It takes a Sanjay Leela Bhansali to make even potholes and dusting carpets look so alluring, so poetic, you would hope in all sincerity that you walk on roads pockmarked with potholes and switch professions to dust Persian carpets at least part time!
‘Saawariya’ shimmers from within: gorgeous sets in turquoise and emerald seem so beautiful because they blend with a story told with heart-aching beauty. It is one of those movies that is not about the story itself; it is about the experience of characters within a given framework of time and destiny. And given this premise, Sanjay does a phenomenal job as a storyteller. Each moment in the film is like tender pollen, and watching them bunch together to create a beautiful flower is a sheer pleasure that no lover of cinema should miss.
Lights have been used well to bring alive the sets that captivate you for the genius with which different shades of blue and green have been used to create eye candy that never looks monotonous. The music is mellifluous and songs are used to deftly map the story. The dialog – by Sanjay’s favorite Prakash Kapadia – uses a nifty combination of poetry and casual to create thoughts that hit you straight in the heart.
Ranbir Kapoor is a brilliant performer with a simmering screen presence. His expressive eyes and ability to suffuse energy into the simplest of scenes are what I loved about him. In the last scene, where his tear drench his heartbreakingly sad smile, live in your heart for long after the curtains are down.
Sonam Kapoor has a limited scope when compared to Ranbir (who is there in practically every scene and is offered a variety of moments to display his acting finesse). But she does a commendable job of what is available. There is an untouched innocence to her beauty that makes her apt for this role.
Seasoned actors Zohra Sehgal and Rani Mukherjee add to the films sheen with impeccable performance that touch your heart.
But the film, from my experience as an intense cinema viewer, belongs to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I doff to you sir, for yet again having crafted poetry for the silver screen. ‘Saawariya’ melted on my skin in all the elegance of a Milton poem and tapestry of an Indian miniature, and left in my mouth the bittersweet taste of dark chocolate. Thank you sir, for yet another five-star instance of cinema.
