Guru is one of the masterpieces from Mani Ratnam’s diaries. Of course, all his films compete with each other and everyone agrees that all his movies are gems. Exploring the reality in growing business tycoons and markets, Mani Ratnam delivered a fresh tale of the successful businessman.
Guru talks about the struggles of an Indian middle-class villager to establish his mark in the flourishing markets. Gurukant Desai (Abishek Bachchan) dreams big despite being born in a small village in Gujarat. From Gujarat, he travels across the world to Turkey for the spice trade. From Turkey, he returns to India and marries Sujatha (Aishwarya Rai). Guru marries Sujatha only for the dowry she brings. One can ultimately see his business mind with his move. With the dowry Sujatha brought, he starts a business. They move to Mumbai and start Shakti Corporation and his journey from that point marks the rest of the story.
One of the reasons why Guru is a remarkable film is the plot and the scenarios revolving around the plotline. Not all paths people chose are noble and righteous. To pave one’s path, many take darkest roads and break the rules they set for themselves. Some might be successful and some might miserably fail. This story is about a successful villager who stomped on his obstacles and laid away for himself. The story inspires a whole lot of people and gives hope to everyone who decides to give up on their goals.
Another plus point to the film is the wonderful direction. Mani Ratnam is a renowned director and scriptwriter. Many of his works like Thalapathy, Bombay, Roja created a massive impact not just in one industry but across the whole country. He beautifies every scene adding his unique skills. Mani Ratnam’s marvellous storytelling made people connect with the characters rather than just watching the film. He took the viewers into Guru’s journey.
Besides these, A R Rahman is another highlight who stood as a pillar for the film. Music swipes away one’s sadness, it helps people to just get away into another universe. Rahman’s songs conquer playlists of many. Barso Re, Tere Bina, Jodi songs amplified the beauty of the film. The chemistry between Abhishek and Aishwarya worked so well and looked so perfect that the songs were a super duper hit and we can witness people still listening to these songs.
Another interesting point in Guru is that the film highlights how greed consumes good in a person. It also shuns light on how people often forget what they are at the beginning of their journey, how they lose themselves to achieve something huge. The films also took the liberty of how this greed can change the relationship between people, how one’s best allies can turn into rivals.
Talking about the casting, Abhishek and Aishwarya appeared in nearly eight films and with each one, they embraced their chemistry. The pair is a feast to the soaring eyes. Their presence dazzles fire hence no doubt they look so good together. Abhishek Bachchan outgrew himself from his previous works. His looks and performance were all subtle. Aishwarya and Vidya Balan were perfect in their roles. Mithun Chakraborty and Madhavan excelled in their characters and delivered the best performances.
Thanks to Mani Ratnam we can point out a few noteworthy films around this time. And Guru fits in the list.
