Customer Reviews

Saathiya

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

SAATHIYA (meaning "Companion") has a contemporary look and feel and is surprisingly, effectively low key despite the eight musical acts and the sustained bits of Bollywood trappings. The film has an earnest goal in mind with regards to its depiction of young love and marriage, and it works as the story ends up more realistic and up to date in tone, but still maintaining that romantic appeal. This is the story of a boy and a girl who, out of love, choose to eschew family traditions to be together.

SPOILERS:

In vain, a young man awaits his wife at a railway stop. As he frantically searches high and low for her, the film flashes back to two years before, when Aditya, the young man (Vivek Oberoi), first met his future bride Suhani (Rani Mukerji) at a friend's wedding. Aditya is instantly smitten with Suhani. She's not amused. For the ensuing weeks and months, Aditya playfully but relentlessly pursues Suhani, who is a medical student focused on her career path and wants no distractions. She's from a poor family and wants to make her parents proud. Aditya, carefree and rudderless, hails from wealth. You see where this is going.

Suhani at last breaks down and professes an interest, and Aditya's rich parents come a-calling at Suhani's simple household to arrange a marriage. The meeting doesn't go well, as class prejudice rears its ugly head, and Suhani's proud father ends up feeling slighted by the condescending manner evinced by Aditya's dad. So, no marriage. The heartbroken kids initially accept this and try to get along without each other for a while, but you know how love goes. In the end, Aditya and Suhani wed secretly but continue to live in their respective family's homes.

But the secret comes out when Suhani's folks try to arrange a marriage for her. Suhani and Aditya are both kicked out of their homes by their furious parents. Suhani and Aditya now have to live together as a real married couple. And, really, at halfway thru the film, this is where the story begins.

END SPOILERS.

After the intermission, SAATHIYA doesn't take too long to dispense with the romance at first blush angle and instead delve into what makes a serious relationship work. Or, at least, it tries to. Forced to strike out on their own, Suhani and Aditya fairly soon arrive to the conclusion that they may have been too hasty in getting married. The first months in their now openly acknowledged marriage reflect how excitement erodes and familiarity sets in. The arguments are initially cute and Suhani even makes a game of it as she playfully marks an "X" on the calendar for each day they fight. But the arguments become more venomous and, gradually, the words become more barbed and hurtful. Then follow the days in which they don't speak to each other at all. Finally, they arrive at that stage in which the one is on the verge of leaving and the other, perfectly fine with that departure. But, here's the thing that bugs me. Looking back, the points of contention between the two seem to be too petty to result in such a dramatic division. The strongest cause for the rift seems to be that Suhani is feeling neglected and underappreciated. Their fights just don't carry that certain impact or gravity which would convince the viewer that, yes, this marriage is about to plunge off a cliff.

Rani Mukerji, she of the distinctive, sexy-husky voice, is one of the leading lights of Bollywood (check out BLACK and Hum Tum DVD 2004). And she doesn't disappoint here as I, again, found her intelligent, captivating, and vulnerable. And very cute. Vivek Oberoi (not bad in Kyun! Ho Gaya Na (2 Disc Set)) is a handsome dude who deserves acting propers here, although he runs his fingers thru his hair too often. He matches Rani scene for scene, even if I did want to jack him up for his callous behavior towards Rani in the beach musical sequence ("Chori Pe Chori"). Their chemistry doesn't quite set the screen aflame; rather, it's more of a less intense kind of heat. But it works.

The supporting cast does a fine job, with a nod to the actors who play Suhani's stern father and supportive sister. By the way, Tanuja, who is very good as Suhani's mom, is Rani's real life aunt. Shahrukh Khan and Tabu show up out of the blue in the latter stages as strangers who impact our two leads, and not in a nice way. It's a testament to the engaging performances of the two leads that Indian cinema superstar Shahrukh Khan doesn't steal the spotlight, although, yes, it is a subdued part given to him. However, it must be noted that, in the few snippets of screen time provided for Khan and Tabu's characters, they - much more clearly than Suhani or Aditya - do manage to achingly exemplify one integral aspect of relationships, which is sacrifice.

In the final tally, SAATHIYA comes across as a very good and thoughtful film, centering on the ups and downs of a young marriage. There's the normal family histrionics in the form of the vehemently disapproving parents. And something does happen later which is pretty melodramatic. But, while there is tragedy waiting in the wings, there are, at least, no outrageous love triangles, no memory loss suffered by the leads, no look-alikes or impersonations (well, okay, there's one tiny bit of impersonation here), and none of the coincidences so rife in the Bollywood genre. Just a sweet love story finally evolving into a mature relationship, even if that maturity isn't attained 'til the film's closing minutes. As a Bollywood product, it's a nice change of pace.

Saathiyan is a Hindi remake of the Mani Rathnam original in Tamil "Alayapayude"

Vivek Oberoi plays Aditya Sehgal, a happy go lucky rich lad who is yet to understand the true meaning of love. That is of course, until he meets Suhani Sharma (Rani Mukherjee). Suhani is a medical student intent on becoming a doctor, she doesn't want unnecessary things (like love) to get in the way of her career.

She soon realizes that you can't control matters of the heart, no matter how hard you try to resist. Due to the disapproval of their parents the couple decides to elope, once married, the real tests begin.

The story is nothing original. But the treatment and the focus are different. Mani Rathnam does not focus on uniting the rebellious romantics but tries to address the underlying issues of sustaining togetherness in wedlock. Practical realities and the impact of these realities on the marriage and how the couple deals with these are the main focus of the film.

Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukerjee are both good but lack the simplicity and honesty portrayed by Madhavan and Shalini in the original. The freshness of youth and the associated callousness was definitely better portrayed by Madhavan and Shalini than Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukherjee.

The music is also not as striking as the original. For anyone who has seen the original the remake is definitely a let down and for those who cannot understand Tamil I still recommend the original with the subtitles.
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Whether you like Saathiya or not, you're not gonna ignore it.There's something quite unique in this film. The first half shows scenes of Vivek Oberoi chasing Rani at Mumbai platforms. Now, within those scenes Oberoi manages to redefine charm. His screen presence was never better and I wonder how or why he tumbled from that elevated point in stardom that he achieved.

It's a film about a guy and a girl. Marriage hits them and later marriage vows.Typical bollywood style accidents happen and some strong guest appearances by SRK and Tabu help manage it get a lot of crowd in.

A winner of sorts. A dramatic love story not to be forgotten soon.

I've got about 20 DVD's with Rani Mukherji and about 8 of them on Blu-Ray, so of course, this is just another Rani Mukherji film that I know would look fantastic in High Definition Blu-Ray. It's too bad that Vivek Oberoi didn't become more successful as an actor, because if anything, he looks like he'd make a great bad guy in Bollywood film.

But, I generally watch a Bollywood film because I love to watch good looking people on film. A good story is only secondary as my intention to be entertained.

If you an English speaking American, and are new to Bollywood films, let me give you a breakdown of how I interpret and ingest the Bollywood experience:

First of all, you will most always be reading English subtitles.
The average Bollywood film is about 3 hours long.
Bollywood films are very colorful. All their beautiful fashion, and colorful dance floors. In High Definition, just the sceneries alone make you appreciate what High Definition is all about.
About 30 percent of the film will be music videos (with Yash Raj films, it's more like about 45 percent). I personally wish there were less music videos if the movie is already over three hours long.
About 30 percent of most Bollywood films have some rather silly, really unfunny, and downright annoying comedy scenes (which is usually in the first half of the film), then the film will start to become more serious, as it moves along.
One of the main reasons why you will watch a Bollywood film, is because you already chose to fall in love with one of their many beautiful actresses, or handsome actors. (I personally try to see all Rani Mukherji films, and Shah Rukh Khan is the one actor known to be one of the biggest box office sellers of Bollywood.)

So, I guess I can honestly say that I have about 10 Blu-Ray Bollywood films which about 7 of them are Yash Raj releases. Thouugh I have about 100 Bollywood films on DVD, all I really care to get on Blu-Ray now is "Lagaan" which was the first Bollywood film that I saw about 10 years ago. And perhaps "Mann" with Aamir Khan, and "Rangeela" which stars the enchanting Urmila Matondkar. Oh, and I guess it would be truly appreciated if "Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai" starring Amisha Patel and Hrithik Roshan would ever be released in High Definition Blu-Ray. The scenes in India and New Zealand were all just so beautiful on the screen.

Another good movie that I would like to recommend, that is not a Yash Raj film, but is available on Blu-Ray is "Ghulam" starring Rani Mukherji and Aamir Khan. Even all the song videos in this film are all truly appreciated, and the added humor isn't so annoying. Check it out!

'Saathiya' is a perfect example of what Bollywood does best--a realistic romantic drama about two impulsive kids who fall in love against the odds and have no idea what they're getting into. That's right, Bollywood naysayers--all you who mistakenly think Hindi films are escapistic candyfloss--realistic. No contrivances or extravagances--'Saathiya' is a fresh, charming, honest story about sweet, thrilling, ordinary young love. The project was a convergence of masters--written by esteemed Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam, music by legendary composer A.R. Rahman, starring actors Rani Mukerji and Vivek Oberoi at their best, and released by heavyweight Yash Raj Films.

Suhani (Mukerji) is a hard-working med student from a working-class family. Aditya, the good-natured son of a rich father, is bagging law school to start his own computer company. They meet briefly at the wedding of mutual friends and then see each other repeatedly on passing commuter trains. The coming and going of trains is a metaphor throughout the film for the couple's missed connections. The story periodically cuts to scenes two years in the future of an anxious Aditya waiting for Suhani at a train station, and the foreshadowing effectively heightens the drama of their courtship--the emotional stakes aren't high in the beginning, but you know they will be.

Aditya tracks her down and with some difficulty wins her over. He broaches marriage far too early in their relationship, their parents object, she breaks up with him and goes away on a medical internship, he chases after her, and they elope and decide to keep their marriage a secret until she's finished with school and he gets his business off the ground. Their unconsummated union, spent separately in their parents' homes with only fleeting moments in public together, is maddeningly tense, and their unbearable longing for each other utterly romantic--all wonderfully expressed in the kind of stylistically classic song-and-dance numbers that you don't see enough of anymore. Eventually, the truth comes out and their parents disown them. Finally together as husband and wife, they're poor, happy, and reveling in conjugal life--for a while anyway. Novelty wears off, routine sets in, problems crop up, he becomes neglectful, she turns into a nag, and before they know it, their marriage is a mess.

Superstars Shahrukh Khan and Tabu make cameo appearances in a climactic plot twist that resolves the conflict too neatly, but it's a forgivable shortcoming in otherwise flawless film.

- The Bollywood Ticket: The American guide to Indian movies (Subscribe: The Bollywood Ticket)

I love a simple love story and here is one so well acted by Rani and Vivek as they progress from love to marriage. Beautifully done, with great music (the great A. R. Rahman) and fabulous direction by Shaad Ali. The story goes back and forward in time, which I think really adds to the storytelling genius of Mani Ratnam.

This movie from 2002 tried to show a relationship after the marriage when a couple settles to the realities of life. Generally it does fine with that.
This was the first Bollywood I ever saw- and the only Bollywood I have ever seen in a cinema. It was interesting revisiting this on DVD now I've seen somewhere between 50 and 100 Bollywoods on DVD.
Vivek Oberoi I thought stunningly good-looking when I saw him first. Now I've seen more Indian stars I see him as cute but without a lot of the depth of beauty I've found in others. Well it was his first year acting in this movie and there's no scale really for attractive males!
I don't see a lot of chemistry between him and Rani - but then I know her stuff so well now that I have seen her connect in other movies.
It is a beautiful to look at movie and A.R. Rahmans music is quietly evocative rather than catchy. The lyrics are often pure poetry and it's a pity I cant load the subtitles when I download music as the Westerner only has the catchier or moodier music to take with them without them.
The plot includes the traditionalist Indian dilemma of whether to go with a parental suggestion of an arranged marriage or follow ones heart.
To an outsider this often makes little sense. The basis seems to be that parents are wiser and known you well. In fact what we see in Bollywoods are parents who often know their children little. We particularly see a lot of parents who choose apparently on a whim too - a good offer, an old friend they'd like to be linked with by marrying their kids off. In this movie this is also so: the 'wise' parents, even though they are brought into the proceedings, fight. One is bigoted about the other being from a less wealthy family. That wise father is also rude, and the other 'loving father who knows his daughter well' casts her from the family on a principle that she has damaged the family ego!...Hmmm!
Whether these 2 fight because they married on a romantic whim is moot. Plenty of traditionally paired Bollywood couplings seem to bicker too. These 2 also knew each other little and in any culture that is going to mean a lot of learning after the vows- and they are trying to work it out without the support of their family as their 'loving wise' parents exiled them and put them under extra stress! Anyway these are all interesting questions for the viewer.
I'm giving it a 4 as it looks good, is well acted and the lyrics and music are fine (though not the most memorable in Bollywood). Now I know these movies more I didn't find the plot engaged me as much as many others, nor did I get so hooked into the romance as I have but it is quite a fine little movie (and yes I thought it was long in the cinema but I have now adapted to the longer length and it seems shorter than it did- and DVDs you can always take breaks when you want to!)
Oh - and there is a cameo from Shah Rukh Khan near the end.

This is 1 of the greatest movies of Bollywood. Rani looks beautiful as always and Vivek looks really cute. I recommend anyone who likes Bollywod movies to watch this and people who don't know about Bollywood should start watching. It's betta than a Hollywood movie!!!!!!!

I've been a fan of Bollywood for almost 2 years and this movie goes reccomended. Vivek and Rani are excellent in their roles and have sizziling chemistry. Sure, it's a romance movie and some might call it chessy but it goes farther then most American movie go.

Saathiya is not as good as Alaipayuthay., But it still is awesome. There are very good performances and awesome songs. The best song is Chupke Se. But be4 watching it you should watch the Tamil version first (Alaipayuthay) because you would really enjoy it!