Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Hema Malini, Rekha, Luv Sinha, Ferena Wazeir

Director: Raj Kanwar

Sadiyaan – Old wine in new bottle

Sadiyaan reminds me of films like Gadar and Lagaan. It has an old world charm. But it gives a vibe as if the maker is too frustrated with the present and is trying to convince us to hold on to the lifestyle of the bygone era.
 
The film stands on two tried and tested formulas of Hindi films together. That of a Hindu - Muslim love story and the other of re-union; here it's between the biological mother and her son.

During India's partition, Benazir (Hema Malini) loses her son in the chaos. The baby is found by Amrit (Rekha) and Rajveer (Rishi Kapoor) who after several attempts at trying to locate the parents of the child, raise him as their own. The boy grows to be a young and handsome Ishaan (Luv Sinha) who as fate would have it, falls for Chandni (Ferena) a Muslim girl.

When Chandni's parents oppose vehemently to this union of their daughter to a Hindu boy, Amrit and Rajveer sense its time to come clean about Ishaan's roots.

Whether Amrit and Rajveer's confession proves beneficial for Ishaan's love and the change in Ishaan's life after both of his mothers come together is basically what the film is about.

Yay!

The magic of the good old days is delectable and it's a nice feeling to virtually go back in time. The costumes, look and sets are convincing enough to pull you back almost a century.

The fact that three veterans of Hindi films Hema Malini, Rekha and Rishi Kapoor have come together is awesome. Their scenes are truly enchanting and you finally grasp the meaning of why they say – Real stars never try too hard.

Yawn…

The fact that the script could've had something unexpected for the audience. It's the same old story, you see.

The music does not have the melody, which is typical of old world Indian music. Sadly, it doesn't even make you nostalgic and make you pine for the former era. Maybe Adnan Sami should stick to singing?

This film is launching a star kid whose acting skills are raw. Luv Sinha could've polished his skills further before making a Bollywood debut (a la Imran Khan in JTYJN). The fact that some other actor who is far more talented could've done better justice to the role pricks.

Yes or No?

Those into period drama will not be disappointed. Else give it a pass…

Rating : **

Reporter and Author: Susan Jose