Review of Saawariya

Saawariya (2007)
9/10
Saawariya: A Dreamy and Poignant Tale of Unrequited Love
26 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Saawariya is a 2007 Hindi romance film directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky's short story White Nights. The film marks the debut of Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor, who play Raj and Sakina, two star-crossed lovers who meet on a bridge one night. Raj falls in love with Sakina, but she is waiting for her fiance Imaan, who promised to return on Eid. Raj tries to win her over, but fate has other plans.

The film is a visual treat, with a dreamy and haunting setting that creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. The film is also a musical, with songs composed by Monty Sharma that enhance the mood and emotions of the characters. The film is a tribute to the classic Bollywood romance, with references to legends like Raj Kapoor and Dilip Kumar.

The film also explores the themes of unrequited love, hope, and destiny, and how they affect the lives of the protagonists. The film shows the contrast between Raj's optimism and Sakina's melancholy, and how they influence each other. The film also shows the power of love, and how it can inspire, heal, and sacrifice.

The film boasts of some fine performances, especially by Ranbir Kapoor, who shines as the charming and passionate Raj. He displays a range of emotions, from joy to despair, and makes the audience root for him. Sonam Kapoor is also impressive as the innocent and conflicted Sakina, who is torn between her loyalty and her feelings. Rani Mukerji, who narrates the film, is also effective as Gulabji, a prostitute who befriends Raj. The only weak link in the cast is Salman Khan, who plays Imaan, Sakina's fiance. He looks bored and out of place, and has no chemistry with Sonam Kapoor. His role is also underwritten and unconvincing.

The film is not without flaws, as it suffers from a slow pace, a thin plot, and a predictable ending. The film also received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, who either loved it or hated it. The film was a commercial failure, and was overshadowed by Om Shanti Om, another film that released on the same day. The film was also criticized for being too artistic and unrealistic, and for trivializing the Holocaust, as it is set in a fictional town that resembles a Nazi concentration camp.

However, the film is a criminally underrated masterpiece, that deserves more appreciation and recognition. The film is a beautiful and poignant story of love and loss, that will touch your heart and make you cry. The film is a rare gem, that stands out from the crowd of formulaic and cliched Bollywood films. The film is a must-watch for anyone who loves romance, music, and art. The film is definitely an 8 out of 10, and way better than Om Shanti Om.
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