Guzaarish Movie Review

Starring: Ethan, Sofia, Umar Siddique, Devyani
Direction: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Music: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Production: Ronnie Screwvala, Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Call it most anticipated, much-awaited or whatever emotion we have been in ever since the promos were released, Guzaarish is simply the stage to bring together two of the most versatile and complete actors in Bollywood. Simply? Yeah! Because acting seems to be such a simple feat to these two. So here we are with Ethan and Sofia, the two eyes of Sanjay Leela Bhansali in his latest offering Guzaarish.

If you are expecting or wanting to see a heart-tugging, emotionally sapping movie right from the beginning, you are in for a double bluff. The beauty of this bluff showcased here is that it brings in the emotion that Sanjay Leela Bhansali intends rather play the other way round. Confused? The sheer happiness and pleasure of watching the movie in a movie hall would be lost if this review is a reveal-all. Like his previous movies, this one carries shades of grey.

Ethan is a renowned magician who, as a result of an unfortunate accident, is restricted to his 4x6 bed in a 15x20 room. Sofia is his charming private nurse who has been taking care of him for about 12 years. Being a Quadriplegic, Ethan suffers a lot of pain: physically and being restricted to his bed and wheelchair. Though his close friend Devyani, a lawyer, fights against the legal system to approve euthanasia, the system thinks otherwise. What Ethan decides in the end and whether he is relieved of his pain is told in a wonderfully conceived screenplay. In a complex web weaved with emotions, relations, joy and sorrow, Guzaarish is about life and the importance to live it to the fullest.

Guzaarish is especially delightful because the pain of the protagonist is told in an ususal way. The pain is not just physical: It is about not being what Ethan was. The pain of missing the applause he was once used to. The pain of being betrayed. The pain of missing love. So the best way Bhansali has chosen here is sprinkle lots of witty and satirical dialogues. So wonderful that the wit makes your eyes moist once you attach with the character. Sample this: Hrithik is on a wheelchair connected to the ventilator and under observation when Umar, practising magic under Ethan, offers a hug. Ethan replies "Oh! Thanks. I have enough attachments already!". Dialogues by Bhavani Puri must be mentioned here specifically. Be it Ethan's pain, Sofia's angst or Devyani's legal arguments, every dialogue adds value to the screenplay.

The man behind it all, SLB, must be appreciated for this attempt. The style he uses to show Hrithik's glory days in little flashbacks is stunning. Songs and right pathos at right places work beautifully. The place where the story bottlenecks to reveal the suspense held thus far on Ethan's accident makes us freezze. He surely has realised the pain is best felt when it is not continuous. So the screenplay, which grips and eases the heart in equal periods of time, successfully conveys Ethan's pain. Since the stage conveniently set in a secluded place in Goa, it makes it easy for him to concentrate only on the central characters. Though it seems rather dramatic to see events happening over a radio show that he is a host to, SLB can be forgiven this time.

Ethan is so natural as the quadriplegic and naughty patient: So natural that there were people who stood up in shock in the theatre when he fell off the bed in a scene. With long hair, beard, huffing-puffing dialogue delivery and a charming smile, Ethan has lived this charcter. This performance will mark among his best. Sofia...Oh Sofia. The moist-eyed, strict, caring, doting, lovable....nurse is a treat to watch. We would love to fall sick if she would be our private nurse. The scene where she throws the vase down to showcase Ethan's anger is just superb. Give me your comments after watching the 'Udi' song. Devyani, Umar and every character involved, including the judge, have given their best.

Ravi K. Chandran seems to be prime form in this movie. Though there are resemblences of Black, the story warrants such colour to depict the mood of the characters. A visual treat indeed! Art direcion needs mention too. Songs by SLB and background score by Tubbu Parik does not go overboard at any time.

Overall, Guzaarish is a movie which must be classified in completely different genre. SLB never tries to preach or take euthanasia as the core of the movie. though he takes references from the Indian Judicial system, Guzaarish is about Ethan and his love. Go Celebrate!

Oops...Forgot to mention! The movie has Hrithik Roshan as Ethan, Aishwarya Rai as Sofia, Adithya Rai Kapoor as umar and Shernaz Patel as Devyani.

Verdict: Two-and-a-half stars, Three Cheers!