Saawariya Movie Review

Saawariya

Reviewed by Aramita

*Spoilers Ahead*

Ranbir Raj is an idealist by nature, a vagabond, who one day arrives in a surreal, almost ethereal town. He finds work in a swanky nightclub as a lead singer/musician. He meets and greets the residents while spreading his infectious charm everywhere he goes. He makes friends with a streetwalker and charms his way into an elderly lady’s home as a tenant. No bad for a days works! One night, as he notices a mysterious girl standing alone on a bridge, little did he know then, that one poignant moment would affect his life forever.

There is something special about a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film. whether it was Khamoshi, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas or Black. His movies are mostly credited for being simple tales told in a beautiful manner....On the flip side, he is often criticized for his slow, sometimes boring narratives (Black) and obsessive importance to opulence and grandeur (Devdas).

Saawariya doesn’t rank as his best work to date, it’s also not his worst - that honor goes to Devdas.

In a nut shell - the Saawariya starts off promisingly, but derails halfway into the film (Sakina’s tale), it comes back on track soon, only to get derailed again (Climax).

There isn’t a set story. Saawariya is a situational movie, detailing the invents of four nights. Hence there is no past history of characters reveled, we don’t know why they are the way they are. Sometimes the character’s actions are mysterious and downright confusing. Why did Imaan leave? Why is he coming after a year? What couldn’t he write to Sakina? Why was Gulab so angry at Raj when he wanted to spend the night with her? Why does Sakina knowingly, lead Raj on?

Due to that, we can’t connect with them and our heart doesn’t go out to any of the characters, except Raj. He is the only character we feel for throughout the movie.

Performances: Ranbir steals the show. Great debut! He looks convincing as the young, drifting, dreamer who is hopelessly in love. But he’s not perfect, his expressions in many scenes are exaggerated and at times he goes over the top, specifically in his dancing scenes and dialogue delivery.

Sonam is strictly okay, no great shakes. And one can’t really blame Sonam for it. Her subdued character doesn’t give her the scope to perform, and at most places she has only one fixed expression. Sakina isn’t at all like (Bhansali’s) usual strong female characters. An okay debut.

Rani is perfect! Playing a brash yet likable prostitute. Gulab isn’t your cliche streetwalker, she can wak engleesh, she can tak engleesh, she wears designer saris and has perfect make up. Rani delivers a laudable performance. Best part - No rona dhona for once.

Salman is just an extended guest appearance, playing the, quite mysterious character Imaan. After hearing a rumor that he has a 45 minute role and he has worked 50 days for this movie, I was surprised to see so little of him. He should have had a bigger role, it would have made the proceedings more interesting. We just had to settle for the ten minutes of screen time he has. An okay performance.

Zohra Sehgal is good as Lilian. Funny at times, has good scenes with Ranbir.

Begum Para is not important.

Reasons to watch:

1.) Ranbir Kapoor. He’s a confidant, competent, chap, who has given the best performance in the film. He needs to work on his expressions, dance, and get a haircut! Other than that, no major complains.

2.) Beautiful music, with some equally striking visuals and wonderful background score. Saawariya title, Yoon Shabnami, Chabeela stand out in terms of picturisation.

3.) Beautiful sets and art direction, effectively sets the mood of the film.

4.) The fresh look and feel of the newcomers, plus the chemistry between the lead pair.

5.) Rani’s streetwalker act. It should shut her critics who feel she can only cry convincingly.

Reasons not to watch:

1.) Complete lack of storyline. Disappointment in the writing department.

2.) Disappointing ending. Unsatisfactory.

3.) Too many songs in the narrative. They pop up like every ten minutes. Pari and Jaan -e-jaan could have been snipped.

4.) Slow paced at times. Drags towards the end, despite being only 2 hours ten minutes long.

5.) Sonam and Salman’s poorly sketched characters.

Overall, Saawariya isn’t cinema that will be lapped up by "aam janta". It caters to a niche audience, much like Black.

Like any SLB movie, its unique, beautiful, but also tests the viewers patience. Its an innovative attempt at movie making. But not without flaws. Top marks to Bhansali and the entire technical team of Saawariya for the out of fantasy, surreal world they have masterfully created. If only SLB had paid more attention to his writing, then he did for the color of the walls, we might have a brilliant movie. Alas, we’ll settle for just a good one.

In madam Gulabji’s lingo - I likes.

Rating: 3.5/5

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