Saawariya: Akhir Kyu?

Cast: Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji, Ranbir Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Zohra Sehgal

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Producer: Sony Pictures Limited and Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Music Director: Monty Sharma, Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Rate: **


The most important aspect that develops from Saawariya: A couple of additions to the swelling number of actors and another landmark in terms of design of a set. And yes, Sanjay Leela Bhansali actually gives credit to the original Russian story.

The story is about a guy, who is shown to be a penniless singer who performs at a local restaurant and how he meets a damsel in distress and falls in love with her only to find that she loves another man who has been out for over a year. The lady awaits the return of her beloved and in the meantime develops a friendship with the singer. With minimal turns in the story, lady luck strikes for the lady’s love and her lover is back leaving the singer alone all over again. The singer is Ranbir, lady is Sonam and her lover is Salman. Rani also tags along in as the unwanted narrator, who falls for the young singer. She of course plays a prostitute.

The story is slow and interrupted by songs every five minutes which are good enough to put you to sleep. There are innumerable problems with the script. The sets which are wonderful and magnificent are what betray the movie. While at times it looks very fake – even though it’s mentioned that the town is fictitious – the sets are what blows up the simple faults in the script. From instant snow to potholes… all fake and unjustified. At the end of it you are left why are you seeing the movie.

From the point of cinematography, lights and editing however the movie is A grade. The music is good too. But who wants it?

Performance wise, Ranbir is one newcomer who does not imitate Shah Rukh. He tries Raj Kapoor instead. Nothing too good. Sonam is no where near her father’s debut performance. May be she should rather be a model. She has the looks to be one. Wonder why Rani seems to be justifying prostitution in her recent movies! In any case she no different from her rest movies. Stgnating. Hats off to Salman for accepting the role. Who would have! He hardly has anything to do except romance a beti-samaan Sonam. The star of the movie is certainly Zohra Sehgal.

Overall, if you call this cinema, it won’t be wrong to say bollywood masala is preferred. Bhansali kept the movie under wraps and that’s the reason for the initial response. Otherwise people would have discovered what it is all about and never gone to the theatre. It’s not worth the money if you are not a photography and lighting student.

The rest of the audience was actually overjoyed when the movie was over. They could leave the theatre. So much for Bhansali’s creativity! Avoid it.

© Noyon Jyoti Parasara

Bhagam Bhag

A runaway comedy

I went to see this movie as it had Govinda in it. I wanted to see if he stil had it in him. Well, to be honest, he is no more what he was. Nevertheless, he is still awesome...and he proves it. And teh best part: he has lost much weight. Guess running around in his constituency did help after all!

getting back to the movie, it is a story which I havent come across in any other movie. Not that I have watched all the movies ever made. But there is certainly nothing like this Bollywood. A theatre company travelling to London loses its lead actress and the manger com director cum everything else Paresh Rawal promises that whoever gets another heroine to act will get to be the hero. Obviously the race for a heroine starts with Govinda and Akshay trying to outsmart eash other. The story takes an interestin turn when the comedy turns into murder mystery engulfing Govinda, Akshay and Paresh Rawal. It is a race henceforth to prove themselves not guilty.

Like any other Priyadarshan movie, the comedy is woven in a great manner and carried out well. Its fun alright. And the murder brings story into the film. good. But not enough.

The music, i didnt bother to check the director's name, is not good. In fact, its irritating at times. too much of noise. however, the other aspects of the film are quite ok.

The acting department is kind of non-existent. I mean, not much scope for performance. But whatever scope it provides, Paresh Rawal stands out and yes Rajpal Yadav is worth mentioning too. Jackie does justice to his role. Akshay is fine. About Govinda, I started with him so no more mentions.

Overall this movie is a one time watch. dont bother to buy the DVD. Priyadarshan will never be able to climb the hights he reached with Hera Pheri again. But yes, i said one-time watch... so do watch it! you dont want to miss on three hours of laughter.