Review of Guzaarish (2010) by Kaustubh H — 19 Nov 2010

Sanjay Leela Bhansali returns to the silverscreen after his last disaster Saawariya with Guzaarish, a story of a man living the life of utmost suffering who creates media frenzy when he files a petition for euthanasia.

The story is of erstwhile super famous magician Ethan Mascarenhas(Hrithik Roshan) who suffers a terrible accident during one of his magic shows and ends up as a quadriplegic. He lives in an old derelict mansion with couple of caretakers and his longstanding nurse Sofia(Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). After living 12 years in a vegetable like state, after publishing a bestseller novel called "Learning to Fly", running a successful radio station and being an inspiration to all those who have been paralyzed by fate, he decides one fine day to end it all by applying in the Goan High Court for euthanasia or "Ethan-asia" as he calls it. He calls upon his best friend Devyani, a lawyer to file his plea, though initially ridiculed she does it only to be dismissed by the court. However, Ethan gathers public support through his radio station where too initially he was criticised for such an untoward step. Sofia, being a loyal and faithful caretaker also opposes such a move but eventually falls in to the pain and suffering she herself has seen and felt during those long years. They reappeal to the court and this time though the court is ready to listen, it still falls short in coming through a landmark decision and Ethan is left to live out his days like a vegetable again. However, Sofia, in a gradual change of emotions and self conscience offers to help Ethan realize his "guzaarish" and the rest happens as one can imagine.

With Guzaarish, Bhansali tones down his visions of grandeur as he did in Devdas and Saawariya by presenting us a realistic story. One that can be palatable and yet not compromising on his directorial skills. The movie oozes with moments that make the audience brim with emotions and credit goes to Bhansali for scripting a story that has been tried out before.

But the real hero is the actual hero. Hrithik Roshan gives another mindblowing performance and shows yet again why he is one of the best in the industry. The panache with which he executes his character makes the audience actually feel the pain and suffering he is going through and also the small moments of happiness like the one where he talks to his mother. He is the life and soul of the film and he carries the film on his shoulders alone. Aishwarya plays her part convincingly and so do the other actors. Aditya Roy Kapoor playing the part of Omar, the wannabe magician and son of the magician who led Ethan to his fate does his part well and adds some good moments to the film. The music is good and so is the choreography. The film avoids unnecessary songs that were quite typical of Bhansali films. What the film lacks is an innovative story and at some point it leaves you in two minds about the ethical significance of euthanasia. On one hand it is right to ease suffering, on the other it is equally important to keep fighting.

In the end Guzaarish is a decent work with loads of emotional melodrama, a solid powerhouse performance by Hrithik and with a story which though cliched but will reach out to your heart. I give it a 3 on 5. Go watch it.