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Plot summary

Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) movie poster

Bareilly Ki Barfi is a 2017 comedy and romance film directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, running 1 hour 56 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 593 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Bareilly Ki Barfi.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
4
themes explained
3
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Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m
Genres
Comedy, Romance
No spoilers

What Is Bareilly Ki Barfi About?

The premise of Bareilly Ki Barfi in 325 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustling lanes of Bareilly, a small city in Uttar Pradesh, everyday life hums with the chatter of markets, the clatter of trains, and the quiet yearning of its residents. The town’s charm is steeped in tradition, yet it also cradles pockets of rebellion where a young woman can dance to her own rhythm. Bitti Mishra is a spirited soul whose love of break‑dancing, cigarettes, and carefree friendships sets her apart from the expectations of her conventional family. Her father adores her, while her mother quietly hopes for a proper match, creating a gentle tension that fuels Bitti’s search for a place where she truly belongs.

One rainy afternoon, Bitti stumbles upon a novel titled Bareilly Ki Barfi tucked in a modest railway‑station stall. The story’s witty voice and unapologetic heroine echo her own restless heart, sparking a fierce curiosity to meet the mind behind the pages. The mystery deepens with the mention of Pritam Vidrohi, a name that promises to hold the key to a kindred spirit. The mere idea of finding an author who “gets” her fuels Bitti’s determination, turning a simple book club curiosity into a heartfelt quest.

Her investigation leads her to a local printing press, where she encounters Chirag Dubey, the owner whose easy grin and love for literature make him an immediate ally. Together they embark on a playful correspondence, each letter a step closer to uncovering the elusive writer while weaving a gentle camaraderie that hints at deeper connections. The town’s colorful characters—shopkeepers, commuters, and dreamers—populate their journey, offering humor and wisdom in equal measure.

The film unfolds as a breezy, feel‑good romance, blending the vivid palette of small‑town India with a modern, irreverent sensibility. Its tone balances light‑hearted comedy with an undercurrent of self‑discovery, inviting viewers to cheer for a heroine who refuses to be boxed in and to wonder what will happen when the line between imagination and reality blurs in the most delightful way.

Full plot

What Happens in Bareilly Ki Barfi?

The complete story of Bareilly Ki Barfi, from the first scene to the last, in 593 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Bitti Mishra, portrayed by Kriti Sanon, is a spirited young woman living in Uttar Pradesh, cherished dearly by her father. However, her traditional mother is hoping to see her married to a suitable man from a respectable family. Unlike many typical daughters, Bitti is free-spirited; she smokes, enjoys the company of boys, and is unable to tolerate the narrow-minded attitudes of the local suitors. Ultimately, she desires a partner who appreciates her authentic self.

Her journey begins when she discovers a book titled Bareilly Ki Barfi, where she finds her own personality mirrored in its pages. This sparks a fiery wish to meet the author, Pritam Vidrohi, played by Rajkummar Rao. While on her quest to find him, she encounters Chirag Dubey, enacted by Ayushmann Khurrana, the owner of a printing press that helped publish the book. Unbeknownst to Bitti, Chirag is the actual author; he wrote the book in heartache to protect the identity of his ex-girlfriend, who has since married.

Bitti’s introduction to the book comes through Chirag’s friend Munna, depicted by Rohit Choudhary, who runs a bookstore at the railway station. Captivated by the book, Bitti yearns to meet Pritam and seeks his address from Munna. Munna then relays this request to Chirag, who decides to act as a mediator. Bitti is determined to discover how Pritam understands her so well, leading to a playful exchange of letters with Chirag standing in for Pritam.

As Bitti and Chirag spend more time together, he begins to see the striking resemblance between her and his ex. Bitti eventually reveals her heartbreak over Pritam’s silence. In a bid to get Pritam to meet her, Chirag learns that Pritam is pretending to be a Merc salesman but is really a saree salesman. In a twist, Chirag seeks to manipulate Pritam into behaving rudely to protect Bitti, only to discover a softer side to Pritam.

Their first encounter is a laughable chaos, as Pritam puts on a tough front that irks Bitti. Nevertheless, when they share a meal with her parents, they take an instant liking to Pritam’s “bad boy” charm, viewing him as a potential match for their daughter. As Bitti’s feelings for Pritam grow, it becomes apparent that Pritam himself has eyes for Bitti’s friend Rama, portrayed by Swati Semwal, complicating matters further.

Chirag, wanting to protect Bitti’s heart, struggles with his own feelings as he attempts to steer Pritam away. Bitti’s mother pressures Chirag to encourage Pritam to marry her daughter, but complications arise when Chirag reveals Pritam’s past. In a confrontation, Pritam vows to win Bitti’s heart out of spite against Chirag, setting off a hilarious and chaotic love triangle.

As the story unfolds, Munna advises Chirag to confess his feelings, recognizing the bond he has formed with Bitti. Despite the emotional turmoil, Pritam and Bitti’s engagement becomes a reality, with Chirag caught in a web of unspoken truth.

On the day of the engagement, Chirag grapples with revealing his secret, only to find Bitti radiantly happy. Ultimately, he chooses silence and blesses the union. However, during the ceremony, Bitti reveals that she knew all along that Chirag was the true writer of the book. This revelation tears down the final barriers as Bitti seeks to understand whether Chirag’s feelings are for her own sake or merely a reflection of his past.

In a heartfelt moment, Pritam sincerely apologizes to Chirag, fully acknowledging the tangled web of emotions, and together they embrace their intertwined destinies as Bitti and Chirag celebrate their engagement, leaving behind a tale of love, comedy, and self-discovery.

Timeline

Bareilly Ki Barfi Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Bitti's Background” to “Celebration of Love”. 2 events name a place, across 2 locations.

  1. 1

    Bitti's Background

    Bitti Mishra is introduced as a vibrant young woman living in Uttar Pradesh, cherished by her father but pressured by her traditional mother to marry. Unlike other local girls, she expresses her individuality by smoking and enjoying male company, directly challenging societal norms.

    Where:Uttar Pradesh

  2. 2

    Discovery of the Book

    Bitti comes across a book titled *Bareilly Ki Barfi*, which resonates deeply with her own experiences and personality. This discovery ignites her desire to meet the author, Pritam Vidrohi, who seems to understand her better than anyone.

  3. 3

    Meeting Munna

    While seeking the author's address, Bitti visits a bookstore at the railway station run by Munna. Intrigued by the book's message, she expresses her eagerness to know Pritam's whereabouts, setting off a chain of events that will change her life.

    Where:Railway Station

  4. 4

    Chirag's Involvement

    Unbeknownst to Bitti, Chirag Dubey, the bookstore owner's friend, is actually the author of the book. He learns of Bitti's desire to meet Pritam and decides to act as a bridge between them, sparking an unexpected relationship.

  5. 5

    Playful Letter Exchange

    As Bitti and Chirag spend more time together, an amusing dynamic develops through a playful exchange of letters. Chirag, posing as Pritam, begins to reveal Bitti's feelings while simultaneously recognizing the connection they are forming.

  6. 6

    Pritam's True Identity

    Chirag discovers that Pritam is not just a writer but a saree salesman pretending to be a Merc salesman. This revelation complicates matters as Chirag hopes to protect Bitti from potential heartbreak by keeping Pritam's true nature in check.

  7. 7

    The Chaos of Their First Encounter

    The first meeting between Bitti and Pritam turns into a chaotic affair filled with misunderstandings. Despite the initial friction, Bitti's parents are charmed by Pritam's persona, complicating Bitti's own feelings as she admires his 'bad boy' charm.

  8. 8

    Growing Affections

    As Bitti's affection for Pritam intensifies, it is revealed that Pritam is captivated by her friend, Rama. The entangled emotions create a love triangle that complicates the characters' relationships and leads to misunderstandings.

  9. 9

    Chirag's Dual Role

    Caught in a web of feelings, Chirag grapples between his love for Bitti and his desire to protect her from Pritam’s intentions. The pressure builds as Bitti's mother encourages Chirag to push Pritam towards marriage, unaware of his true feelings.

  10. 10

    Engagement Begins

    Bitti and Pritam's engagement is set, placing Chirag in a tough position where he must confront his unexpressed emotions. As the day approaches, the tension escalates, with Chirag contemplating revealing his secret to Bitti.

Show the other 4 events of Bareilly Ki Barfi
  1. 11

    A Revelation During the Ceremony

    On the day of the engagement, Bitti surprises everyone when she reveals that she knew Chirag was the true author of *Bareilly Ki Barfi*. This shocking confession leads to tearful reflections on love, secrets, and personal desires.

  2. 12

    Emotional Confrontation

    During a heartfelt moment, Pritam deeply apologizes to Chirag for the tangled emotions and misunderstandings. This confrontation transforms their bond, highlighting the complexities of friendship and love within their intertwined lives.

  3. 13

    Bitti's Realization

    As the emotional turmoil settles, Bitti reflects on her journey of self-discovery and love. She comes to understand the true essence of her relationships, appreciating the depth of feelings shared among the three characters.

  4. 14

    Celebration of Love

    The film culminates in a celebration as Bitti and Chirag embrace their engagement amidst laughter and joy. The conclusion resonates with themes of love, comedy, and the continuous journey of self-understanding.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Bareilly Ki Barfi?

4 characters, among them Bitti Mishra, Chirag Dubey and Pritam Vidrohi: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • BM

    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
  • CD

    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
  • Raj Kumar Yadav as Pritam Vidrohi in Bareilly Ki Barfi

    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
  • R

    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
Setting

Where and When Is Bareilly Ki Barfi Set?

Bareilly Ki Barfi is set in Uttar Pradesh. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

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.

Where

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
Themes

What Are the Themes of Bareilly Ki Barfi?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Heartbreak, Self-discovery and Identity.

  1. 01

    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.

  2. 02

    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.

  3. 03

    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.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Bareilly Ki Barfi?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Moderate
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A charming and lighthearted romantic comedy that follows a free-spirited young woman's whimsical quest for love and self-discovery in a small Indian town, filled with playful deceptions and comedic chaos.

  • whimsical
  • charming
  • romantic
  • comedic
  • lighthearted
  • playful
  • small town life
  • self-discovery
  • impersonation
  • love triangle

Quiz

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FAQ

Bareilly Ki Barfi Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Bareilly Ki Barfi, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Bareilly Ki Barfi about?

In the bustling lanes of Bareilly, a small city in Uttar Pradesh, everyday life hums with the chatter of markets, the clatter of trains, and the quiet yearning of its residents.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Bareilly Ki Barfi take place?

Bareilly Ki Barfi is set in Uttar Pradesh. The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern attitudes and challenges faced by young people in India today.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Bareilly Ki Barfi?

The story follows Bitti Mishra (played by Kriti Sanon), Chirag Dubey (played by Ayushmann Khurrana), Pritam Vidrohi (played by Raj Kumar Yadav) and Rama (played by Swati Semwal).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Bareilly Ki Barfi?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Heartbreak, Self-discovery and Identity.

The themes explained

Who directed Bareilly Ki Barfi?

Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) was directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and runs 1 hour 56 minutes.

Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari’s films

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