Maniratnam's Guru Review

Dream big time and realize the same in a fashion - that’s what GURU is all about. And Mani has realized his dream once again.

And yes, it looks very much like Mani is thoroughly inspired by "Baap ka sapna" tag line and the man who enabled many average middle class Indians to have their own house or get their daughters marry or have their kids pursue higher education and what not. Yes Gurukanth desai is a replica of the one and only Dirubhai...and Mani may call it a fiction and in Mani's word - Like any fiction, Guru is based on reality. Here Gurubhai (that’s how all the characters call the protagonist) is based on the reality, Mr. Dirubhai Ambani.

And what a tribute made to the icon of India Inc - and in movies it can be done only by Mani sir.

Mani is known for his perfection - and in Guru he has reached new heights. Bringing back 1950s and 60s is no BIG deal and we have seen it in many a films in the recent times - but in Guru it forms the backdrop for the first 30-40 mins and man… you must see it to believe it - the trains, turkey in 1950s, the merchandising centre in Bombay and what not. Rajeev Menon and Sameer chanda had put their heart and soul into this project.

Mani is known for his protagonist selection - and in Guru he has reached new heights. No one other than Abhishek could have played this role with ease. And people - if you thought Abhishek was a revelation in Yuva - here he has proved that he is definitely NOT a flash in the pan. He is here to stay - truly as an ACTOR for a long time to come and has become a hot probable for this year's National Award for BEST ACTOR category. I guess the last 10 mins is enough for his lifetime.

Mani is known for his characterization of his female lead - and in Guru he has reached new heights. All his female leads have one thing in common - their ability to rise up to the occasion - especially if it is Mani's film (though every one of them has by and large done only average movies). There are umpteen examples - the likes of Nirosha, Amala, Sharanya, Madhubala and our Miss World Aishwarya Rai. And you got to give it to her - this is by far Aishwarya's best performance. The one close up shot where she cries her heart out after getting to know that the man who promised to marry her has ran away from the responsibility - she can live rest of her life with peace because henceforth no one can even question her ability as an actress.

Mani is known for his selection of antagonist character - and in Guru he has reached new heights. Mithunda as the media baron - vow what a performance and it is a pity to note that today’s directors are missing out to utilize this acting talent. After all it is not easy to get three national awards and here in Guru he has provided a riveting performance.

Mani is known for taking R.Madhavan to new levels - and in Guru he has reached new heights. Is this the same Madhavan who played as a short-tempered writer in Kannathil Muthamittal? Unbelievable!!! He has underplayed it so nicely and you know what - it needs real guts to play a supportive role and that too not in his usual flamboyant style but rather in subtle manner. Kudos to Madhavan!!!

Mani is known for showcasing some revelation performance - and in Guru he has reached new heights. Vidya Balan in an unusual character and her performance can be termed as nothing but awesome. I know that she was good in Parineeta and Lage Rago - but this is truly one for finest performance and if this can be taken as any indications - she is here to rock for the next few years

Mani is known for having a great item number - and in Guru he has reached new heights. This is one area where it looks like Mani got convinced that even if he puts half his effort it would be truly rewarding - with Mallika Sherawat for the item number - what a move...

And I guess enough is written about Mani and ARR combination and in Guru both have reached new heights.

Overall a truly inspiring movie - and it just grows on you. And Mani, if people say bad things about this movie, just ignore them as there is an old saying which goes like "if people say bad things about you, you must be doing good" :-) Haven't you heard of this saying...:-) You know what - I heard this for the first time from Gurubhai and what a killer of a quote!!!!