Saawariya (2007)

Sick Product of a Sick System

Awesome Movie

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

I thought it was a great film, surprised by its relatively low rating and encouraged by so many very enthusiastic reviews. One seems to either really like it or is quite turned off by it. If you like Bollywood films, you may well really like it or at least really like most of it. If you don't like Bollywood, you probably won't like it. If you don't know Bollywood at all, but like the musicals of Hollywood's (and MGM's) Golden Era, then your reaction will be like those who like Bollywood. It's a musical – it has lots of songs and dances. If you're a big Salman Khan fan, be aware that he's only on screen for a short time.Ranbir Kapoor won Best Male Debut at the Filmfare Awards and "Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow – Male". Similarly, Ranbir's distant (4th) cousin, Sonam Kapoor, won "Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow - Female" and was nominated for Best Female Debut at the Filmfare Awards. Rani Mukherji, per usual, gave a strong supporting performance as Gulabji the prostitute. The acting is strong.As an aside, Sonam Kapoor wanted to be a writer but had no aspirations to be an actress – possibly because she had a weight problem (180 pounds) and bad skin and health problems due to diabetes. An actress friend who knew she wanted to write, suggested she take a job as a stage hand on director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie "Black". She did. Bhansali told her if she lost weight, he'd consider her for the lead in Saawariya. So for 2 years she ate healthy, lost 75 lbs and studied acting non-stop and, good to his word, Bhansali hired her and, out of the depths, she became one of the biggest stars of Bollywood. Her real life story is so fitting for this movie.The opening scenes have a lot of heart. The rest of the movie has a lot of heart but is often misunderstood. The story-line message is that you need to fight unhappiness as pantomimed by Raj's shadow boxing. The writing is unusually well crafted with every line woven to support the message. Why then did it get a somewhat low rating? First, it's Bollywood, but it's also a very ORIGINAL film - people keep asking for originality, but when they get it, they seem to be thrown by it. Next, I'll address the 2nd reason, but you should only read it AFTER you see the movie as the following CONTAINS A SPOILER. Since Raj is the main character and an appealing character who clearly expresses his love for Sakina, the audience is hoping he'll get the girl so even though they've liked 98% of the movie, they're disappointed/crushed by the ending. Many of the reviewers with low ratings even explicitly confirm that. But the point is that Raj will keep on fighting unhappiness and win no matter what – it's a surprising but very upbeat message. Surprisingly, even most of the critics don't get it, just the best ones get it.

This is not a film for everyone. It is done more for the art and has weird dreaminess about it, though the story holds up well. This is not a typical Bollywood love story (guy and girl irritate each other, then fall in love and then there is some remake of DDLJ in there). Love is the warm feeling this movie gives you even though the entire movie is cast in blue colors. Ranbir Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, and Sonam Kapoor are outstanding. I cannot think of anyone better suited for their parts. It's hard to really judge Salman Khan's role since it is a short part without much dialog. All other supporting characters are perfect. I loved Zohra Segal as "Lilipop". She made me want her as my own adopted grandmother! I read the user reviews and was set for a great Bollywood movie, but came away with mixed feelings. On one hand, I'm not into art films, and I wanted to not love this when I started watching it, but there is some sort of trance this movie keeps you in and while you want to hate it, you just can't seem to get there and you stay for more. The feel, the music, the set and the characters all work as a drug to keep you on board. My choice of 5 out of 10 is more because I don't get into art films, but yet I liked this one. Like I said, mixed feelings about it. If you love art films, it will probably be closer to a 10. If you love the typical Bollywood romances, it will be less for you.

This is a fantastic tale that takes the viewer through song, dance, drama, comedy. love. and endearing moments. It is full of beautiful images, like Sakina beating the rugs, etc.. lots of magical visuals and dramatic moment along with wondrous dance and song scenes. One could see themselves in this situation and the various outcomes there can be. The lyrics are so beautiful, so descriptive that one would only wish they could hear these words from someone.The lyrics are so beautiful. I give this a 10 stars, a must see.... My only warning is that the subtitles are done in yellow and at many times blend into the scene and become hard to read so i guess..sit close? Wish so much they had done subtitles a bit better. And when raj sings in his room.. all women will swoon! Not to mention his absolute fantastic great looks and his character personality is so endearing. Sakina is an absolute beauty...and full of playfulness but yet mysterious and persistent. You will I believe, love this movie.. its magical musical and an experience into a distant land.

Ever since watching the astoundingly breathtaking Devdas I was quite eager to watch Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya and having actually now watched the film I cannot understand why this film was not appreciated more.Once again Sanjay Leela Bhansali does not disappoint as he sends the audience on a magical love story situated in an enchanting nocturnal neverland that is quite simply a superb visual feast that will delight the senses. Saawariya tells the magical and tragic story of Ranbir Raj, (Ranbir Kapoor), a young and innocent musician who wins everyone's heart. He is full of life and wins over anyone he comes across, he spreads joy and brings a smile onto everyone's faces with his irresisitible persona and charm. One night the lonely Raj happens upon a chance encounter with a mysterious figure on a bridge. The mysterious image turns out to be none other than a heartbreakingly beautiful young Muslim girl named Sakina, (Sonam Kapoor). Her silent eyes are full of mystery and sorrow. She awaits the man she loves, Imaan, (Salman Khan) who had to go away a year earlier leaving her behind and promising to return for her on the night of Eid. Raj's chance encounter with Sakina leads to him inevitably falling in love with her. Their meeting develops into a friendship and series of unforgettable nights filled with music, passion and romance.The visual splendor and music of this film are so lush and lovely that it is simply not to be missed. Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor deliver excellent performances especially for their first film. In shirt, Saawariya is nothing less than a masterpiece. I would say ignore any bad reviews you have seen or heard of this film and give it a chance. Saawariya is definitely something different and unique and is the sort of film that needs to appreciated for it's ethereal and extravagantly breathtaking beauty.