I can't believe Saawariya was so badly received. First things first, the film is stunning, just stunning to look at. The set design, very European in style and arrangement, the beauty of the streets and the mirror-like lakes, the lighting, and the phenomenal camera work, are all evidence of tremendous production values which far overpower the film's actual content. Sometimes content is not all you want to see on film - the film is a true visual treat and sometimes it's good enough. But then the rest of it is not that bad at all, Bhansali's attention to detail on the technical front is matched by a narrative so whimsical and muscial that the film ends up working as a full-on fairy tale. I think the poor reception to the film reflected umatched expectations. To me, it is a fair romantic adaptation of Dostoevsky's White Nights which is not to be taken seriously content-wise but rather enjoyed.
Indeed, self-indulgent and a little overlong it is, but I really didn't care much because I myself was mostly busy indulging in how beautifully it was shot. The music by Monty Sharma matches the film's theatrical style and colour. The film introduces two young stars - both from different Kapoor family clans. Male lead Ranbir Kapoor is the main protagonist and does very well in his debut performance. Sonam Kapoor is incredibly pretty as Sakeena, his love interest who is the quintessential film heroine, the demure, pure, giggly young woman, and she does very well. Zohra Segal is also here and is very good. Salman Khan is a bit of a distraction, but Rani Mukerji is a delight all the way in a wonderfully playful performance, topping it with a great dance number, "Chhabeela". Saawariya is an overwhelming visual extravaganza, and to me, it is an absolute delight.
