Guru

Having first worked with Abhishek and Aishwarya separately, Mani Ratnam helped Abhishek obtain his first Filmfare for Youth and introduced Aishwarya to the film world in her debut in The Duo, now he has worked with them together for the first time. He chose a story as if cut from Citizen Kane or The Aviator and other films so typical of the mid-20th century. There is speculation about the intense inspiration from the life story of the great industrialist Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani (1932-2002). Formally, the whole is indeed very similar to Scorsese's Howard Hughes biopic, differing only in its Indian realities, music (the excellent music videos, of course), and dramatic composition. Otherwise, however, everything was subordinated to the film's world premiere in Canada. Aishwarya and Abhishek's real-life relationship also expanded at that time, as they announced their engagement and a wedding took place a quarter of a year later. Among their acting partners, we need to mention the impeccable Vidya Balan and a truly oriental dance number with Mallika Sherawat. Guru describes almost all of life as the rise of a village boy who, true to his roots, reached the peak. The story subtly reinforces our belief in honesty and work and ultimately makes an argument for a quality marriage of convenience. In a way, it’s very old-fashioned and at the same time very modern in its urgency. Aishwarya and Abhishek have the opportunity to play mature roles over a large time span, from youthful indiscretions to finding a life consensus that nothing can break. It's a joy to watch the development of their relationship and to suspect their real love behind it. It's not as commonplace throughout the world for real-life couples to become an excellent part of great films. Guru is all the more unique given the shift that has taken place in Ratnam and Bachchan's subsequent project. In Raavan, they were driven to the bottom of the twisted relationship between the victim and the kidnapper, which, while confirming their variability for the film industry, avoided duplicating Guru's internal charm. (18.01.2011)