Hold your breath folks! The year has begun on a grand note.
Mani Rathnam has hit the jackpot once again. Although the
ace director’s films have always been hailed as good
cinema, one must say his latest offering Guru is definite
to set the cash registers jingling at the box-office. And
all those who thought Abhishek - Aishwarya chemistry wouldn’t
work, they are wrong. Here’s a winner on hand. A period
flick, Guru based on the life story of the late industrialist
Dhirubhai Ambani, although the filmmakers claim it’s
not, is the story of a simple but an ambitious villager.
Gurukant Desai (Abhishek Bachchan) dreams big. Despite opposition
from his father he comes to Mumbai along with his wife Sujata
(Aishwarya Rai) to set up his own business. On a small scale
Guru launches himself as a cloth merchant. But very soon,
through grit and determination, despite several hurdles, he
paves his way to become one of the topmost business magnates
of the country.
Abhishek Bachchan is first rate. He carries off his role
with utmost sincerity. This perhaps is his best performance
to date. Aishwarya Rai gives a restrained performance. She
emotes well as the wife who stands by her husband through
thick and thin. Mithun Chakraborty’s is excellent. He
is a winner all the way. R. Madhavan doesn’t have much
scope. Nonetheless he is good in a brief role. Vidya Balan
is wasted. Her character looks forced. She has absolutely
no scope. Mallika Sherawat sizzles in an item number. Roshan
Seth impresses. The rest of the cast including Arya Babbar,
Manoj Joshi, Rajendra Gupta, Sachin Khedekar, Neena Kulkarni
and Sarita lend the desired support.
Mani Rathnam deserves special mention. His direction is exemplary.
However, there are flaws too. For instance, Ash not growing
old as Abhishek. But these kind of cinematic liberties are
waived off when the film is of this stature.
Cinematography (Rajiv Menon) is outstanding. He has managed
to capture the locations beautifully. A. R. Rahman’s
music is soothing to the ears. Especially, ‘Dam dara’,
‘Barso re’ and ‘Tu neel samundar hai’
are well-tuned numbers. Gulzar’s lyrics are meaningful.
Song picturisations (Saroj Khan and Brinda) are good.
On the whole, Guru, is one of the most inspirational pieces
of work and it holds appeal for one and all. A must watch.
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