Introducing Saawariya:
After classics like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Black, Sanjay Leela Bhansali is back with a love story titled Saawariya, starring two star kids, Rishi Kapoor – Neetu Singh’s son Ranbir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor’s daughter Sonam Kapoor. The curiousity and hype surrounding Saawariya is high. So does it live upto the expectations?
Saawariya Story:
A prostitute Gulabji (Rani Mukherjee) introduces the story to us as some fairy tale that once occurred some where in a far away land that looks mystical. Raj (Ranbir Kapoor) is a charming young man who has noone and no place to live. He is a lead singer of RK club and by his words and songs spreads happiness anywhere and everywhere he goes. One night he comes across a young beauty Sakina (Sonam Kapoor) and falls head on heels in love with her. On the second night of their friendship he decides to let her know of his love for her but instead comes to know of her love for Imaan (Salman Khan) who has deserted her with a promise to return back in an years time exactly on the day of Id. With just two days left for Id will Raj be able to win the heart of his lady love? Will Sakina forget the love of her life and agree to Raj’s proposal? Will Imaan return or will the wait continue?
Saawariya Review:
Saawariya is a bore and fails to entertain. Having seen Bhansali’s earlier movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas and Black my expectations from the master director was high, but with Saawariya he disappoints for the first time. A wafer thin story line is dragged with too many songs. Basically the story in itself is dull and with a sluggish pace it makes it even harder to sit through. Under Bhansali’s direction Saawariya would be the first movie which leaves you puzzled. You are left with so many questions lingering in your mind, with answers to none.
- What did Sakina see in Imaan to fall in love with him? She knows nothing about him except for his name then on what basis does she wait for him? Also when did they even have the time to bond so much that she considers him the love of her life? Hardly any communication, how could it lead to romance?
- Imaan is a mystery. Why does he come and why does he leave? What is his profession? Nothing is known.
- If Gulabji loves Raj, why did she then get him thrown out of the house and get him beaten when he came to her? What was the reason for her sudden aggression?
- If Sakina thinks admitting Raj as her friend to her relative will lead to problems with her grandmom. Then how does she justify running around and playing with him on the streets and in her house on the day of id?
Its not just the story that is flawed but almost everything in the movie. The visuals get tedious to watch as it is just dark from the beginning to the end and you crave for some bright light. It’s locales are too far fetched to suit the contemporary world. The only thing that came as relief is the performance of its lead stars. The title track, Masha Allah, Yoon Shabnami are few songs that stand out.
Saawariya Performance:
Ranbir has the right look, right personality and has great talent. Coming from the legendary Kapoor clan, Ranbir Kapoor delivers a knock out performance. He is the heart and soul of the movie and one just can’t get enough of him. Call it inherited skill or a developed one, this young chap is sure to have a great future. His expressions and dialogue delivery was just first-rate and perfect. He is not just a wonderful actor but a marvelous dancer too. Even if Saawariya fails to make an impact, Ranbir is sure to make a place for himself in your hearts. You can undoubtedly see more of him in the coming years as he carries the Kapoor legacy forward.
Sonam Kapoor for a debutant has delivered a decent performance. She has a very infectious smile.
Zohra Segal is just marvelous. She is matchless and has delivered a mind blowing performance.
Rani Mukherjee just as in Laaga Chunari Mein Daag plays the role of prostitute. Unlike Laaga, she is portrayed as a prostitute who’s happy with whatever she is and does. Rani is good. Salman Khan in his very limited role is good too.
Indicine Saawariya Verdict:
To sum up, Saawariya is one of the weakest films directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Except for the performances by the lead stars and a few songs, there is nothing that the movie offers. As a movie it disappoints! But do watch it once for Ranbir Kapoor, he’s brilliant!
Rating: 
(Ranbir Kapoor Shines)