Guzaarish is getting rave reviews from all corners.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Hrithik Roshan has stollen the show. Some Great Performance from Hrithik Roshan for Guzaarish.
Must Watch Movie.
Watchmoviechannel.com Rating - 4/5
The ApunKaChoice movie review of Guzaarish.
Savagely aesthetic, at times magical, at times pretentiously arty, and generously littered with melodrama that tugs at your heart one moment and cloys your senses the next, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest creation Guzaarish is a movie not to be missed for its visual splendour and a jaw dropping performance by Hrithik Roshan.
The aesthete and auteur in Bhansali levitates to a new high in this genre-defying piece of cinema that is clearly inspired by more than one foreign film, not excluding the Oscar-winning Spanish film The Sea Inside and Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. But credit to Bhansali, who, for all the inspiration, still makes Guzaarish his own with his peculiar brand of theatricality (for which he’s often bum-rapped), uncompromising approach and a lot of heart and soul, not to forget the poignant tunes which he himself has composed.
The film tells the story of Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik), a bed-ridden, wheelchair-bound quadriplegic who used to be a magician once but has spent the last 14 years of his life as a breathing vegetable confined within the musty walls of a run-down villa somewhere in the rain-soaked Goa. Sophia, (Aishwarya Rai) his nurse for 12 years, bathes him, feeds him, brushes his teeth, scratches his nose when he’s itchy, and also bears his tantrums. Ethan’s only connect with the outside world is his radio show ‘Hello Zindagi’ which he jockeys.
Ironically, the man who tells others to embrace life seeks to end his own. He fights a legal case to be allowed euthanasia, or mercy killing, to end his long suffering. Ironically again, the people who stand beside him willy-nilly in this struggle are the ones who love him the most - his lawyer friend Devyani (Shernaz Patel), his doctor (Suhel Seth), his apprentice (Aditya Roy Kapoor), his mother (Nafisa Ali), his former lover and assistant (Monikangana Dutta) and, last but not the least, Sophia, whom Ethan regards as “more than a friend, lover and even wife”.
But the question is - will the court go against the constitution and grant Ethan his wish, his guzaarish?
Savagely aesthetic, at times magical, at times pretentiously arty, and generously littered with melodrama that tugs at your heart one moment and cloys your senses the next, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest creation Guzaarish is a movie not to be missed for its visual splendour and a jaw dropping performance by Hrithik Roshan.
The aesthete and auteur in Bhansali levitates to a new high in this genre-defying piece of cinema that is clearly inspired by more than one foreign film, not excluding the Oscar-winning Spanish film The Sea Inside and Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige. But credit to Bhansali, who, for all the inspiration, still makes Guzaarish his own with his peculiar brand of theatricality (for which he’s often bum-rapped), uncompromising approach and a lot of heart and soul, not to forget the poignant tunes which he himself has composed.
The film tells the story of Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik), a bed-ridden, wheelchair-bound quadriplegic who used to be a magician once but has spent the last 14 years of his life as a breathing vegetable confined within the musty walls of a run-down villa somewhere in the rain-soaked Goa. Sophia, (Aishwarya Rai) his nurse for 12 years, bathes him, feeds him, brushes his teeth, scratches his nose when he’s itchy, and also bears his tantrums. Ethan’s only connect with the outside world is his radio show ‘Hello Zindagi’ which he jockeys.
Ironically, the man who tells others to embrace life seeks to end his own. He fights a legal case to be allowed euthanasia, or mercy killing, to end his long suffering. Ironically again, the people who stand beside him willy-nilly in this struggle are the ones who love him the most - his lawyer friend Devyani (Shernaz Patel), his doctor (Suhel Seth), his apprentice (Aditya Roy Kapoor), his mother (Nafisa Ali), his former lover and assistant (Monikangana Dutta) and, last but not the least, Sophia, whom Ethan regards as “more than a friend, lover and even wife”.
But the question is - will the court go against the constitution and grant Ethan his wish, his guzaarish?
Viewers may use a little psyching up before sauntering into a screening of Guzaarish. Bhansali’s fascination for dark colour tones isn’t unknown since his award-sweeping Black and the blue-shaded Saawariya which was an absolute clunker. Guzaarish, with excellent cinematography by Sudeep Chatterjee, carries forward Bhansali’s penchant with the nocturnal hues. The story unspools at a sluggish pace and often streams into tear-jerking episodes and flashbacks as the protagonist’s life as a magician extraordinaire is etched out.
For the most part, Bhansali retains a firm control over the narrative, but seems to go overboard in a few sequences, like the courtroom arguments and the group hug in the climax which turns out to be unintentionally comic. These warts are all but compensated for by the awesomely shot magic sequences.
More than the director, it’s Hrithik Roshan who steals the show with his humdinger of a performance. Solely through his facial expressions, eyes, and voice modulations, Hrithik brings to life the character of a self-mocking, life-embracing, death-seeking quadriplegic who’s exuberant one moment and depressed the next. It would be pity if Hrithik doesn’t sweep the best actor trophies in the award season early next year. Aishwarya Rai, looking stunning in low-neck costumes that are no doubt incongruous with her character of a nurse, is in form once again. Shernaz Patel goes overboard in a few scenes and so does Suhel Seth. Aditya Roy Kapoor, the guy with a frizzy mop on his head, performs well. Monikangana is there for only two scenes.
Summing it up, Guzaarish, despite its warts, could be the best film of 2010. More than its awesome visuals, it’s the message of the film that wins you over. In pursuing his own death, the film’s hero teaches us a few things about life itself: “live fully, forgive quickly and kiss slowly”. It is Bhansali’s toast to life. Grab it. Lip it. Neck it. Be drunk with it.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
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Glamsham Guzaarish Hindi Movie Review
GUZAARISH took me back to a certain period of my life. I was grumpy and constantly fretting over miniscule things. I used to lose my patience at the drop of a hat. Then an incident changed my outlook towards life. GUZAARISH has the same potential.
This film is special for more reasons than one. After DHOOM 2 and JODHAA AKBAR, it sees the re-union of two of the finest actors in the film industry- Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Director Sanjay Leela Bansali is donning the director's hat after almost three years. It also deals with a very sensitive issue of Euthanasia (mercy killing).
He was the best magician in town. But a fatal accident left Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan) paralysed and bedridden for life. Presently hosting a Radio show 'Hello Zindagi' Ethan spreads hope to listeners through his inimitable wit and humour. For twelve years, he's being aided by nurse Sofia D'Souza (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), who's much more than a nurse.
On the fourteenth anniversary of his accident, Ethan decides to make a petition to the court for Euthanasia (He prefers calling it Ethanasia). This leaves his best friend and lawyer Devyani (Shernaz Patel) and Sofia in complete disarray. Meanwhile, a young man named Omar Siddiqui (Aditya Roy Kapoor) enters Ethan's world with a steadfast desire to learn magic from him.
First things first. GUZAARISH is not an abstract and ambiguous film. It's a simply narrated film made with a lot of heart. Although it's sensitive, it never gets dukhi. Sanjay Leela Bhansali has treated the grave issue of mercy killing with maturity. Although it's about a suffering person who wants to end his life, its message is about celebrating life. The best part about the film is that it involves you as a viewer. You surely feel for Ethan's plight. He leaves you smiling in many scenes and moist-eyed in some.
The first half is so breezy that you don't realise when it gets over. The second half is a bit of a drag. Like KAL HO NAA HO and the more recent PAA, GUZAARISH's narrative is very light-hearted laden with humorous moments. Ethan says, 'God pe bharosa hai, isiliye I am dying to meet him.' Also, the scene in which Sofia gives Ethan a leg massage is uproarious.
There are some really poignant moments that leave a lasting impression. Ethan watches a scarecrow on a field, which is symbolic to his own condition. The court-room scenes are just too good. While you expect Ethan to give a long monologue, he conveys everything through his 60-seconds magic trick.
GUZAARISH also has a unique love story between Ethan and Sofia to boast off. It's refreshing and endearing at the same time. The way in which Sofia takes care of Ethan is heartening.
Like most Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films (HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM DEVDAS, BLACK, SAAWARIYA), GUZAARISH is visually stunning. Each and every frame is meticulously shot. Cinematographer Sudeep K. Chatterjee captures some awe-inspiring magic scenes through his lens. Bhavani Iyer and Vibhu Puri's dialogues are excellent. Sanjay's music goes very well with the film.
Hrithik Roshan is outstanding. He spreads his magic and how! This can easily be termed as one of the finest performances of his career. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan delivers a good performance. She's completely dazzling in the Udi song. Shernaz Patel performs her role brilliantly. Watch out for the argument scene between Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Shernaz Patel. Aditya Roy Kapoor plays his part well. Monikangana Dutta doesn't have any scope. Makrand Deshpande was not required. Suhel Seth is very good and so is Rajit Kapoor.
GUZAARISH is poignant, amazing and simply 'magical'. A sincere 'guzaarish', please go watch it.
Rating: 3.5/5
NDTV Guzaarish Hindi Movie Online Review
Guzaarish is the kind of film that demands that we create a separate category for it—a two and three-quarter rating perhaps. Because there is much to admire here: the film is beautifully shot by Sudeep Chatterjee. It has strong performances and there are several scenes, which genuinely move you. But there is just as much that is clumsy, including an unintentionally comical group-hug in the climax. Despite the many admirable elements, Guzaarish never becomes more than the sum of its parts.
Co-written and directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Guzaarish is cobbled together from many well-known movies. From Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige, Bhansali sources a world of magic and illusion in which rival magicians sabotage each other.
So the protagonist, Ethan Mascarenhas played by Hrithik Roshan, is great magician who becomes a quadraplegic when a trick goes wrong. There are shades of Julian Schnabel’s The Diving Bell and the Butterfly and several scenes and characters lifted from the 2005 foreign-language Oscar winner The Sea Inside, in which Javier Bardem gives an astounding performance as a bed-ridden man who fights to die. Ethan makes a similar plea for euthanasia or as he calls it: ‘ethanasia’.
To this busy canvas, Bhansali adds a beautiful nurse Sophia, played by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan; an apprentice Omar, played by Aditya Roy Kapur and a devoted lawyer, played by Shernaz Patel.
The best part of the film is the beautifully etched relationship between Ethan and Sophia, who wearing floor-length Sabyasachi skirts and gorgeous earrings, seems to be channeling Frida Kahlo.
She calls him Mr Mascarenhas and handles him with a tough love devoid of pity. So, when he pretends to be aroused, she tops it with some world-class moans of her own.
Bhansali is among the few directors who enable Aishwarya to shed her trademark artificiality.
Looking stunning, she delivers her most heart-felt performance in years.
Hrithik struggles and sweats with a difficult role. Ethan must be gloriously life-affirming even as he begs for death. But his character, like the film, is too over-wrought and obviously manipulative.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali has positioned himself as Hindi cinema’s poet of pain. His movies are operatic and highly melodramatic. But over the course of six films, the worlds Bhansali creates have become increasingly sealed off and removed from any known reality. So even though the characters in Guzaarish ostensibly live in Goa, the milieu isn’t one that you would recognise.
This fantasy would be effective if the writing was more organic and the emotions felt more authentic but Bhansali never gives us a chance to invest in these people.
Characters just randomly appear and disappear. So Sophia’s abusive husband drops in for one scene as does Ethan’s rival who scars him for life. It’s clunky and strangely disjointed.
Combining euthanasia with song-and-dance is a tough, tough feat and despite his prodigious talent, Bhansali can’t pull it off. Since we don’t have a two and three-quarter rating, I’m going with three stars.
ChakPak Guzaarish Watch Hindi Movie Online Review
Film: Guzaarish
Cast: Hirithik Roshan, Aishwarya Bachchan, Shehnaz Patel, Aditya Roy Kapoor
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Rating: **1/2
Within a Victorian structure, inside an artistically designed home, behind billowing curtains and surreal lighting schemes sits quadriplegic Ethan (Hirithik Roshan), trying desperately to shoo a fly off his nose. Unable to use his limbs and accepting his fate, he lets the fly sit-- a passing visitor in Ethan’s handicapped life.
Sanjay Bhansali returns to form with the creation of a fascinating world where fact meets fiction. While the dreamlike production design and costumes inspired from modern art are awe inspiring fiction, Bhansali’s research on euthanasia (or mercy killing) seems to be based on fact. Does fact blend seamlessly with fiction? Unfortunately not.
Right from the start Ethan seems to embrace the brighter side of life. He laughs in the face of adversity, always has a mischievous one-liner on his lips, and even hosts a radio show to counsel depressed listeners and share the joys of being alive. If the point of a fulfilled life wasn’t made clearly enough, the background songs remind us literally, that ‘life’s good!’
Yet, in the very next scene, Ethan calls his lawyer to tell her he’s had enough and wants to die. She must fight the legal system and their stand against mercy killing. Just when and why did the man who fought death and went on to write a book about living successfully as a quadriplegic decide to end his life, is never clearly explained. From this point on, no matter how hard the director and his actors try to elicit sympathy for Ethan, it is hard for one to connect with him.
The flashback scenes showing Ethan in his full glory are beautifully treated and Roshan is gracefully choreographed in stunning settings. His magic tricks are initially exciting to watch, but you soon realize that the gravity-defying stunts that he performs are beautiful but unrealistic, never attempted by the likes of the great Harry Houdini even. The stunts seem to owe more to the wire-work and CG departments of the film, than any authentic magic research.
But there are some heartening moments in an otherwise style dominated film; like the scene where Ethan reminisces about his mother and says that the biggest magic trick he performed was to put a smile on her face; the scene where Ethan’s former lover (Moni Kangana Dutta) calls him on his radio phone line understanding his need for euthanasia is nicely done. Dutta has this one scene to prove herself as an actress and she does so with all heart.
Another well executed scene is the penultimate courtroom sequence where Ethan locks the unsympathetic government lawyer in a small a box for sixty seconds. As Ethan describes the free environment in the outside world, the lawyer begins to suffocate and pleads to be let out. Ethan releases him and makes his point. ‘Imagine living in a box your entire life, if you could not stay inside for 60 seconds’.
While Hirithik Roshan does well for the most part, he is challenged by an ill-defined character. It is Aishwarya Bachchan as Sophie, Ethans loyal nurse for 14 years, who brings some heart to the slickly made Guzaarish. Aishwarya chips in a restrained performance as the stern nurse whose only purpose in life is to care for Ethan. The actress seems to have matured enough to give this otherwise airy film some solid grounding.
Guzaarish is based upon a great idea (as were the English films ‘The Sea Inside’ & ‘Whose Life is it Anyway’) and has some terrific moments. But sadly for the cast & crew who seemed to have worked hard to make this film, it is also over-the-top, has forgettable music and a weak climax. Watch it for a peak into Sanjay Bhansali’s wonderfully imaginative mind but be prepared not to feel his heart.
India Express Guzaarish movie review
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shernaz Patel, Nafisa Ali, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Monikangana Dutta, Suhel Seth, Rajit Kapoor
Guzaarish movie rating: ****
Bollywood appears to be inclined towards exploring rare illnesses/disorders/disabilities, with directors casting megastars in characters to raise awareness about the lesser-known ailments.
In Ghajini, Aamir Khan had short-term memory loss [Anterograde Amnesia]. In PAA, Amitabh Bachchan played a child afflicted with Progeria. In My Name Is Khan, SRK was shown suffering from Asperger Syndrome. In Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan portrayed problems of Dyslexic children. In Black, Amitabh Bachchan was shown succumbing to Alzheimer's. In Karthik Calling Karthik, Farhan Akhtar portrayed a Schizophrenic.
This is not the first time that master film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has attempted a movie that has the protagonist suffering from a serious disability. In Guzaarish, Hrithik Roshan suffers from Paraplegia, a complete paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs, usually caused by damage/injury to the spinal cord.
Bhansali has always been known for two things. The first thing is, of course, the visual splendour in his films [which was quite evident in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Saawariya] and the second thing that he takes inspiration from various stories. The critically acclaimed Black was inspired from The Miracle Worker [a 1962 film] and Saawariya from 'White Nights', a Russian short story.
There's talk that Guzaarish is a remake of Christopher Nolan's Hollywood movie The Prestige, which, let me clarify, it is not. Guzaarish brings back memories of two films, which may be coincidental: The Spanish Oscar and Golden Globe winning film Mar Adentro aka The Sea Inside [2004], which, in turn, was based on a real-life story of Ramon Sampedro and Whose Life Is It Anyway?, a television play which was later adapted into a play [theatre] and much later into a film [1981].
Bhansali has worked himself to the grind and his presence is felt in every frame of Guzaarish. There is an inimitable intellect that Bhansali brings to his movies. Bhansali is also known to extract the best performances from his actors. In a light-hearted vein, I would go to the extent of saying that Bhansali has the ability to make a dumb man speak and a sightless man see. His devotion and dedication towards his craft is truly inspirational and motivating. In Guzaarish, Bhansali puts behind all the glitter and glamour and comes up with yet another unique and sensitive story told through a series of flashbacks.
Final word? Guzaarish is special in more ways than one. In my individualistic opinion, it easily ranks amongst Bhansali's best works so far. Just don't miss this one!
Set in Goa, it tells the story of an accomplished magician Ethan Mascarenhas [Hrithik Roshan]. Ethan suffers serious injuries when one of his magical trick goes horribly wrong, turning him to a Paraplegic. Confined to a wheel chair, Ethan becomes a Radio Jockey at an FM Station called Radio Zindagi. His show talks of hope, laughter and sunshine and it's difficult to imagine that the man behind it has been immobilized with a spinal injury for the last fourteen years of his life. Sofia [Aishwarya Rai Bachchan], a nurse, takes good care of him; they share a silent love.
Ethan files a petition in court for mercy killing. This decision of Ethan leaves Sofia stunned. Ethan takes the help of friend-lawyer Devyani [Shernaz Patel] to support his appeal. Even Ethan's mother Isabel [Nafisa Ali] supports him in his petition, although Ethan is persuaded by his physician Dr. Nayak [Suhel Seth] to retract his case. Alongside all this, Omar [Aditya Roy Kapur] enters Ethan's life with the aim of learning magic from him. Impressed by Omar's love for magic, Ethan agrees to pass on his legacy to him.
Only a sensitive raconteur can do absolute justice to a challenging subject like the one in Guzaarish and Bhansali seems the right candidate for an extremely tricky theme like mercy killing/Euthanasia. The story is complex and can only be narrated by a storyteller who has the art of telling stories most convincingly. Sure, the protagonist in Guzaarish wants to end his existence, but that doesn't mean the film is disheartening or unsettling. Clearly, the writing [screenplay: Bhavani Iyer and Bhansali] is smart, taut and absorbing.
Guzaarish has a number of sequences that bear the unmistakable stamp of a genius. Sample these…
The courtroom sequence and Aishwarya's outburst towards the end of it.
The hearing of the petition at Hrithik's house.
Hrithik's act going wrong and the near-fatal accident.
The finale.
Any negatives? The generous usage of English in the narrative. The language is sure to act as a barrier in the hinterland specially. Agreed, the film is set in Goa, they are bound to speak that language, but despite everything, Hindi is a must for a pan-India appeal.
Irrespective of how his films fare at the box-office, Bhansali's films have always been embellished with rich and cherished music. The songs continue to linger in the hearts of the listeners with their dulcet and soothing tunes. After legendary Satyajit Ray and Vishal Bhardwaj, Bhansali is the next accomplished film-maker who has himself created the music of his film.
The songs in Guzaarish are more inclined towards poetry that's earthy and contemporary. However, it does take some time for the listeners to sense the pulse of the music. 'Tera Zikr Hai Ya Itra Hai' is a limerick to exquisiteness, 'Sau Gram Zindagi', with its philosophical tone, leaves a lasting impression, the title track 'Guzaarish' casts a spell on you and 'Udi' is, of course, memorable.
Guzaarish has been magnificently shot. The indoors as well as outdoors [the gorgeous panorama] add so much to the film. There's no refuting that cinematographer Sudeep K. Chatterjee has created some really alluring and enthralling visuals.
The very effective and subtle background score [Tubby and Parik] of Guzaarish is its very backbone. The feelings of intrigue, anxiety, anguish and romance come across so well. In fact, for the very first time, I felt that I was not hearing the background score, I was feeling it.
Dialogue [Bhavani Iyer and Vibhu Puri] belong to high standards that touch your soul. Costumes [Sabyasachi] are absolutely wonderful; they gel well with the setting and mood of the film.
Hrithik and Aishwarya are seen in a lackluster facade and that's what makes the characters so plausible. While Hrithik is seen sporting a beard and has even put on weight, Aishwarya is seen in sober outfits. In fact, the two actors have gone through a drastic appearance change and both pressurize you to believe that they are indeed Ethan and Sofia. It must be said that Hrithik and Aishwarya exude a certain dignity and elegance, much needed for a sensitive film of this magnitude and caliber.
It must have been an arduous task for Hrithik to carry off the paraplegic character of Ethan Mascarenhas, but he depicts the part with flourish. It's a great risk in filmy norms to have the hero of the film almost entirely on a wheel chair, but Hrithik has never hesitated or been irresolute in putting himself to adverse conditions, in order to achieve excellence, in whatever character he chooses to depict. Kudos to Hrithik for accepting a role that's truly opposite to his larger-than-life image and portraying it with elan.
Aishwarya, as Ethan's nurse who is the epicenter of his world, has approached this role with rare understanding, not going overboard even once. So effective is she that she not only influences you but also compels you to believe that their love is solid in its quiet strength and also spirited in their verbal sparring. The sensational chemistry, which sizzled the silver screen in Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar and won hearts all over, sizzles yet again, but this time in a distinctive aspect.
Aditya Roy Kapur is truly outstanding in a pivotal character. Shernaz Patel is exceptional. Nafisa Ali makes her presence felt in a small but significant role. Suhel Seth is in terrific form. Moni Kangana Dutta is okay. Vijay Crishna [judge] is effective. Rajit Kapoor does complete justice to his role. Makarand Deshpande leaves an impression. Ash Chandler and Achint Kaur lend good support.
On the whole, Guzaarish is an invigorating tale. Bhansali, as a film-maker, has scaled several notches above his past accomplishments to create a near-perfect cinematic experience. The highpoint of the motion picture is the magnificently penned story of an incapacitated and debilitated man who desires to end his being with dignity. The film seduces the viewer with a strong emotional quotient, soulful music and of course, the crackling and wonderful onscreen chemistry between Hrithik and Aishwarya.
Without doubt, Guzaarish is one of the most profound, insightful and enriching dramas of the year.
Bollywood Hundama Guzaarish Hindi movie Review
Bollywood appears to be inclined towards exploring rare illnesses/disorders/disabilities, with directors casting megastars in characters to raise awareness about the lesser-known ailments. In GHAJINI, Aamir Khan had short-term memory loss [Anterograde Amnesia]. In PAA, Amitabh Bachchan played a child afflicted with Progeria. In MY NAME IS KHAN, SRK was shown suffering from Asperger Syndrome. In TAARE ZAMEEN PAR, Aamir Khan portrayed problems of Dyslexic children. In BLACK, Amitabh Bachchan was shown succumbing to Alzheimer's. In KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK, Farhan Akhtar portrayed a Schizophrenic.
This is not the first time that master film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has attempted a movie that has the protagonist suffering from a serious disability. In GUZAARISH, Hrithik Roshan suffers from Paraplegia, a complete paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs, usually caused by damage/injury to the spinal cord.
Bhansali has always been known for two things. The first thing is, of course, the visual splendour in his films [which was quite evident in HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM, DEVDAS and SAAWARIYA] and the second thing that he takes inspiration from various stories. The critically acclaimed BLACK was inspired from THE MIRACLE WORKER [a 1962 film] and SAAWARIYA from 'White Nights', a Russian short story.
There's talk that GUZAARISH is a remake of Christopher Nolan's Hollywood movie THE PRESTIGE, which, let me clarify, it is not. GUZAARISH brings back memories of two films, which may be coincidental: The Spanish Oscar and Golden Globe winning film MAR ADENTRO aka THE SEA INSIDE [2004], which, in turn, was based on a real-life story of Ramon Sampedro and WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?, a television play which was later adapted into a play [theatre] and much later into a film [1981].
Cast: Hirithik Roshan, Aishwarya Bachchan, Shehnaz Patel, Aditya Roy Kapoor
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Rating: **1/2
Within a Victorian structure, inside an artistically designed home, behind billowing curtains and surreal lighting schemes sits quadriplegic Ethan (Hirithik Roshan), trying desperately to shoo a fly off his nose. Unable to use his limbs and accepting his fate, he lets the fly sit-- a passing visitor in Ethan’s handicapped life.
Sanjay Bhansali returns to form with the creation of a fascinating world where fact meets fiction. While the dreamlike production design and costumes inspired from modern art are awe inspiring fiction, Bhansali’s research on euthanasia (or mercy killing) seems to be based on fact. Does fact blend seamlessly with fiction? Unfortunately not.
Right from the start Ethan seems to embrace the brighter side of life. He laughs in the face of adversity, always has a mischievous one-liner on his lips, and even hosts a radio show to counsel depressed listeners and share the joys of being alive. If the point of a fulfilled life wasn’t made clearly enough, the background songs remind us literally, that ‘life’s good!’
Yet, in the very next scene, Ethan calls his lawyer to tell her he’s had enough and wants to die. She must fight the legal system and their stand against mercy killing. Just when and why did the man who fought death and went on to write a book about living successfully as a quadriplegic decide to end his life, is never clearly explained. From this point on, no matter how hard the director and his actors try to elicit sympathy for Ethan, it is hard for one to connect with him.
The flashback scenes showing Ethan in his full glory are beautifully treated and Roshan is gracefully choreographed in stunning settings. His magic tricks are initially exciting to watch, but you soon realize that the gravity-defying stunts that he performs are beautiful but unrealistic, never attempted by the likes of the great Harry Houdini even. The stunts seem to owe more to the wire-work and CG departments of the film, than any authentic magic research.
But there are some heartening moments in an otherwise style dominated film; like the scene where Ethan reminisces about his mother and says that the biggest magic trick he performed was to put a smile on her face; the scene where Ethan’s former lover (Moni Kangana Dutta) calls him on his radio phone line understanding his need for euthanasia is nicely done. Dutta has this one scene to prove herself as an actress and she does so with all heart.
Another well executed scene is the penultimate courtroom sequence where Ethan locks the unsympathetic government lawyer in a small a box for sixty seconds. As Ethan describes the free environment in the outside world, the lawyer begins to suffocate and pleads to be let out. Ethan releases him and makes his point. ‘Imagine living in a box your entire life, if you could not stay inside for 60 seconds’.
While Hirithik Roshan does well for the most part, he is challenged by an ill-defined character. It is Aishwarya Bachchan as Sophie, Ethans loyal nurse for 14 years, who brings some heart to the slickly made Guzaarish. Aishwarya chips in a restrained performance as the stern nurse whose only purpose in life is to care for Ethan. The actress seems to have matured enough to give this otherwise airy film some solid grounding.
Guzaarish is based upon a great idea (as were the English films ‘The Sea Inside’ & ‘Whose Life is it Anyway’) and has some terrific moments. But sadly for the cast & crew who seemed to have worked hard to make this film, it is also over-the-top, has forgettable music and a weak climax. Watch it for a peak into Sanjay Bhansali’s wonderfully imaginative mind but be prepared not to feel his heart.
India Express Guzaarish movie review
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shernaz Patel, Nafisa Ali, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Monikangana Dutta, Suhel Seth, Rajit Kapoor
Guzaarish movie rating: ****
Bollywood appears to be inclined towards exploring rare illnesses/disorders/disabilities, with directors casting megastars in characters to raise awareness about the lesser-known ailments.
In Ghajini, Aamir Khan had short-term memory loss [Anterograde Amnesia]. In PAA, Amitabh Bachchan played a child afflicted with Progeria. In My Name Is Khan, SRK was shown suffering from Asperger Syndrome. In Taare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan portrayed problems of Dyslexic children. In Black, Amitabh Bachchan was shown succumbing to Alzheimer's. In Karthik Calling Karthik, Farhan Akhtar portrayed a Schizophrenic.
This is not the first time that master film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has attempted a movie that has the protagonist suffering from a serious disability. In Guzaarish, Hrithik Roshan suffers from Paraplegia, a complete paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs, usually caused by damage/injury to the spinal cord.
Bhansali has always been known for two things. The first thing is, of course, the visual splendour in his films [which was quite evident in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Saawariya] and the second thing that he takes inspiration from various stories. The critically acclaimed Black was inspired from The Miracle Worker [a 1962 film] and Saawariya from 'White Nights', a Russian short story.
There's talk that Guzaarish is a remake of Christopher Nolan's Hollywood movie The Prestige, which, let me clarify, it is not. Guzaarish brings back memories of two films, which may be coincidental: The Spanish Oscar and Golden Globe winning film Mar Adentro aka The Sea Inside [2004], which, in turn, was based on a real-life story of Ramon Sampedro and Whose Life Is It Anyway?, a television play which was later adapted into a play [theatre] and much later into a film [1981].
Bhansali has worked himself to the grind and his presence is felt in every frame of Guzaarish. There is an inimitable intellect that Bhansali brings to his movies. Bhansali is also known to extract the best performances from his actors. In a light-hearted vein, I would go to the extent of saying that Bhansali has the ability to make a dumb man speak and a sightless man see. His devotion and dedication towards his craft is truly inspirational and motivating. In Guzaarish, Bhansali puts behind all the glitter and glamour and comes up with yet another unique and sensitive story told through a series of flashbacks.
Final word? Guzaarish is special in more ways than one. In my individualistic opinion, it easily ranks amongst Bhansali's best works so far. Just don't miss this one!
Set in Goa, it tells the story of an accomplished magician Ethan Mascarenhas [Hrithik Roshan]. Ethan suffers serious injuries when one of his magical trick goes horribly wrong, turning him to a Paraplegic. Confined to a wheel chair, Ethan becomes a Radio Jockey at an FM Station called Radio Zindagi. His show talks of hope, laughter and sunshine and it's difficult to imagine that the man behind it has been immobilized with a spinal injury for the last fourteen years of his life. Sofia [Aishwarya Rai Bachchan], a nurse, takes good care of him; they share a silent love.
Ethan files a petition in court for mercy killing. This decision of Ethan leaves Sofia stunned. Ethan takes the help of friend-lawyer Devyani [Shernaz Patel] to support his appeal. Even Ethan's mother Isabel [Nafisa Ali] supports him in his petition, although Ethan is persuaded by his physician Dr. Nayak [Suhel Seth] to retract his case. Alongside all this, Omar [Aditya Roy Kapur] enters Ethan's life with the aim of learning magic from him. Impressed by Omar's love for magic, Ethan agrees to pass on his legacy to him.
Only a sensitive raconteur can do absolute justice to a challenging subject like the one in Guzaarish and Bhansali seems the right candidate for an extremely tricky theme like mercy killing/Euthanasia. The story is complex and can only be narrated by a storyteller who has the art of telling stories most convincingly. Sure, the protagonist in Guzaarish wants to end his existence, but that doesn't mean the film is disheartening or unsettling. Clearly, the writing [screenplay: Bhavani Iyer and Bhansali] is smart, taut and absorbing.
Guzaarish has a number of sequences that bear the unmistakable stamp of a genius. Sample these…
The courtroom sequence and Aishwarya's outburst towards the end of it.
The hearing of the petition at Hrithik's house.
Hrithik's act going wrong and the near-fatal accident.
The finale.
Any negatives? The generous usage of English in the narrative. The language is sure to act as a barrier in the hinterland specially. Agreed, the film is set in Goa, they are bound to speak that language, but despite everything, Hindi is a must for a pan-India appeal.
Irrespective of how his films fare at the box-office, Bhansali's films have always been embellished with rich and cherished music. The songs continue to linger in the hearts of the listeners with their dulcet and soothing tunes. After legendary Satyajit Ray and Vishal Bhardwaj, Bhansali is the next accomplished film-maker who has himself created the music of his film.
The songs in Guzaarish are more inclined towards poetry that's earthy and contemporary. However, it does take some time for the listeners to sense the pulse of the music. 'Tera Zikr Hai Ya Itra Hai' is a limerick to exquisiteness, 'Sau Gram Zindagi', with its philosophical tone, leaves a lasting impression, the title track 'Guzaarish' casts a spell on you and 'Udi' is, of course, memorable.
Guzaarish has been magnificently shot. The indoors as well as outdoors [the gorgeous panorama] add so much to the film. There's no refuting that cinematographer Sudeep K. Chatterjee has created some really alluring and enthralling visuals.
The very effective and subtle background score [Tubby and Parik] of Guzaarish is its very backbone. The feelings of intrigue, anxiety, anguish and romance come across so well. In fact, for the very first time, I felt that I was not hearing the background score, I was feeling it.
Dialogue [Bhavani Iyer and Vibhu Puri] belong to high standards that touch your soul. Costumes [Sabyasachi] are absolutely wonderful; they gel well with the setting and mood of the film.
Hrithik and Aishwarya are seen in a lackluster facade and that's what makes the characters so plausible. While Hrithik is seen sporting a beard and has even put on weight, Aishwarya is seen in sober outfits. In fact, the two actors have gone through a drastic appearance change and both pressurize you to believe that they are indeed Ethan and Sofia. It must be said that Hrithik and Aishwarya exude a certain dignity and elegance, much needed for a sensitive film of this magnitude and caliber.
It must have been an arduous task for Hrithik to carry off the paraplegic character of Ethan Mascarenhas, but he depicts the part with flourish. It's a great risk in filmy norms to have the hero of the film almost entirely on a wheel chair, but Hrithik has never hesitated or been irresolute in putting himself to adverse conditions, in order to achieve excellence, in whatever character he chooses to depict. Kudos to Hrithik for accepting a role that's truly opposite to his larger-than-life image and portraying it with elan.
Aishwarya, as Ethan's nurse who is the epicenter of his world, has approached this role with rare understanding, not going overboard even once. So effective is she that she not only influences you but also compels you to believe that their love is solid in its quiet strength and also spirited in their verbal sparring. The sensational chemistry, which sizzled the silver screen in Dhoom 2 and Jodhaa Akbar and won hearts all over, sizzles yet again, but this time in a distinctive aspect.
Aditya Roy Kapur is truly outstanding in a pivotal character. Shernaz Patel is exceptional. Nafisa Ali makes her presence felt in a small but significant role. Suhel Seth is in terrific form. Moni Kangana Dutta is okay. Vijay Crishna [judge] is effective. Rajit Kapoor does complete justice to his role. Makarand Deshpande leaves an impression. Ash Chandler and Achint Kaur lend good support.
On the whole, Guzaarish is an invigorating tale. Bhansali, as a film-maker, has scaled several notches above his past accomplishments to create a near-perfect cinematic experience. The highpoint of the motion picture is the magnificently penned story of an incapacitated and debilitated man who desires to end his being with dignity. The film seduces the viewer with a strong emotional quotient, soulful music and of course, the crackling and wonderful onscreen chemistry between Hrithik and Aishwarya.
Without doubt, Guzaarish is one of the most profound, insightful and enriching dramas of the year.
Bollywood Hundama Guzaarish Hindi movie Review
Bollywood appears to be inclined towards exploring rare illnesses/disorders/disabilities, with directors casting megastars in characters to raise awareness about the lesser-known ailments. In GHAJINI, Aamir Khan had short-term memory loss [Anterograde Amnesia]. In PAA, Amitabh Bachchan played a child afflicted with Progeria. In MY NAME IS KHAN, SRK was shown suffering from Asperger Syndrome. In TAARE ZAMEEN PAR, Aamir Khan portrayed problems of Dyslexic children. In BLACK, Amitabh Bachchan was shown succumbing to Alzheimer's. In KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK, Farhan Akhtar portrayed a Schizophrenic.
This is not the first time that master film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has attempted a movie that has the protagonist suffering from a serious disability. In GUZAARISH, Hrithik Roshan suffers from Paraplegia, a complete paralysis of the lower half of the body, including both legs, usually caused by damage/injury to the spinal cord.
Bhansali has always been known for two things. The first thing is, of course, the visual splendour in his films [which was quite evident in HUM DIL DE CHUKE SANAM, DEVDAS and SAAWARIYA] and the second thing that he takes inspiration from various stories. The critically acclaimed BLACK was inspired from THE MIRACLE WORKER [a 1962 film] and SAAWARIYA from 'White Nights', a Russian short story.
There's talk that GUZAARISH is a remake of Christopher Nolan's Hollywood movie THE PRESTIGE, which, let me clarify, it is not. GUZAARISH brings back memories of two films, which may be coincidental: The Spanish Oscar and Golden Globe winning film MAR ADENTRO aka THE SEA INSIDE [2004], which, in turn, was based on a real-life story of Ramon Sampedro and WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY?, a television play which was later adapted into a play [theatre] and much later into a film [1981].
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