Saawariya

After you've seen this Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie; you'll probably forget how to say the title of the movie without singing it. I feel ashamed that following an over-flooding of my head with bad reviews on this movie, I actually watched it only when I was dragged to the cinema by a friend who believes in SLB more than me. And now I cannot thank the friend more for showing what I think is the best cinematic production in Bollywood ever. Don't hesitate to have high expectations since this one is made to beat them.

This movie is not a comedy- so comparing it with the parallel-released movie for the amount of laughs it gives you is hardly a fair evaluation. It's a musical based on the story by Fyodor Dostoevsky's "White Nights". It's the story of love- not the Soni-Mahiwal and Veer-Zaara type of love but just love. It's the love that just happens in a snap and sweeps you off your feet. It's definitely the type of love story that Bollywood has never narrated before. There's no family rivalry; no social drama; no unrealistic action; nothing except the love of Saawariya.

The debutant actors Ranbir and Sonam couldn't have started their career with better performances. While we'll have to wait and see how the newbies fair on the spectrum of acting when they do other films with hopefully varying roles; but for a start they completely make you believe in their characters in Saawariya. Sonam is a beauty- the type that you don't lust for because it's so pure- the type you fall in love with. And Ranbir has a disarming smile and a style that will easily get him inside every girl's dream. And with the first-time-ever portrayal of male sensuality in Bollywood in a song with him barely in the towel; Ranbir might be more than smiling in the ladies' dreams.

The movie boasts of a powerful cast besides the lead actors too. We have yet another jaw-dropping performance by Rani Mukherjee – her choreography in the song 'Chabeela' is amazing. Salmaan is playing a tough guy with little dialogues but fitting in this role perfectly. Zohra Sehgal is shining through remarkably as well. Most importantly, no body is dominating the screen over the others with a clichéd acting; the characters seem to gel together and you watch every scene believing in them and believing in the magic that the director is pulling in front of your eyes with many deeply thought over dialogues; subtle appearances; through the character's eyes; through the water and the weather and even the street lights.

The music score of the movie was great. Some of the songs that have accompanying dances are beautiful and the lyrics by Sameer are touching. Playback singers really draw your heart close into the sentiment of the song with their melodious voice with emotions and rhythm. Kudos to the two new singers Shail and Parthiv! The best of everything is still the dream-world like sets. When I saw the trailers; I felt it was too unrealistic to be good. But with the story that's meant to be a tale-of-love narrated by Rani herself; the sets were perfect to create the atmosphere of a delightful small town far away somewhere love has it's own magical dimension.

I give the movie an 8/10 for the new standard it has established in Bollywood; for the acting of every single actor in it; for the music; for the dances; for the picturesque sets; for the direction; for this movie being really good cinema. If the entertainment you are looking for is more than a few skin-deep smiles; this will be a treat! A treat not just for your eyes but for your ears too and it will even leave you with a warm thought when the credits roll at the end.

'Saawariya' was one of those over-hyped films that I thought of skipping. Not because of the hype but because of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bhansali's debut venture 'Khamoshi The Musical' remains one of my favorite film. After that he made 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' which for me was merely a one-time watchable film. This was followed by 'Devdas and 'Black' which were awful. The reason why I finally watched it was because I didn't have to pay. So what did I think? I didn't like the film.

On the technical side, 'Saawariya' is well made. The cinematography, lighting etc work are quite impressive. The set design is spectacular but looks fake (works for something like 'Moulin Rouge'). The film is set in some kind of France-Italy combo inhabited by Indians. For obvious reasons, Bhansali gives the film a blueish tint. However, 'Saawariya' is the kind of movie that required a more subtle treatment than the operatic loudness.

So where exactly does it fail? The story. There's no soul. It's extremely slow (and uninteresting as it's obvious what will happen) and knowing that it may have been ripped off from Visconti's 'Le Notti Bianche' doesn't do anything for the liking. The numerous references to the Kapoor family looks forced. Again, Bhansali presents the lead heroine as the flawless 'adarsh bharatiya naadi' (typical traditional Indian woman), who is coy and innocent, makes sacrifices and whatever. He did the same with Aishwarya and Madhuri in his previous films.

Sonam Kapoor is passable in some scenes but in other scenes it appears as if she's on weed, e.g. especially because of her constant giggling. Perhaps this is a reference to some kind of madness as Imaan may be a 'symbolic' representation of that (suggesting that Imaan does not exist). However, this aspect is not explored and why would Imaan be a representation of madness? The character is one of the dullest I've seen in recent cinema and the viewer is left wondering what it was about Imaan that got Sakina so obsessed. Say even, if Sakina was mad, her acting out of the symptoms looks unreal. Yet, there may be room for improvement depending on her future film choices and directors. Ranbir Kapoor really overdoes his act, trying too much to look lovable and sympathetic. I can see that the actor really is trying (perhaps too much) but his expressions and moves just don't look natural and all those references to RK movies flooding the screen do not help. Salman Khan personifies wooden. In a small role, Zohra Sehgal is okay. In the end, it is Rani Mukherjee's performance that leaves an impact. She is absolutely fantastic. Her scenes really are worthwhile. She completely nails the part. Although in that same year, she does play a prostitute in 'Laaga Chunari Mein Daag', the actress really does make both characters unique. She looks and acts the part (looking pretty hot).

Although I didn't like the film, there were a few enjoyable moments (that I mentioned above) and I was doing something else at the same time, so it wasn't a full waste of hours. I can see why many would like the film because it is pretty to look at but it has no heart. In my opinion, 'Saawariya' is forgettable and it does not deserve more than a one-time watch.

This movie will be framed in gold as one of the most astonishing movies ever made in Indian cinema. Each and every scene gives you an impression of 2.5yrs of real efforts done by the great Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He has truly evolved the Indian cinema with his unique way of movie making. He has emerged as one of the most daring movie makers in the world, specially in India. This masterpiece is about an imaginary world about 2 lovers and their journey towards true love.

Raj played by Ranbir Kapoor and Sakina played by Sonam Kapoor have done marvelous job as the lead pair. Both are looking immensely confident and amazing in this movie. They are going to be the new superstars of Bollywood as they have shown a lot of talent and amazing chemistry. They both are so true and close to their roles that their characters-Raj and Sakina will be remembered in lines of DDLJ, QSQT and Bobby.

Ranbir is sure-shot a star material and so is Sonam. The movie starts with Ranbir coming to this imaginary world and how he mesmerizes Gulab, a prostitute played by Rani Mukherjee and gets in to her heart as a special admirer. With her help, he manages to stay with Zohra Sehgal. An old women who found his lost son in Ranbir. The movie then takes you in a steady journey of Raj meeting Sakina and how they found or lose their love. To be honest, I'm not a great fan of sad-ending movies but Saawariya is a true exception.

Remember those days when your grandma or mom tells you a story about fairy world? How an angel comes to help a small girl and singing a beautiful song for her which led trees, rivers, birds to rhyme and enjoy all together? This movie is exactly about that kind of world with lots of hope and sacrifices for the true love.

Understand, there is no set of format to make a movie where a movie should have a flow from A to Z. Its all about understanding the movie with a different set of mind. There are some classic movies like Satya and Company which are so true to real bad world. But with Saawariya its not about how true or logical you are, its about thinking all good things and getting in to the flow of the movie.

Zohra Sehgal as an old lady who helps Raj in this new town is also a strong pillar to hold this movie in terms of acting and appearance. Salman has done a descent job in a cameo appearance and Rani is wonderful in her performance and dancing.

Its sheer delight listening such a soothing music after very-very long time and my favorites are 'Jab se tere naina', 'Yun shabnami' and of course, the title track-'Saawariya'.

All said and done, its a lovely movie with great performances from Ranbir, Sonam, Zohra and Rani. This is the first movie which has impressed me with its looks and cinematography. Hail Sanjay Leela Bhansali!

Mvng slowly,but nicely taken. All credits goes to SLB.Songs are fantastic.....

Ranbir Raj (Ranbir Kapoor), a free spirited idealist – dreamer, arrives in a dreamy surreal town and joins as a lead singer in its swankiest club. Here he bumps into Gulabji (Rani Mukerji), a prostitute, who immediately falls for his naivety and innocent charm. One night he notices a mysterious girl standing alone on a bridge holding an umbrella. As he tries to strike a conversation, she shies away. But he still keeps following her and both end up becoming friends. This mystery girl, Sakina (Sonam Kapoor) forever carries a sadness in her eyes which leaves Ranbir intrigued. But so mesmerized he is with her that his every minute goes into discussing her with his land lady, Lillipop (Zohra Sehgal) and Gulabji.

Just when Ranbir is about to express his true feelings to her, she reveals the reason behind her unhappiness. She tells him she is waiting for her love, Imaan (Salman Khan) to return. A year back before leaving, he had promised that he would be back and meet her on the same bridge that he saw her waiting.

I heard varying comments prior to watching this film, and I have to say that I shall always follow my gut instinct from now on. This film is neither boring or slow paced! Whilst watching the trailers the first thing that caught my eye was the beautiful sets. And they did not disappoint! The set is magical. The acting is flawless. The music is brilliant. The story is well written, nicely paced and very artistic indeed. Clever and intellectual. A well deserved round of applause for both those in front of the scenes and behind. For anyone who has loved someone unconditionally. I would highly recommend to those who enjoyed films from Romeo and Juliet to Devdas to Moulin Rouge! ;)