Paa - Movie Review Watch "Paa" for Amitabh and Vidya's brilliant performances. Film: "Paa"; Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal; Director: R. Balakrishnan; Rationg ** 1/2 When a director takes a road less travelled, it means risk and challenges. Director R. Balakrishnan's "Paa" journey was difficult but he achieved what he had set out to do --Amitabh Bachchan's not recognisable in the role of progeria patient Auro, his character is not over the top and the director has managed to convey the message about the disease without much fuss. Auro's character is well-etched and Amitabh has certainly presented a new challenge for his colleagues by slipping under the skin of a 13-year-old with wrinkles, cataracts and no hair so convincingly. Not even once does his megastar image overshadow his character. Big B has an author-backed role and his oneliners are the best -- if he tickles your funny bones with his comments in one scene, in the next Auro tugs at your heart strings with his emotional paradoxes. Amitabh's make up is such that it doesn't give him much room to use his facial muscles. Despite that he conveys every emotion he is going through and as the movie progresses one feels a connect with Auro. In the performance department both Amitabh and Vidya Balan, who plays his single mother, complement each other. Vidya has given a power-packed performance as a woman who single-handedly raises her progeric child and try to give him a normal life -- she is never shown over concerned or fussy. Amitabh and Abhishek's scenes together are both funny and emotional. These are the finer points of the film. But the film has flaws too. Abhishek is portrayed as an ambitious young politician, fine! But his media bashing spree is annoying! Balki takes a pot shot at the media by showing that TV journalism is manipulated, but it doesn't look convincing at all. Abhishek's dialogues lack substance. Except his sequences with naughty Auro, most of his scenes don't fit in the scheme of things. But laudable parts of the film are P.C. Sreeram's cinematography and Ilaiyaraaja's music. Paresh Rawal is wasted in the film. One wonders why he accepted such a role. Jaya Bachchan is the surprise package of the film. She appears on the screen to introduce the cast and the crew. Watch "Paa" for Amitabh and Vidya's brilliant performances.

Abhishek will make a great 'Aishwarya Rai': Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai says she is fully convinced that actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan will make a good father in real life because he is so "real and rooted".

"Everybody has been asking me if Abhishek will be a good pa (father) in connection with the release of our forthcoming production 'Aishwarya Rai'. I think it's silly for me to be even making the statement. It's given - I married the man. So obviously I have the conviction in the husband he is or the father he will be," Aishwarya, 36, told IANS in an interview here.

Asked about Abhishek's qualities that would make him a good father, Aishwarya laughed and said: "He is very real, very rooted and very human - which I absolutely relate to. His values are evident for everybody to see. We have known each other for so many years.

"I've seen him with his niece and nephew since the time they were babies. He is so great with kids and I've seen that for the longest time with (his sister Shweta's children) Navya (Naveli) and Agastya. I have no doubts on him whatsoever."

Aishwarya, who will be seen with Abhishek in "Ravana", was in the capital Monday to launch the Longines PrimaLuna, a new watch range inspired by the moon and galaxy.

Sporting a sleek piece herself that matched with an elaborate yet elegant black and cream off-shoulder gown, Aishwarya was at peace talking about her personal life.

Asked whether she would want a daughter or a son, she said: "Come on...Aren't you like moving at a really fast pace...! Whatever god has in store for us in life (will come)... Life itself is a blessing, let alone to have opportunity to be able to bring a life into this world.

"It's really not in our hands ...it's in god's hands. I hope I am just blessed with that experience, I am really looking forward to it and we will certainly cherish it," she added.

Her mother-in-law Jaya Bachchan is a member of the Samajwadi Party, but Aishwarya is doubtful if she will ever head in that direction.

"Life has been so full - haven't even thought about it (entering politics). My life is evidently extremely full in terms of the amount of responsibilities and experiences I am currently having.

"And I believe, anything you take, you have to be able to commit to and give a lot of yourself to. And I think at this point, life is full and that's what I am giving (my best) to," she said.

On the work front, the former beauty queen is busy with big ticket projects such as Mani Ratnam's "Ravana", Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Guzaarish", Rajnikant starrer "Endhiran" and Vipul Shah's "Action Replay".

The actress is likely to feature as Mumtaz Mahal with acclaimed Hollywood actor Ben Kingsley in "Taj", which is based on Taj Mahal.

"After 'The Last Legion', Sir Ben and I were keen to work together in another project. He has now come with the final draft and he has just sent it over to me. Once we agree on everything, we will take the project forward. He will start scouting for the locations soon," she said.

For now, Aishwarya is looking forward to AB Corp's "Aishwarya Rai", which features her father-in-law, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, and Abhishek. The film releases Friday.