Punjabi films have become unavoidable of late.
‘Dil Apna Punjabi’ has had an excellent run since the last few weeks and Jimmy Shergil’s second Punjabi film ‘Mannat’ has also just released.
Manoj Punj’s ‘Waris Shah’ is a brave choice for a Punjabi film, as it’s set in the Mughal era, and isn’t contemporary at all.
The very onset of the film highlights how music is as important as life itself in Asian culture, as there is a song for every occasion, be it birth, marriage, or death.
However, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, disagreed.
He felt music was a distraction and prevented one from knowing god.
He decided that music will be banned and any person who ignored this would be branded an infidel and will be persecuted.
Long after his reign, this law still existed.
Until one fine day, an ‘infidel’ Waris Shah, enters town in search of Guru ji (Mukesh Rishi in a very convincing role) who teaches music at a secret location in the valleys.
Upon meeting, the Guru felt that Waaris was talented, but lacked the personal (or worldly) pain, which is necessary to make poetry heartfelt.
Waaris is instructed by Guru Ji to go to another town where music is still appreciated, and to focus on a deep, philosophical, artistic creation called ‘Heer’, which would be created only through experience and pain.
Eventually, Guru Ji is caught and persecuted.
Waaris arrives at his destination.
Once there, he faces discrimination by some folk, but not for long, as his music and poetry begins to touch the inhabitants.
It is here that Waaris meets Bhaagpari (Juhi Chawla) who, almost instantly, becomes a source of inspiration for his poetry.
The feeling is mutual for Bhaagpari, but unfortunately for Waaris, he also attracts the attention of the manipulating Saabo (Divya Dutta), who tries everything in her power to ensure she gets Waaris.
She fails but still manages to cause havoc in the lives of Waaris and Bhaagpari.
The lovers overcome obstacles caused by Saabo, but ultimately Waaris realizes that in order to obtain the pathos and pain his Guru had taught him about, he must optionally leave Bhaagpari and embrace separation to enhance his creation ‘Heer’.
Bhaagpari is forced into marriage by her parents, but still chooses to meet Waaris openly, which causes disruption in her marital life with Saabo’s brother (Sushant Singh).
Although the story may not sound innovative, this historical film works because of its execution.
Right from the first shot as the credits appear, the film grabs your attention. And it continues to do so throughout with its performances, music and with its warm visuals.
Gurdaas Mann really impresses with his new look in the film. He emotes very well, and has sung wonderfully. Definitely a right choice for this role.
Infact its hard to imagine anyone else in the portrayal of Waaris Shah.
Juhi is a complete natural, and shows that she still has what it takes to keep you hooked.
As usual, she is a treat to watch and possesses charm.
Divya Dutta is impressive in a role with negative shades and manages her part very well. Its good to see that she hasn’t repeated herself, although she has played Punjabi speaking characters in the past.
Sushant Singh doesn’t have a role as strong as the one’s he’s stood out for in the past (Jungle, Legend of Bhagat Singh) but does make his presence felt.
The scene in which he asks his wife, which of the two should commit suicide is a very touching and moving.
Jaidev Kumar has presented an outstanding musical!
The songs, which have been shot extremely well, have an almost spiritual like quality about them.
There are quite a few songs, but unlike other films, these songs are welcomed and are an essential part of the script.
Its a blessing that Jaidev has done such a wonderful job.
Even the background score by Jaidev is of a superior quality, and compliments the scenes very well indeed.
Overall, a fantastic piece of work.
Same applies to the singers.
Gurdaas needs no introduction in the music field, but Alka and Kavita have sung so well!
Kavita, who unfortunately doesn’t sing as much as one would hope these days, has done a beautiful job, and her voice lingers in your memory long after the film is over.
Manoj Punj has handled the movie extremely well as the film never bores, even if this may not be your genre.
His earlier film ‘Des Hoya Pardes’ was impressive too, but here there is alot of improvement in terms of technique.
The camerawork and lighting deserves a special mention too, as it makes for repeat viewing, and enhances the beauty of the film.
And lastly, where most films dealing with love are of the predictable variety, this film offers a refreshing look at love and ‘voluntary’ loss.
A certain degree of pain can only be felt by loss, thus making an everlasting beautiful relationship.
Steve Chatha
|
Alka sang beautifully also. You failed to mention that. Alka’s voice was much better suited for gudiyaan gudiyaan. Thank you.