Jan 12, 2007 01:44 AM
3268 Views
(Updated Jan 13, 2007 03:06 PM)
A Mani Ratnam movie is always special and Guru is no exception. I like to read biographies a lot and I didn't miss the first day's show of Guru in Dubai. The much awaited film satisfy most of the expectation from the film though it is not the best we can expect. The first half of the film is perfect and we cannot ask for more from the Director, though the technical side could be improved. The second half gives a mixed feeling, where the Writer/Director was in hurry to tell and justify the character. Overall, Guru is a well made biography, though improvements, especially in the scripting could have been done for better. The film got a lot of interesting situations where the ultimate emotional code connecting them all is missing.
The movie begins where Guru Kant Desai (Abhishek Bachchan) fails his exam and wants to go out to do a job. His father is a teacher and wants to see his son succeed in his studies, but Guru has no taste for studies. With a negative permission, Guru leaves his village and land up in Turkey. He worked as petrol can filler to chemical company assistant to Gambler. When he got a promotion as sales supervisor in the factory he was working and when the manager asked him to wear a tie, unlike others, he quit the job and decided to start business in India. His father has no confidence again and not helped him in any way. What he has is 15000 rupees. To get the rest of the capital he agrees to marry Sujatha (Aishwarya Rai) who earlier tried to run away with her lover, but her lover betrayed her. That was the beginning of the rise of Guru. His father always told him, not to dream because dreams will not come true, but he dare to dream and succeeded. The story now revolves around the business side of Guru where the relationship between Sujatha is developed nicely in parallel. One will be curious if the movie says anything about the children of Guru, but Mani Ratnam very wisely stayed away from it. The story ends where Guru establishes himself as the number one business establishment in India and announcing to the world that we are here to conquer the world's no 1 spot!!
Story is not credited for and Screenplay & Direction is by Mani Ratnam. The director brought best out of its cast and presented the story nicely. His selection of casts and location are to be specifically mentioned. However, the script could have been improved. There are many loose tags in the film, especially in the second half. While writing a script on a person or incident what the writer has to keep in mind is that it is not necessary to detail and justify all important incidents, but select a thread which will act as a core of the movie and work on it. Like his earlier biographical film Iruvar (based on MGR's life) this movie also gone descriptive to an extent in the second half. There are quite a few unnecessary characters with whom the main theme do not jell with and quite a few questions the script left unanswered. Other than that we should appreciate Mani Ratnam for his efforts.
Guru is an Abhishek Bachchan show all the way. Abhishek has grown as an actor and it shows. We can see the glimpses of genius in this show, where he will be a contender for best actor in 2007. Except in a place where he was supposed to have tears in eyes which he failed to generate naturally and when he was sick, the actor delivered a fantastic performance. Aiswarya is as usual delivers a fine performance. Vidya Balan and Madhavan gave what the script required from them. After Chingari, Midhun Chakraborthy delivers another fine performance in this film. Mallika Sherawat gives a hot number in Turkish background.
AR Rahman's music is average. The big AR Rahman magic is missing. Choreography by Saroj Khan and Brinda fails to make an impression. Though 2 songs (the dance number in Turkey and the song at the time Ash leaves Abhishek) were above average. Rajiv Menon, the Cinematographer shot all the scenes with a natural background extremely well, especially the once in Athirappilly. The other shots are done okay. Editing could be improved.
There are certain scenes in the film which need special mention.
Abhishek's visit to Manoj Joshi in the hospital.
Abhishek & Aiswarya's love scenes (including the one in the bed)
Madhavan tells his love to Vidya Balan. The kissing scene between Madhavan & Vidya Balan. (Oops! I didn't expect it from Madhavan!)
Abhishek dump all the polyster bags in the officer's house.
Abhishek's reaction to the news that he got twin daughters (Buy one, get one free. No, it is not boys, but girls)
Abhishek's reply to the enquiry committee.
The movie is very much for the elite audience. However, Mani Ratnam has added a lot of ingredients to make it tasty for the masses as well. The movie is a class one and masses has to decide whether they are going to shoulder it as well. Having said all these, don't expect a Roja, Kannathil Muthamittal or even a Dil Se, but a film of different genre and style.
