Oct 11, 2016 11:49 AM
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Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has brought a story that has been away from everyone’s eyes and minds for quite a long time. The story of Mirza-Sahiban, and an allegation or accusation, that still hangs over Sahiban for betraying her love; one of those tales that did not need a futuristic appeal. But knowing that Gulzar is one to write the poems that bring the whole ambience an emotional love-laden feel, no one can hang back and doubt to just peek into the story that unravels.
Mirzya has every element required to make a popular drama, a forgotten folklore, full-fledged period drama, new debutants, powerful music and astoundingly sound locales. Even though, there is everything, but still there is something amiss.
As the story of Mirza-Sahiban goes, they both fell in love with each other when they studied together as students. Mirza(Harshvardhan Kapoor) wins a match of archery and wins over Sahiban’s(Saiyami Kher) heart. Her two blue-eyed brother did not like Mirza at the very first sight, because he is, unlike others, not so well looking. Not liking their closeness, and growing intimacy, Sahiban’s parents decide to marry her off. But she elopes with Mirza on her wedding day. Fearing that Mirza would kill her brothers, Sahiban breaks all his axes, but little did she know. As soon as they are caught, her bothers kill Mirza on the spot.
That’s how Mirza meets his death, but Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra takes us further to see where this story goes…
We are brought into the present time, where you can see Munish(Harshvardhan Kapoor) and Suchitra(Saiyami Kher), classmates and their flourishing love. Once Munish stands up for Suchitra and fights for her and then vanishes, not known where. After years, they meet again, but Munish has changed his name to Adil Mirza and works as a stableman for Karan(Anuj Chaudhury), who is Suchitra’s fiancé. She fells for him, again, against all that she thinks and knows. She forgets how irrevocably she loves Karan and just gives in to her desire. Adil forgets that he loves someone else and dives into calling of his long lost love. Will Sahiban be, once again, downfall of Mirza?
Director has used couplets and visually appealing dance forms to connect between the previous era of old folklore to the modern day love story of Adil-Suchitra. There is fine balance while you are drawn from history to present, but those who are little or not aware of this folklore, it can get tough at times to make sense out of it.
This story is modern day love ballad of a failed love story, and done so much justice by the words written by Gulzar himself. Returning after 17-years, his works flow through the movie by tribal women or voiceover that carry the narrative forward and works well for most of the part.
Talking about performance, there is nothing outstanding brought out by both of the debutants. The story just worked in their favour. But still, they failed to show the chemistry that could have made the scenes more passionate and loving. The stillness of the characters were controlled, and it is also element of narration that not many dialogues were given to two of them, which looks like a wise decision now. Cannot say the same for Anuj Chaudhary, his role as the prince explores a gamut of emotions in short screen-time. Just wishing that his character would have been more developed, as it was sad seeing a talent go waste.
Mirzya hit the hearts of many through its soulful music, and that’s what made the movie run by the whole time. With Gulzar’s enigmatic lyrics, which were strung along with music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, and sung by Daler Mehendi, the music is definitely here to stay. also. There is no denying the exceptional choice of locales, shoot and editing. Adding the place like Rajasthan just adds more of the rudimentary element to stunning locales, grandeur, vibrance and the mystique touch of the deserts, made the canvas of the view look magical.
All in all, if you have good ears, admiration and poetic sensibilities, also wanting to a visual peace this weekend, then Mirzya it is.
