Reviewed by Tulsi Desai

Leave it to Hollywood, given a choice out of hundreds, to finance one the most boring movies in Bollywood history. Hyped not only because of its American money, but also boasting the introduction of the next generation of Bollywood legacies, “Saawariya” is a great example of how money can generate lavish sets and international buzz, only to make a two hour movie feel like five.

Based loosely, and by loosely I mean extrapolated liberally, on Dostoevsky's “White Nights”, “Saawariya” (translation: Beloved) is the story of musician and befriender of wayward women, Ranbir Raj (annoying as nails on a chalkboard, Ranbir Kapoor) and his love interest, the perpetually weeping beauty, Sakina (Sonam Kapoor). Though Ranbir relentlessly pursues her, sings and dances for her, she ultimately leaves him high and dry for her long lost love (Salman Khan). In between this heavy decision making process, you are entertained by a whole lot of nothing that goes on. Needless to say, neither debutante impresses in this dreary and cheesy film; rather both are outshone by Bollywood veteran Rani Mukherjii, who plays a dynamic and edgy hooker named “Gulab.”

The most that can be said in kind about “Saawariya” is that the sets are larger than life and intricately constructed- vintage Sanjay Leela Bhansali. However, unlike Bhansali’s other reputable works (see “Devdas” or “ Black”), his latest attempt fails to match the top tier design with quality dialogue and talented leads. There is little chemistry between the hero and heroine- essential to the success of any romantic drama and even more so in Bollywood. The musical score, another Indian cinema essential, is much like the script- long, flowery and forgettable. Most of the first half is a bombardment of song and dance sequences and irritating platitudes of love by Ranbir, which succeed only in bringing tears of boredom. Sakina, who seems to cry for a sheer lack of personality, is inherently unlikeable and you are left wondering how any man could talk to her, let alone fall madly in love with her. The second half, if you can get to it, leaves little to shake your hips about.

Special Features

“Making the Music”, “Premiere Night”, and trailers.

Saawariya is entirely in Hindi but offers subtitles in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean and Thai.