Writer/Director: Mani Ratnam
Starring: Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Madhavan
‘A Brilliant Biopic’
Not many actors in Bollywood earned praise of Abhishek Bachchan. Following his rise to popularity during the 2000’s, Bachchan has transformed in a legendary Bollywood icon. Whether it’s inspiring teachers, frustrated fathers or patriotic leaders, Bachchan has played many strong characters. Arguably, Bachchan’s best strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare Indian actors that has always had strong presence which has elevated every movie he is in. Through his capabilities to create characters which audience can easily relate to, Bachchan has become a celebrated Bollywood icon that audiences value. Although he is best known for roles in Bollywood, Bachchan has proven he excels in every genre. Despite reaching an age of retirement, Bachchan has never lost long lasting passion for entertainment. Throughout his illustrious career, Bachchan has produced countless movies which are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Bachchan and adore all the films which he has made in his career. However, “Guru” definitely stands out as his most meaningful movie. Released in 2007, Mani Ratnam’s movie offered a compelling portrait of strong entrepreneurs. Packed with breathtaking production, engrossing storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s a brilliant Bollywood business drama. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Abhishek Bachchan, who embodies an entrepreneur that struggles running a firm organization. Ultimately, what makes “Guru” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies about businessmen, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A captivating Bollywood biopic, there are several strong reasons why “Guru” is a film worth watching.
“Guru” tells the story of a businessman that seeks to make dreams come true. Abhishek Bachchan portrays Gurukant Desai, a gifted businessman with huge ambition. Despite a poverty-stricken upbringing, Guru strives to become a businessman in a country that he considers inspiring. Assisted by wife Sujata (Aishwarya Rai), Guru strives to become an Indian businessman. However, Guru’s life is forever changed when he discovers danger of becoming a business future. Faced with intense competition, Guru begins to wonder whether it’s truly possible for him to become a businessman. As all the odds are stacked against his favour causing a dilemma, Guru questions devotion to running a business in India.
Mani Ratnam has always been fascinated by themes of ambition. A fantastic Indian filmmaker, Ratnam has often made great movies about business figures in dangers. His iconic film “Dil Se” offered a powerful portrait of journalists struggling to resolve terrorism with a price to pay. With “Guru”, however, Ratnam made his first Bollywood business biopic. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the life of a legendary businessman that achieved prosperity but he succeeded. Using bold cinematography, Ratnam captures a business tycoon on a journey to find his identity. Evoking Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather”, Ratnam effectively uses montages to capture the rise of a businessman towards power. For instance, montages enhance the business operation scene. During this heartwarming scene, Guru seeks to run his business on a daily basis by dedication. Using montages, Ratnam creates a portrait of business that’s engaging. Montages are tricky techniques. As Shaad Ali’s “Bunty Aur Babli” suggested, montages enhance Bollywood movies about con-artists. Nevertheless, it works extremely in this film. Using stunning visuals, Ratnam captures hardships which businessmen are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Guru” that merits recognition is production. Evoking Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Swades”, Ratnam successfully uses locations across India to create songs about businessmen that are engaging. For instance, real-life Indian locations enhance the Tere Bina song. During this memorable song, Guru has a romance encounter with his wife Sujata (Aishwarya Rai) showcasing his love through music. Through engaging real-life Indian locations, Ratnam creates a portrait of businessman that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere by capturing a burden that Indian businessmen bear. Through stunning production, Ratnam captures businessmen that struggle to run an organization.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Guru” is a Bollywood business movie that is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the tensions businessmen face. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “Casino”, Ratnam effectively uses monologues to capture the lives of businessmen which have dreams to follow. For instance, the monologues elevate the speech scene. During this unforgettable scene, Guru delivers a meaningful message about his business through a speech toward an audience. Through monologues, Ratnam builds a portrait of businessmen audiences can relate to. Dramatic monologues are not easy techniques to use in movies. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” claimed, monologues enhance Bollywood films about broken marriage. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through a brilliant screenplay, Ratnam captures businessmen which face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Abhishek Bachchan delivers one of his best career performances as Gurukant Desai. Bachchan earned appreciation for playing romantic heroes in classic Bollywood films. With “Guru”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a brave businessman that runs a company but he succeeds immensely. This is the star unlike you have ever seen him before: charismatic, emotional and vulnerable in his most iconic role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, determination and strong spirit of an entrepreneur seeking to run competitive organizations. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most beloved actors that is working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Abhishek Bachchan, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Aishwarya Rai is remarkable, capturing the charisma of a woman that falls in love with a bold businessman in India. Madhavan is magnificent, bringing compassion towards an esteemed businessman that struggles to run an organization. Lastly, Vidya Balan is worthy of appreciation. As a woman with a disability, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “Guru” will earn the appreciations of everyone for capturing the hardships which businessmen often go through. Unlike most Bollywood business movies, it tackles bold themes which everyone would relate to. The movie discusses universal themes including ambition, career and mental health that will resonate amongst everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Indian traditions to admire it. Therefore, “Guru” is one of those rare Bollywood business films that everyone would adore.
Fans of Abhishek Bachchan will absolutely adore “Guru” and so would audiences that seek meaningful entertainment. A riveting Bollywood business drama, it celebrates an actor that’s beloved in India.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood movie about an entrepreneur seeking to make his dreams come true, it’s a riveting reminder about a successful Indian actor that has created a powerful legacy through his abilities to play compelling characters in memorable films audiences value.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 