Guru is based on the life story of Dhirubhai Ambani, with some cosmetic changes. A Rags to riches saga of Gurukant Desai, who was constantly berated and discouraged by his father, yet dares to achieve what was then thought impossible. Works in Turkey as a teenager, and in course of time packs his bags, comes to India, marries his best friend’s sister for her sizeable dowry and moves on to Bombay with his wife & bro-in-law to start off his own show, in the textile business. To get to whatever he wants, he bends the rules and plays the game, and makes tons of moneys for the simpletons who cannot afford doing much with their basic salaries. The movie traces Guru’s life till he grows old and shows how he becomes a true hero, an icon for the entire country.
We cannot help being in awe with the excellent cinematography & camera skills. We have Abhishek Bacchan here in a challenging role of lifetime. Aishwarya, folks! No hamming, no over the top screeching, no high pitched emotions, but instead a nice simple character portrayal (I guess only a Mani can do it!). But although individually their performances are commendable, together they seem to share zero chemistry! Two mega stars of today, with media hovering 24/7 over their slated wedding plans, and they look like an ordinary couple we could find walking down the street. What should it look like? Well, take a look at the warmth between R Madhavan & Vidya Balan – inspite of sharing just a couple of scenes together—that’s what love!
It some how takes a while to accept Abhishek in the role, to accept him as Gurubhai, (wonder how come that happened instantly for Saif as Langda Tyagi?), and some how the characters barely fit in as baniyas! Ash as a petite village belle looks more of a bunt than a gujju! And then of course there’s added confusion of a sudden rain song & dance in pondicherry/ Kerela, and sudden bharatnatiam dance (bin tere kya jeena). I still don’t see the point of putting Vidya Balan on a wheelchair, or chopping off of R Madhavan’s passion packed role.
Although Istanbul, Pondicherry and Bombay in the 1950s, 60s & 70s look fabulous, the movie is not endearing enough to touch the soul. It feels like an impassive (although beautifully picturised) story telling session– a fancy over-hyped cuisine with a confusing mix of all kind of sauces & chutneys – which has a lot to offer but still leave you tasteless and unfulfilled!
All said and done it, when the movie ends, it leaves you with nothing but simply wondering where you’ve parked the car……..