text: Bhansali let down | News24
  Bhansali let down
  Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali is noted for his finesse in brilliant films. This time round in explores Dostoevsky's short story White Night in his adaptation titled Saawariya. The film is brilliantly made with lots of style, but fails to touch you where it matters most — in the heart.
  In a small dreamworld town of Saawariya, a young lad Raj (Ranbir Kapoor), a small-time singer, brings joy to all the people he meets, especially Gulab (Rani Mukherjee), a talkative prostitute who simply loves him. His landlady Lollipop (Zohra Sehgal) also adores him.
  Then he is struck by love for a mysterious girl, Sakina (Sonam Kapoor). He tries to cheer Sakina who is standing on a bridge. Sakina intrigues Raj as he pursues her and this is the start of a new friendship. Raj soon learns that Sakina's heart belongs to Imaan (Salman Khan). This fairy tale is about the test of love. It continues as the pain of Raj's unrequited feelings are displayed to a young woman in waiting. Will Raj be able to capture Sakina's heart? Will Sakina be able to get over Imaan?
  Ranbir Kapoor makes a brilliant debut. True to his genes, he displays a plethora of emotions effortlessly. Sonam is beautiful but is not given much footage to display her talent. Rani Mukherji is brilliant as usual, and let's not forget Zohra Sehgal who wins your heart. Salman Khan is wasted.
  Bhansali is a brilliant storyteller but his weak script lets him down — as the pace builds up he starts losing grip of his direction. To date this is Bhansali's weakest film. Overall a very disappointing film, but you will enjoy the brilliant technical finesse. ***