Saawariya (2007)

Rating: 2/5

Over-exaggeration of anything may result in a failure. And the best example of this statement is Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya. It worked for Devdas since it had some mind-blowing performances and a soulful screenplay. It worked for Black since it had a brilliant theme and a purpose keeping the dumb-and-deaf people in sight. But it doesn't work here. There isn't anything new to see and the exaggerated art direction just puts you off. And the end result is an over-exaggerated play of love and emotions which lacks depth and soul.
The tragic end adds fuel to the fire. Why did he choose such an end? Does he wanted us to rave about his so-called gracious and delightful couple? The scenes slide one after another as if we're watching an extended version of Black. Music is no doubt, appreciable (Jab Se Naina, Yu Shabnami and Saawariya were brilliant!) but how does it matter if screenplay itself lacks soul?
The only positive point about this Bhansali's saga is the performances. No, not of Sonam Kapoor..she's cute and sweet but sadly, lacks the much required acting aura for the character of Sakina. Rani Mukherji comes out as a pleasant surprise, gets to the skin of the character and delivers a mind-blowing performance (and she doesn't cry a lot in this one!!). Zohra Sehgal is sweetest lady I've seen in the recent times...hats off to her performance which adorns the sincerity of her character. And yes, last but not least, Ranbir..who's charismatic..handsome..does extremely well. The shades of his father were visible in his oration. Definitely, a graciously inherited heritage of acting is his plus point. But it couldn't save the movie.
Silence...grand sets...and lots of drama doesn't always help. Bhansali lost this time.