Guru

Guru is a Bollywood drama film released on January 12, 2007. Directed by Mani Ratnam, this biographical drama is loosely inspired by the life of Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries. The film stars Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Madhavan, Vidya Balan, and Mithun Chakraborty in pivotal roles.

Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, Guru explores the journey of an ambitious entrepreneur who dares to dream big and navigate the challenges of establishing his business empire. With its riveting narrative, stellar performances, and A.R. Rahman’s enchanting music, Guru is not just a story of business success but also of resilience and determination.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Gurukant Desai, fondly called Guru (Abhishek Bachchan), a young man from a small village in Gujarat with grand aspirations. Dissatisfied with his modest beginnings, Guru moves to Mumbai with dreams of becoming a successful businessman. He marries Sujata (Aishwarya Rai) for her dowry, which serves as his initial investment.

Through sheer determination, hard work, and unconventional tactics, Guru builds a business empire, earning both admirers and critics. While his rise to the top is inspiring, his methods often draw scrutiny, leading to accusations of corruption and unethical practices. The story unfolds as Guru faces trials, legal battles, and public opinion, while his vision and perseverance remain unwavering.

What’s Good?

Stellar Performances

Abhishek Bachchan delivers one of his career-best performances, bringing depth and charisma to the character of Guru. He convincingly portrays the transformation of an ambitious young man into a shrewd and determined entrepreneur. Aishwarya Rai shines as Sujata, offering grace and strength to her role as a supportive yet strong-willed partner.

Direction by Mani Ratnam

Mani Ratnam’s direction is a masterclass in storytelling. He skillfully balances the personal and professional aspects of Guru’s life, making the character relatable and human. The screenplay is gripping, ensuring the audience stays engaged throughout the movie.

Music by A.R. Rahman

The soundtrack of Guru is a standout, with A.R. Rahman delivering a mesmerizing score. Songs like “Tere Bina,” “Mayya Mayya,” and “Barso Re” not only enhance the narrative but also remain timeless classics. The background score perfectly complements the film’s emotional depth and grandeur.

Cinematography and Visuals

Rajiv Menon’s cinematography captures the essence of the era beautifully. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene landscapes of rural India, the visuals are both vibrant and authentic. The production design further enhances the period setting, making the film visually compelling.

Themes and Message

Guru is not just a film about business; it’s a story of grit, ambition, and perseverance. The movie raises questions about ethics and morality in the pursuit of success, leaving the audience to ponder over the fine line between right and wrong.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Powerful Performances: Abhishek Bachchan’s transformation and Aishwarya Rai’s emotional portrayal are the film’s backbone.
• Engaging Storytelling: Mani Ratnam’s direction ensures a perfect blend of drama, emotion, and intrigue.
• Exceptional Music: A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack is unforgettable and elevates the narrative.
• Inspirational Narrative: The rags-to-riches story resonates universally, inspiring audiences to chase their dreams.

Weaknesses

• Predictable Plot: The storyline, while engaging, follows a predictable trajectory that might feel familiar to some viewers.
• Pacing Issues: Certain parts of the film, especially in the second half, feel slightly dragged, impacting the overall tempo.
• Lack of Subtlety: At times, the messaging and emotional beats are overtly dramatic, which may not appeal to all audiences.

Target Audience

Guru caters to a wide audience, particularly those who enjoy biographical dramas and inspiring stories. The movie’s themes of ambition and resilience make it relatable for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. Families can appreciate its emotional depth and universal appeal, while fans of Mani Ratnam and A.R. Rahman will undoubtedly admire the film’s artistic brilliance.

Box Office Details

Budget and Earnings

• Total Budget: Approximately ₹22 crore
• Worldwide Collection: Around ₹83 crore

Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)

1. Day 1: ₹3.50 crore (India) | ₹1.2 crore (Overseas)
2. Day 2: ₹4.75 crore (India) | ₹1.5 crore (Overseas)
3. Day 3: ₹6 crore (India) | ₹1.8 crore (Overseas)
4. Day 4: ₹3.2 crore (India) | ₹1 crore (Overseas)
5. Day 5: ₹2.8 crore (India) | ₹0.9 crore (Overseas)

The film was a commercial success, earning critical acclaim and performing well at the box office. Its unique storytelling and strong word-of-mouth contributed to its sustained success.

Recommendation

Guru is an inspiring and well-crafted film that leaves a lasting impression. With exceptional performances, soulful music, and a compelling story, it’s a cinematic gem that appeals to both the heart and mind. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an emotionally engaging and thought-provoking movie experience.

Genres:

Drama, Romance

Rating:

6.8/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Abhishek Bachchan	Gurukanth Desai
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan	Sujata Desai
Mithun Chakraborty	Manik Dasgupta
R. Madhavan	Shyam Saxena
Vidya Balan	Meenakshi “Meenu” Saxena
Arya Babbar	Jignesh
Mallika Sherawat	Champa
Prathap Pothan	K R Menon I.A.S.
Sachin Khedekar	Sujata’s Father
Manoj Joshi	Ghanshyam Bhai
Dhritiman Chatterjee	Contractor Sahaab
Nina Kulkarni	Sujata’s Mother
Roshan Seth	Thapar
Arjan Bajwa	Arzaan Contractor
Mukesh Bhhatt	Ram Lal
Rajendra Gupta	Kantilal Desai
Darshan Jariwala	Anand Patekar
Sarita Joshi	Guru’s Stepmother
Sanjay Mishra
Sudhir Pandey	Mathura Das
Elina Wadiwala	uncredited

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