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List of Guzaarish Reviews
Ratings:2/5 Reviewer:Rajeev Masand Site:IBNLive
"Guzaarish", his latest offering, may be less esoteric than his last film, "Saawariya", but it's still an unsatisfying effort because the filmmaker continues to invest more in the appearance of every frame than in the emotional truth of his characters.Its various subplots inspired from different films, "Guzaarish" is a mash-up of many interesting ideas."Guzaarish" is beautifully shot and has a larger-than-life operatic feel to it.But it's also shamelessly manipulative. It's hard to care for Bhansali's characters because the emotions never feel real.But to be fair, there are some lovely moments that jump out and surprise you.Unfortunately moments like these are few and far between in what is ultimately a slow, silly film. I'm going with two out of five for director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Guzaarish". The magic is missing in this one!Visit Site for More
Ratings:4/5 Reviewer:Taran Adarsh Site:BollywoodHungama
GUZAARISH has a number of sequences that bear the unmistakable stamp of a genius.On the whole, GUZAARISH is an invigorating tale. Bhansali, as a film-maker, has scaled several notches above his past accomplishments to create a near-perfect cinematic experience. The highpoint of the motion picture is the magnificently penned story of an incapacitated and debilitated man who desires to end his being with dignity. The film seduces the viewer with a strong emotional quotient, soulful music and of course, the crackling and wonderful onscreen chemistry between Hrithik and Aishwarya. Without doubt, GUZAARISH is one of the most profound, insightful and enriching dramas of the year.Visit Site for More
Ratings:4/5 Reviewer:Nikhat Kazmi Site:TimesOfIndia
Guzaarish is an unusual film in many respects. Firstly, because it follows a film craft that is akin to pure art.But more unusual is the spirit of the film which supposedly articulates a plea for death but ends up serenading life and love with tenderness and restraint. Ethan may be plagued by his immobility and languishing body, but his eyes dance like a dervish. Despite his desire to die with dignity, there is a liveliness that surrounds him as he interacts with the few people around him.Then again, the film is one of the most unusual love stories of recent times.But in the end, it is Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai who leave an indelible impression with their interpretation of two extremely difficult and unconventional characters who do not have the usual props to express grief, joy, pain and passion.A film like Guzaarish isn't made for the box office. It's made for the gratification of the senses. And that it does, in ample measure.
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Ratings:3/5 Reviewer:Anupama Chopra Site:NDTV
Guzaarish is the kind of film that demands that we create a separate category for it—a two and three-quarter rating perhaps. Because there is much to admire here: the film is beautifully shot by Sudeep Chatterjee. It has strong performances and there are several scenes, which genuinely move you. But there is just as much that is clumsy, including an unintentionally comical group-hug in the climax. Despite the many admirable elements, Guzaarish never becomes more than the sum of its parts.Combining euthanasia with song-and-dance is a tough, tough feat and despite his prodigious talent, Bhansali can’t pull it off. Since we don’t have a two and three-quarter rating, I’m going with three stars.Visit Site for More
Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer:Raja Sen Site:Rediff
This is a filmmaker not even bothering with reality, his fantastically lit and exquisitely framed shots working like rich canvasses, a narrative only in place to string along the art on offer.It is, then, heartbreaking to watch such a defiantly ostentatious director borrow plot-points from foreign films, stultify his characters with ridiculous dialogue, and fall for painfully mainstream trappings, like a hackneyed, obligatory revenge/redemption subplot that makes a most unnecessary appearance towards the film's end. The film tries far too desperately to evoke what Bollywood calls the 'feelgood' factor, but ends up evoking more apathy than empathy. Guzaarish starts off slow and beautiful, but gradually, sadly congeals into a wet mess.Here is a filmmaker who needs a playwright -- and, in equal measure, an occasional slap on the wrist.Visit Site for More
Ratings:2/5 Reviewer:Khalid Mohammed Site:Passionforcinema
Bhansali has never really opted for 100 per cent originality. Rather he has re-distilled old whine into classy new bottles the result is neither engrossing nor edifying. Euthanasia is debatable subject for sure but Bhansali spreads far too much marmalade on the toast. Every frame is visually sumptuous – except for the needlessly tight close-ups granting a full view of flaring nostrils. And to be fair, some set pieces give you goose-bumps. The narration of the core story, however, is dialogue-heavy and at points, as implausible as street beggars in silk sarongs.With all its pros and cons, here’s a Bhansali product which doesn’t match up to his Khamoshi, Hum Dil de Chuke Sanam and Black. For a cushy-budgeted product, it’s strictly average. In fact at the end of two hours and 15 minutes, you’re left with a mindache. Earnest guzaarish: carry a headache pill.Visit Site for More
Ratings:3/5 Reviewer:Renuka Rao Site:DNA
Guzaarish is one of those films that are not meant to entertain so much as to shake you by the intensity of their content and the force of their performances.Like Bhansali’s award-winning Black, Guzaarish strives to survive on the spirit of a central character — in this case a quadriplegic whose life depends more on machines than oxygen. Quite surprisingly, Guzaarish comes across more as a documentary on the life of a quadriplegic with little shots of glamour, fiction and aesthetics thrown in now and then. Yet, it tugs at your heartstrings because you can’t help but feel compassion for Ethan and his lifeless life.Guzaarish, thus, is a simple story woven in a fascinating net of fervent sentiments, alluring photography, and stimulating dialogues. Definitely worth a one-time watch at least!Visit Site for More
Ratings:2.5/5 Reviewer:Sonia Chopra Site:Sify
Ethan runs a radio show ironically called Radio Zindagi. Ironic, because he has just requested his advocate friend (Shernaz Patel) to file a petition in court requesting he be allowed euthanasia. The film then follows this struggle even as Sofia grapples between supporting his decision and trying her best to dissuade him.The best part about the film: Bhansali doesn’t shy away from taking a stand. He also doesn’t mind his characters speaking in English pretty often. You hear English songs as the background score consistently.Bhansali seems to be veering towards making films after his own heart, unmindful of the commercial element.Bhansali’s love story doesn’t move you the way it is intended to. It’s unique, but not necessarily special. That pretty much sums up the film as well.Visit Site for More
