Hrithik, Aish perform magic in film about life

Background: Earlier this year, when the list of the year's eagerly-awaited movies were released, there was much hype about My Name is Khan, Kites and even Raavan.

However, there were plenty of whispers from critics that alerted movie lovers to the dynamic and powerful combination of master storyteller Sanjay Leela Bhansali coming together with the sizzling pair of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan. Bhansali marked his entry into the industry with the critically acclaimed masterpiece Khamoshi and has since directed blockbusters Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Black.

Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas cemented his relationship with Bachchan, catapulting the talented actress to stardom and showcased her enviable talent. Sadly, however, Bhansali completely lost the plot with his last movie, Saawariya.

Guzaarish, in a nutshell, is a celebration of life that poses the question: if we have the right to chose how we live and love, why don't we have the right to decide on our last days and how we chose to end this life's journey?

Before shooting commenced, Roshan met a number of quadriplegics to prepare for his character, and he claimed it was one of the most memorable moments in his life.

STORY:

Set in Goa, Guzaarish is the riveting tale of a successful magician named Ethan Mascarenhas (Roshan) who is tragically paralysed during a performance. Unable to care for himself, he engages the services of a beautiful and sophisticated married nurse named Sofia (Bachchan), who performs her duties with utmost care and devotion.

When Ethan makes the startling announcement of wanting to end his existence through a mercy killing, he seeks the assistance of a lawyer friend to file a petition in court. While he awaits the decision of the historic case, his relationships are examined and his life takes a turn when he meets a budding magician.

DIRECTION:

Bhansali is a master of his craft and he again delivers a polished movie with a genuinely moving script. From the outset, the viewer is treated to a spectacle as the story unfolds at a captivating pace, while ensuring we join the trials and tribulations of the lead characters. He balances the treatment between the movie being too arty and too mainstream, and, in the process, brings about many relevant social messages with gusto.

PERFORMANCES:

For a man confined to a wheelchair for almost the entire movie, Roshan gives a towering performance and should be a strong con-tender for the Best Actor Award .

Bachchan is a class act as she commands respect with a convincing and dignified performance. If Roshan is the heart of the movie, then Bachchan is its soul. After Dhoom 2 and Jodha-Akbar, their chemistry is electrifying yet again. This combination is sure to set the temperatures soaring with their mature and passionate performance.

New find Aditya Roy Kapoor, who two weeks ago made a confident debut in Action Replayy, has a heart-warming role. Kapoor is sure to leave a huge impression in this competitive industry. The rest of the cast are equally brilliant, though Monikangana Dutta's role should not have been added to the other interesting characters.

MUSIC:

Wanting to perfect the settings, the mood and the story, Bhansali also makes his debut as a music composer, and though his soundtrack works, it needs to grow on you.

The intensity of the situations are brought to life in the title song, Doondli and the brilliant Sau Gram. One also has to salute Bhansali for the lively Udi which brings some worthy relief.

WHAT I LIKED:

Though the settings may not be as opulent or vibrant as Bhansali's other movies, which are generally made on a large canvas, the movie is embellished with some awesome scenes including the foot massage, the initial courtroom drama, the petition, the radio show and the serious, yet adorable, climax.

OVERALL:

Guzaarish is a movie about hope, magic and life. Bhansali has done it as a tribute to the nightingale Lata Mangeshkar who, he claims, has been his biggest inspiration.

There are times that the pace may work in its favour, but its overall message and spirit will triumph, and it will be a memory that will linger on forever.

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