Covering Bollywood and the Hindi Cinema

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Saawariya” was premiered on Wednesday something which is unheard of in Bollywood. A number of critics were invited to the screening and here is one of  the first reviews to emerge. Do take the review with a pinch of salt as most of the critics were invited to promote the movie!

Review:


“Saawariya” is as much a story about the magical town that surrounds the actors as it is about the characters themselves. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and cinematrographer Ravi K. Chandran have draped the entire town in blue and green hues, giving every scene a wispy ethereal look that leaves the audience enraptured. Each frame/scene is like a painting and the viewer doesn’t know where to look first. These hues combine with the magnificently detailed sets designed by art director, Omung Kumar. If there’s any one complaint, it’s that each frame has so much going on in the background that it can get a bit distracting at times. It’s a testament to Mr. Bhansali, that he has tried a completely different technique in filming this movie. The closest comparisons I can make to “Saawariya’s” distinct look are to films that are directed by Hollywood director Tim Burton who prefers filming completely on indoor sets as Bhansali has done in this film.
Though the sets seem visually realistic, the viewer is left quite conscious of the fact that something is just a bit off. This works to the film’s advantage as the town takes on a magical look. It becomes both “everywhere” and “nowhere” within India. In fact, the town is never even properly identified within the movie. The hues which are provided by space lights (the first use of these atmospheric lights in a Hindi film) and the use of blue/green paint, add to the creation of a character which I call “magical reality”. Everywhere you look, there are artistic flourishes such as neon signs in subdued hues, a statue of Buddha, Mona Lisa drapes, Persian rug patterns, and a beautiful bridge with a river running underneath it all combine to form the centerpiece of this emotional tale. Bhansali’s dedication to his craft is evident throughout the movie, and he re-affirms himself as the best director that India has to offer.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s “Saawariya” is as much homage to his distinct style of filmmaking as it is to the bygone Raj Kapoor movies of yesteryear. In fact, Ranbir Kapoor’s character Ranbir Raj’s anscestry can be traced back to the beloved vagabond clown that Raj Kapoor performed in movies like “Shree 420”. He’s pure, friend to all, beloved by all, a loser in love, yet never gives up hope for a better future. The legacy of Raj Kapoor can be felt all through the movie, culminating in Ranbir and Sonam’s re-enactment of the RK Films logo (sculpted after the famous scene of Raj Kapoor holding Nargis as she looks up at him)

Ranbir Kapoor rises up to the challenge of living up to his grandfather’s legacy by delivering a multi-layered nuanced performance that covers the broad range of emotions that is the human psyche. He makes you laugh, he makes you cry, but most of all he creates a distinct character that charms the audience. He’s not afraid to be cheeky, and by that I don’t mean, ahem, cheeky in any sense but the literal. For you see, not only does he act well, he makes what may very well be Bollywood history by being the first male actor to flash his sculpted nude behind. I can almost imagine the sighs from the ladies in the audience when they see him in all his cheeky glory. Don’t worry though, it’s not a cheesecake shot, but rather filmed very artistically by the director and showcases the character’s ability to be completely free and happy in his love. (Female viewers in India may be a bit disappointed, as the scene will probably be edited by the Censor Board).

It is on Ranbir’s acting “shoulders” that this movie rests as he has more screen time than any of the others. I have to say, that for his first movie, he has displayed an unusual grace both within his acting range and dancing style. If there is one minor complaint, it’s that a few of his expressions need work, as his unconventional looks sometimes result in expressions that make him look a bit foolish. It’s quite obvious that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has worked very hard in molding this young actor to produce such a stellar performance. So far, the movie has three stars: The first star in the film is the director himself, the second are the town sets, and the third is the discovery of a new star in Ranbir Kapoor.

But, what about Sonam Kapoor, you might ask? Honestly, she almost fades into the background at times and suffers from the usual lack of strong writing for female characters. Her character never comes across as more than a pining love-sick woman. The range of her performance is limited to laughing, crying or looking coquettish towards Ranbir and Imaan. What’s lacking is a certain finesse and nuance that should have been brought to the performance. It’s not to say that she is bad, it’s just that the viewer keeps expecting more than what her performance provides. She does bring the necessary innocence and beauty to the role, and her costumes are ethnically beautiful; however, one wishes that she brought a bit more to the film. Sonam has made a commendable first effort that is a bit overshadowed by the other actors. The one thing that she shares with Ranbir, is a very good chemistry that brings out the joyfulness of youth and first loves.


Is it his best film? No, it’s not Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s best film. It is; however on par with his previous movies and will not disappoint his fans. The only thing that might go against it having mass appeal is that the movie is truly like a classical painting, in that the viewer has to open their mind and have the patience to appreciate true beauty. I highly recommend that you see the movie in a movie theater to appreciate the beautiful direction, backgrounds, and fine nuanced performances. “Saawariya” is a film that will prompt discussion, will be appreciated as a classic and will be one of those movies that will get better upon repeated viewings. It truly is like an ethereal spirit that lovingly brushes the back of your heart in the dark and leaves a haunting impression upon your soul. The film is a magical spectacle of visual and emotional delight.