Ritu's Reviews

With heavy promotions and leading names, publicists know how to hype up a film. This critic breaks it down for you. Take a look at this candid review and see if the most controversial man of the year, Guru - villager, visionary, winner, is indeed all that he claim’s to be.

Who is Guru? Viewers and reporters, hound writer/director Mani Ratnam. Is he or is he not Dhirubhai Ambani? Well by now all associated with the film have gone blue in the face stating Guru is a fictional character. Deny all they want but those who know anything of the world famous chairman know the similarities are striking. Both Mani’s character Guru and Reliance head Dhirubhai began the journey of their career working for a Shell station outside of India and came back to the country to build a massive empire. Inspired by the leading deceased industrialist or not, the story of Mani Ratnam’s GURU stands on a notable platform. The concept and content are a unique experience for Bollywood viewers. Love, action, ‘ghar-wali/bhar-wali’, and ‘saas-bhau’, predictable drama don’t plague this script. It’s clearly focused on business, finance, government, power, greed, and ultimately the dream of India becoming a great economic superpower.
It’s a film that encourages progression. But while the framework of the script is strong Mani makes a huge blunder in conveying the final message. Perhaps that’s why GURU is controversial. The character believes in progression, however it’s not clear if his means are ethical. The moral of the story leads you to wonder if defiance of corporate governance and manipulation of balance sheets is the way to succeed. The inflated rise of Shakti Trading has all the makings that resemble the Enron scandal. Exciting as it sounds, key aspects remain uncovered.
As director Mani keeps the screenplay and pace balanced, extracting remarkable performances. Editing is up to par for the most part. Cinematography is award winning, as is the set direction, perfectly in sync with the period of time shown.
Dialogues by Anurag Kashyap are noteworthy.
“THA nahin HAI, aur RAHE gaa, Gurukant Desai” – the name that will remain synonymous with Abhishek Bachchan’s most powerful performance till date. Hardwork shows and in the end pays off, as Abhishek grows from his 20’s to mid 60’s. He delivers brilliantly leaving everyone stunned. The character doesn’t make Abhishek. Abhishek makes the character. Remove Abhishek and it would be a lackluster film. Thanks to Abhi, there are no dull moments as he keeps the film lively.
His better half in the film is not better than him in her enactment, but plays her role with grace. Ashwariya gains momentum in her performance as she transitions to the pillar of strength and 50/50 partner of her tycoon hubby.
Senior actor Mithun Charkarvathy is amazing in the film. Finally, a fitting role. Madhaven too, is a treat with a small but top-notch performance. Vidhya Balan’s character appears out of place, yet she does the best she can. The supporting cast is filled with seasoned actors who contribute immensely to the realistic feel of the film, each making a mark.
The Mani Ratnam/AR Rahman combination has yet to fail. Again the renowned composer delivers a hit soundtrack. Mallika Sherawat is the glitterati in the Arabic tuned song ‘Mayya Mayya’ that makes the song a blink-free watch. Unfortunately Abhishek’s papa wanna-be song Ek Lo Ek Muft is one that the film could have done without.

Films like Guru connect audiences to current affairs and place an emphasis on the country’s present achievements and potential to succeed rather than the usual scripts that poke at the irrefutable corrupt system or lucid state of poverty. Guru is a film that will strike a chord with young and elder audiences alike. A fine film, truly owned by Abhishek, makes way on Ritu's Reviews with a respectable 3 ½ stars.