Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Screenplay: Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Bhavani Iyer

Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Shernaz Patel

Music: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Producer: SLB Films and UTV Motion Pictures

Rating: * * ½

Guzaarish For More Impact?

The debate about euthanasia or mercy-killing in India is not a new one. Sanjay Leela Bhansali takes a bold stand by highlighting the importance of mercy-killing (euthanasia) in his latest venture Guzaarish. However, because of the slow pace and the overuse of artistic methods in narrating a simple tale, the film caters only for the classes and not for average moviegoers. Plus, the script leaves few questions unanswered.

Ethan Masceranhas (Hrithik Roshan) was once a world famous magician who became paraplegic after suffering a near-fatal accident. Today, since fourteen years, Ethan is living in a miserable paraplegic condition. Although he is a cheerful lad who motivates others, through his radio show, to live life to the fullest, he files a petition for his own mercy-killing as he feels he has had enough of this paralytic life. But will he succeed in challenging the law which doesn’t allow a thing like euthanasia?

Bhansali executes some creatively touchy moments surrounding the central character but his and Bhavani Iyer’s screenplay strives too much to make a visual treat out of the subject. Although the art looks brilliant, it gives rise to a number of scenes that stretch the movie. Hence, the going becomes unfocussed and tedious which tests audiences’ patience.

Bhansali makes his debut as a music director with this film but apart from the song Udi, there isn’t much in the music department to talk about. Visually stunning cinematography and an apt background score act as big saving graces.

Hrithik Roshan deserves applause for agreeing to play a paraplegic character and essaying it in a manner that will move the audience. Easily one of his finest works till date. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan too displays her talents in a delightful manner by playing Hrithik’s nurse. But in spite of Hrithik and Aishwarya’s presence, Aditya Roy Kapur impresses with a lovable act. He is surely a lookout for the future. The rest of the cast also chips in with good performances.

Despite a big starcast, a well-known director and a number of heart-touching moments, the film will have a moderate run at the box-office because of the reasons already mentioned. Will only attract urban multiplex audience.