‘Work of art’

During a year when cacophonic crassness masquerading as comic entertainment has been sanctioned by critics and the masses, Guzaarish comes along to remind us that excellence is alive in Indian cinema.

Ironically this wonderful work of art, nuanced and magical in its portrayal, is about dying. But Ethan, as played by Hrithik Roshan in Guzaarish, is so bemused by adversity that he can actually look at his own suffering with dispassionate humour.

Sophie, his care giver, is played by Aishwarya Rai and she goes a long way in giving Guzaarish its flavour of exceptional elegance.

The scenes between Ethan and Sophie, the backbone of Ethan’s spine-challenged life, radiate an inner beauty and wisdom and underline the director’s enormous understanding of the self-negation that a love relationship requires.

Barring Amitabh Bachchan in Black there has never been a better performance in a Bhansali film than Hrithik’s in Guzaarish. And if we’re talking chemistry between Hrithik and Aishwarya, then let’s get one thing clear - this isn’t Dhoom. It’s something far deeper and more satisfying.

The other performance that catches your attention is Aditya Roy Kapoor’s. He is natural and vivacious and in-sync with the film’s spirit of celebrating life. Monikangna Dutt is a looker. In her limited space, she lends some appeal to the proceedings.

The film’s technical excellence, particularly Sudeep Chatterjee’s cinematography, is not dazzling and flamboyant in the way it was in Devdas. In Guzaarish, the appeal is far more delicate and subtle.

Guzaarish is a dazzling emotional movie experience. You won’t see a better film this year.