she seeks a partner who truly understands and embraces her unconventional nature. The narrative encourages breaking free from societal expectations placed on women in traditional settings, with Bitti learning to assert her individuality and pursue her desires authentically.

  • self-discovery
  • individuality
  • personal growth
  • breaking norms
Q10

What is the theme of identity in Bareilly Ki Barfi?

Identity plays a crucial role as characters adopt different personas, especially Chirag who hides behind the name Pritam Vidrohi as an author. Bitti's quest to meet her favorite author creates a mix-up that challenges perceptions of self and love, showing how identities can be shaped by both personal history and societal pressures.

  • identity
  • persona
  • deception
  • self-perception
Q11

What role does heartbreak play in Bareilly Ki Barfi?

Heartbreak is prevalent through Chirag's backstory, where past relationships influence his present actions. Bitti also experiences emotional turmoil navigating her feelings for both men, creating a complex love triangle. The theme highlights the vulnerabilities of love and the pain of unreciprocated feelings, though the film presents these emotions with a light, comedic touch.

  • heartbreak
  • love triangle
  • emotional
  • relationships
Q12

What kind of movie is Bareilly Ki Barfi?

Bareilly Ki Barfi is a light-hearted romantic comedy with a feel-good tone. The film balances humorous elements with emotional complexity, featuring a steady pacing and a happy ending. It emphasizes themes of self-acceptance and finding authentic love, scoring high on romance and humor while maintaining low tension throughout.

  • comedy
  • romance
  • tone
  • genre
  • light-hearted

Movie threads

More Movies Like Bareilly Ki Barfi, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Bareilly Ki Barfi tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Quirky Small Town Comedies like Bareilly Ki Barfi

Feel-good stories set in intimate communities where secrets lead to love. If you enjoyed the charming setting and playful secrets of Bareilly Ki Barfi, you'll love these other movies set in quirky small towns. This collection features lighthearted comedies and romances where community life, humorous deceptions, and a vibrant local atmosphere drive the story towards a happy ending.

  • whimsical
  • charming
  • comedic
  • lighthearted
  • playful
  • optimistic
  • Tone: light, whimsical, charming
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern typically involves a free-spirited or slightly rebellious protagonist who feels out of place in their community. A central deception or secret—often related to identity or authorship—sparks a comedic chain of events, involving a love triangle or mistaken intentions, which ultimately resolves with self-discovery and authentic connection.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a specific blend of a whimsical small-town setting, a lighthearted tone, and a plot driven by charming deceptions. The focus is on community, humor, and romance, resulting in an optimistic and cheerful viewing experience with moderate complexity.

New in Town movie poster

New in Town

2009
Welcome to Mooseport movie poster

Welcome to Mooseport

2004
It Happens Every Thursday movie poster

It Happens Every Thursday

1953
The Grand Seduction movie poster

The Grand Seduction

2014
Happy, Texas movie poster

Happy, Texas

1999
Ghost Town movie poster

Ghost Town

2008
Funny Farm movie poster

Funny Farm

1988
12 Men of Christmas movie poster

12 Men of Christmas

2009

Movies about Self-Discovery and Love like Bareilly Ki Barfi

Stories about unconventional individuals searching for authentic connection. Fans of Bitti's journey in Bareilly Ki Barfi will appreciate these other stories about free-spirited characters on a quest for self-discovery and love. These films follow individuals who break from convention, leading to humorous, heartfelt, and ultimately fulfilling adventures in finding their place and their person.

  • optimistic
  • romantic
  • rebellious
  • heartfelt
  • whimsical
  • comedic
  • Tone: hopeful, romantic, playful
  • Pacing: steady, quest-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The emotional journey follows a protagonist who defies expectations—be it family, gender, or social norms. Their search for a kindred spirit or a deeper meaning, often symbolized by an object or a piece of art, drives the plot. This search forces them to be their authentic selves, resulting in personal growth and the forging of a genuine romantic bond.

Why they belong together: These movies are united by a central theme of self-discovery driven by a search for connection. They feature rebellious, relatable protagonists, a strong romantic core, and a narrative that balances lighthearted humor with the genuine emotional weight of finding one's identity and true love.

Love Action Drama movie poster

Love Action Drama

2019
Love and Other Catastrophes movie poster

Love and Other Catastrophes

1997
Lust for Love movie poster

Lust for Love

2014
Splendor movie poster

Splendor

1999
Breakin' All the Rules movie poster

Breakin' All the Rules

2004
Petty Romance movie poster

Petty Romance

2010
L.A. Without a Map movie poster

L.A. Without a Map

1998
My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend movie poster

My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend

2010

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Every angle

Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Bareilly Ki Barfi in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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