Bollywood Film a Stunner - Saawariya

Based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's short story "White Nights," "Saawariya," directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is a delightfully bittersweet journey set in the city of the narrator's dreams, where the audience witnesses an enchanting, innocent love story interwoven with darker themes and subplots.

This was my first full length feature film encounter with Bollywood, the Hindi-language film making business based in Mumbai, and it was not one to be forgotten. Though Bollywood always delivers dazzling sets and musical numbers in its movies, "Saawariya" is a truly breath taking visual and musical experience.

The title, "Saawariya," literally means "eternal love," and refers to a love that overcomes all obstacles. "Saawariya" is also the name of the hit song that the film's young protagonist, Raj, sings and the song that also becomes his identity.

Raj, played by Ranbir Kapoor, is the "rock star angel with torn jeans, and a guitar in hand." With such a big buildup I expected some disappointment; and though I was thrown off by his opening dance moves, the character's complete sincerity and sweetness won me over. Just like a hero from a fairy tale, he brings happiness wherever he goes and becomes a true friend to those in need.

One night he meets a mysterious girl waiting on a bridge under a dark umbrella. It's a classic case of love at first sight, and though the mysterious Sakina seems less eager than Raj, they agree to be friends and have several enchanting and playful evenings together. Raj gradually learns that another man may have a hold on Sakina's heart, and jealousy starts to grow within him. Will the rock star angel sacrifice everything in order to secure the woman of his dreams? Will Sakina choose the right man in the end?

While I eagerly waited in suspense for the answers to these questions I enjoyed some stunning dance scenes and mesmerizing music. Mostly composed by Monty Sharma, the score is a throwback to classic Bollywood and more traditional Indian music. Among my personal favorites are "Yoon Shabnami," which has beautiful choreography and lyrics which mix Raj's praises of the moon with praises of Sakina; also included are the cheeky number, "Chahbeela," in which the women tease Raj; and "Thode Badmash," in which Sakina sings about her absent lover.

This film should also be accessible to most Westerners, as it is sprinkled with English words and phrases and its main character is reminiscent at times of some kind of punk rock star.

So, if you're looking for something different to watch this weekend and you're ready to take a trip to a romantic foreign dream world, "Saawariya" just might be the film for you.