November 20, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Film: Guzaarish

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Cast: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Hrithik Roshan, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Monikangana Dutta, Rajit Kapoor and Shernaz Patel

Rating: ****

Watch Guzaarish for reasons more than one. Not only does this Friday release bring back the best on screen couple of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan, it also brings back Sanjay Leela Bhansali to the forefront after a gap of three years. And with the director comes his trademark grandeur. Yes, Guzaarish will again bring back the splendidly visual sets which have been part of almost every Sanjay Leela Bhansali production.

The film centers around a couple, a quadriplegic magician, Ethan Mascarenhas (Hrithik Roshan) and his nurse Sofia D'Souza (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) and the relationship that they share. Ethan had once been the best magician of his times, but with an unfortunate accident leaving him paralyzed, Ethan has changed professions to being a radio show host, a mouthpiece through which he strives towards spreading love and hope in the lives of his listeners. Sofia, on the other hand, has been with Ethan, serving and looking after him for the last fourteen years of her life. It is when Ethan demands euthanasia (mercy killing to the uninitiated), that the story takes a different turn and introduces emotional conflicts in the lives of the characters in Guzaarish. Shernaz Patel plays Ethans lawyer and Aditya Roy Kapoor a young man who wants to learn a few tricks from Ethan.

This is undoubtedly one of the best performances that Hrithik Roshan has delivered in the recent past. The pain that Ethan experiences and the hope which keeps him alive comes alive in Hrithiks expressions. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, on the other hand, not only looks wonderful but puts up a very subtle act as Sofia, the girl who is trapped with Ethan and who is also living the life of a cripple.

Nobody was unaware of the musical genius in Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Guzaarish only proves that he is not only a good director but a lovely musician as well, with 'Udi Udi' expected to top music charts.

All encompassed, Guzaarish is a must watch. Though the second half deals with a very sensitive issue like mercy killing and may sometimes appear to drag, it is also quick to grip the audiences attention with superb performances and a grand visual treat.

--Sampurn Wire