Ambition, determination, and a thirst for success are at the heart of this cinematic journey. Guru, directed by Mani Ratnam, is a rags-to-riches drama set against the backdrop of post-independence India. Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, and Mithun Chakraborty, the film traces the meteoric rise of a man who transforms himself from a simple villager into one of the most powerful industrialists in the country. Loosely inspired by the life of business magnate Dhirubhai Ambani, the movie spans decades, beginning in a small village in Gujarat in the 1950s and moving through the bustling business hubs of Bombay, touching on the political and economic landscape of the time.
The story follows Gurukant Desai, or Guru, a determined young man with grand aspirations. Raised in a humble village, Guru refuses to accept the limitations of his upbringing and dreams of making it big. His journey takes him from Turkey, where he starts off selling petrol cans, to Bombay, where he launches his own business empire. Along the way, Guru faces challenges from all fronts—personal, financial, and political. With his ever-supportive wife Sujata, played by Aishwarya, by his side, Guru relentlessly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, but his methods invite scrutiny. Journalist Manik Dasgupta, played by Mithun, is among those questioning Guru’s ethics, creating a moral tension that simmers throughout the film. The central conflict of the story revolves around how far a man can go in the pursuit of success before he loses his moral compass. The narrative cleverly avoids being either a glorification or condemnation of Guru, making it a complex portrayal of ambition.
One of the film’s most striking aspects is the performance of Abhishek in the lead role. Abhishek delivers arguably one of his finest performances, bringing a blend of charisma, intensity, and vulnerability to Guru’s character. His transformation from an eager young dreamer to a hardened businessman is both gradual and believable, as he balances the different shades of his character with nuance. Particularly memorable are the scenes where Guru faces public and private confrontations—Abhishek’s delivery is restrained but powerful, conveying a man deeply aware of his flaws but driven by his ambition. Aishwarya, as Sujata, provides a strong supporting presence, and while her role might seem understated, she imbues it with grace and strength, especially in moments where Sujata’s quiet resilience shines through. Mithun, as the idealistic journalist, adds moral weight to the story, offering a foil to Guru’s pragmatic approach. His scenes with Abhishek are tense and layered, highlighting the conflict between idealism and ambition.
The direction by Mani Ratnam is a masterclass in storytelling. He skillfully handles the film’s sprawling narrative, weaving together multiple threads that explore not just Guru’s rise to power but also the socio-political landscape of the time. The film never feels rushed despite the decades it covers, largely thanks to tight editing by Sreekar Prasad. Ratnam’s ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and conflict remains unparalleled, and he does so here with great finesse. The pacing is deliberate, allowing each phase of Guru’s journey to unfold naturally, while the screenplay keeps the audience engaged, shifting between personal drama and corporate intrigue.
Visually, Guru is stunning. Rajiv Menon’s cinematography captures the evolving settings beautifully—from the simplicity of rural Gujarat to the bustling, chaotic energy of Bombay. The wide shots of sprawling factories and industrial landscapes offer a stark contrast to the intimate close-ups of Guru and Sujata’s relationship, reflecting the film’s broader theme of ambition versus personal values. The costumes, designed by Anu Parthasarathy and Sai, effectively convey the passage of time, with Guru’s evolving wardrobe serving as a visual representation of his rise from a modest trader to a wealthy tycoon. Special effects, though minimal, are used effectively, particularly in sequences showcasing the industrial expansions that Guru builds.
The music by A.R. Rahman adds a rich, emotional layer to the film. Songs like “Tere Bina” and “Barso Re” are not only beautifully composed but also serve as emotional turning points in the narrative. The music underscores the romance between Guru and Sujata, adding a softer tone to the otherwise intense storyline. Rahman’s background score, as always, elevates key moments, particularly during Guru’s speeches and confrontations. The use of traditional instruments blended with modern sounds creates a unique soundscape that complements the film’s setting and era. However, the songs are never intrusive, and they seamlessly blend into the film without disrupting its flow.
One of the key themes of the film is the moral ambiguity of success. Guru is neither a hero nor a villain; he is a man who plays by his own rules in a system that is inherently flawed. This gray area is what makes the film so compelling. Mani Ratnam presents Guru’s journey without overt judgment, allowing the audience to grapple with the ethical questions it raises. The film also touches upon the broader theme of economic growth in post-independence India, exploring the intersection of politics, business, and media. Guru’s rise is paralleled with the country’s economic aspirations, making his story not just personal but reflective of a larger national ambition.
In conclusion, Guru is a richly layered film that stands out for its storytelling, performances, and technical brilliance. Abhishek delivers a career-defining performance, supported by a stellar cast and anchored by Mani Ratnam’s assured direction. The film’s exploration of ambition, ethics, and the cost of success resonates on multiple levels, making it more than just a biographical drama. It’s a film that provokes thought, raises questions, and offers no easy answers. For those who appreciate character-driven stories set against a larger socio-political canvas, Guru is a must-watch.
