Reference Auto

Response: Guzaarish, a Sanjay Leela Bhansali directed film, registered an average response at the box office on its debut (some multiplexes have even reported a below average response. To put it in figures, the average occupancy was reportedly around 30%).

But multiplexes in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai saw higher occupancy of around 40%. Though this movie is unlikely to taste the success of Golmaal 3, occupancy at single-screen halls and multiplexes are set to pick up.

Film type: Drama

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Aditya Roy Kapur, Suhel Seth, Shernaz Patel, Nafisa Ali, Monikangana Dutta and Rajit Kapoor

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Time of movie: 2 hours 15 minutes

Story: Ethan Mascaranhas (Hrithik) was a famous magician in Goa, but has been confined to his bed after he became paralysed by an almost fatal accident engineered by his buddy and a fellow magician. He is looked after well by Sophia, his devoted nurse (Aishwarya) and is supported by a few friends – his doctor (Suhel), lawyer friend (Shernaz) and a young man (Aditya Roy Kapur), who comes to learn magic from him. Even after remaining paralysed, Ethan is a radio jockey who advises his fans to live life to their fullest. But ironically, he pleads with the court to grant him permission for euthanasia (mercy killing). The court trashes his plea. So, even after getting married to Sophia, can Ethan find a way to execute his plan?

Review: If your’re just out of the Golmaal 3 show, don’t expect Guzaarish to be another entertainer. This Sanjay Leela Bhansali film falls in a different category altogether. Bollywood has developed the belly to explore some rare illnesses. In Paa, Amitabh Bachchan was a child afflicted with Progeria, in My Name is Khan, Shah Rukh was suffering from something known as Asperger Syndrome and Tare Zamin Par portrays the problems of Dyslexic children. Bhansali also lucidly delves into Paraplegia, paralysis of the lower body.

Aishwarya is graceful like never before. With dignity, she brushes Hrithik Roshan’s teeth, combs his hair, scratches his nose and even baffles Hrithik with an impromptu dance at a restaurant. She is more than a friend lover or even a wife to Ethan.

Hrithik Roshan’s performance has been stunning. Just with the help of expressions, he brings to life the feelings of a quadriplegic seeking a mercy killing. Shernaz Patel and Suhel Seth also play perfect supporting roles. And not to forget the somewhat sweet role played by Aditya.

To sum it up, all we can say is that Guzaarish may not be a box office hit but would definitely be a strong contender for this year’s best film award.

Rating: 3.5/5