Guzaarish

This 2010 UTV Motion picture set in Goa, India was a most remarkable and heart-warming journey that I've seen in a long time. Besides the iconic music used in the film to make it memorable, the story-content and gripping and controversial substance made it something of brilliance and something of celebration!

Growing up in the West-Indies, and specifically in Trinidad & Tobago, East-Indian culture isn't hard to find. I was immersed in the music, the dancing, the food and of course the movies. I would say that this film although starring Indian superstars like Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai, isn't the typical type of Bollywood film one would imagine. When one thinks of Bollywood, they think of singing and dance numbers and elaborate and fantastic sets; but this film was much more subtle and aptly so.

Ethan Mascarenhas played by Hrithik Roshan was a man respected and admired by many; he was a successful magician, whom one day suffered a tragic accident during one of his acts, which left him as a quadriplegic. Fourteen years later, he's still fighting along and has inspired many like himself and others who just seem lost in life. He hosts a radio show and is light, love and laughter to all who enter into his life. But then something changes within his heart and he has a strong need for change. Guzaarish is the Hindi word meaning Desire; and throughout this film, the audience sees how powerful his desire really is and although we fall in love with the main character and may disagree with his aspiration, slowly we all begin to understand what kind of life he has endured and why even what may seem daunting, could ultimately be the most freeing and most beautiful of all.

Guzaarish is by far a gem in cinematic history. I say this because it can inspire and brighten even the most depressed and disheartened people. It shines light on how grateful and how beautiful life is at every moment, despite what may seem like a whirlwind of bitterness and disappointment. The acting portrayed by Roshan was larger than life, especially since most of it was done by his facial expressions and longing eyes. Aishwarya Rai lent us her beauty once more, but also surprising comic timing and grace so many women lack to carry today.

If you need a 'pick-me-upper' or some faith to keep on going, I'd certainly recommend this film that will speak to your heart with it's music, and wake you up with it's refreshing Goa cinematic landscapes. There was comedy, romance and certainly a dramatic and emotional passage of one man's outstanding life. Don't forget to bring with you some tissues to dry the tears.

I will leave you with some words uttered by the main character, which goes:

"Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love deeply. Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile." :))