The story of a magnificent film. Review on Zubeidaa

Review : Director Shyam Benegal's attempt at making a commercial film has taken birth in the form of a magnificent Zubeidaa.

Starring Karisma Kapoor .... Zubeidaa Rekha .... Mandira Devi Manoj Bajpai .... Vijayendra Singh

Director : Shyam Benegal.

Music Director: A R Rehman

Third in a three-part series, the first being Mammo, and the second Sardari Begum, Zubeidaa has been woven with a commercial base with frequent artistic interventions. A vibrant cast comprising Rekha, Karisma Kapoor and Manoj Bajpai with the support of fine performers like Amrish Puri, Surekha Sekri and Lillette Dubey, Zubeidaa has Shyam Benegal?s deft handling, A R Rehman?s subtle music score and an intense narrative by Khalid Mohamed.

Suleman Seth (Amrish Puri) a patriarch and authoritarian, has some fixed notions in life, which he will not change or bend for anything. For him, they are virtues and cannot be compromised at the cost of anything, not even his own children. Suleman?s mistress, Rose Davenport (Lillette Dubey), a dancer of Hindi films of 1940s and 50s is a cheerful soul. She is instrumental in introducing Suleman?s daughter Zubeidaa (Karisma Kapoor) to Raja Virendra Singh (Manoj Bajpai). The beautiful and lively Zubeidaa falls in love with the handsome polo playing Raja, and the prince reciprocates making promises of love to her.

The twist in the royal tale comes when Raja?s first wife, Rani Mandira Devi (Rekha) comes into the picture. She shows strong comprehension of a situation where she is losing her husband to a younger woman and she doesn?t exactly blame the woman. It is only the skilled and dexterous Rekha who could handle the complex role of the Rani. Shyam Benegal is a connoisseur of artistes and chooses Rekha who fits the role of a matured and dignified woman just right.

Zubeidaa?s love and the eventual relationship she shares with Raja Vijendra is doomed right from the start. There is an unknown vein that runs in the film that tells you of the futility of Zubeidaa?s passion. It reminds us that passions are to burn out. But in this tale, Zubeidaa burns out.

Long after Zubeidaa is gone, her now grown-up son Riyaz (Rajit Kapur), a young journalist, tries to discover the enigma that his mother was. A mother he never knew. Riyaz has been brought up by his maternal grandmother Fayyazi Begum.

Essentially, a story of fairy tale rhapsodies and pains of a young princess, her life, her love, her death and finally her figurative portrait through her son?s eyes is Zubeidaa?s principal plot. Khalid Mohamed?s story is full of passion and intensely dramatic scenes that actors par excellence, under the guidance of Shyam Benegal, do full justice to.

Acting- wise, Manoj Bajpai, Amrish Puri, Lillette Dubey and Rajat Kapoor are good. Rekha delivers another great performance.

But the main reason for watching Zubeidaa is the marvellous acting of Karisma Kapoor. As Zubeidaa, she gets into the skin of the character and delivers a mind-blowing performance. Apart from maybe Tabu, I dont think anyone could have acted so brilliantly.

The final scene in the film where she fights with Manoj that he should take her and not Rekha in a flight meant only for 2 persons, is particularly outstandingly executed by her. Full Marks to her brilliance. She is the main reason why Zubeidaa is interesting to watch.

A R Rehman's music is another highlight. '' So Gaye Hain'' is a haunting song. Also, ''Main Albeli'' and ''Piya Piya'' r gems.

The script by Khalid Mohammad is another plus point. Needless to add, the direction by Shyam Benegal is ultimate. He successfully brings out the best in every actor. A Great Movie. Wish we can see more such films.