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It
seems remakes are the Bollywood norm these days. For box office
success they must match the calibre of the original. And that's
exactly what this remake of a 1981 hit achieves.
19th
Century Lucknow forms the backdrop which involves the kidnapping
of Amiran, in Faizabad and sold to a kotha (meaning brothel) owned
by the strict Khanum Sahib (Shabana Asmi).
Re-christened,
Umrao Jaan, she grows into a beautiful courtesan and poetess in
her own right.
Her
first mujra performance sees her falling in love with Nawab Sultan
(Abhishek Bachchan), promising to be loyal to him.
But
fate plays a cruel trick, as she loses her first love. She stands
by her loyal promise as dacoit Faiz Ali (Suniel Shetty), a wolf
in a sheep skin becomes smitten by her.
This
is a moving story of a courtesan who is simply born unlucky due
to unforeseen circumstances聟
Authentically
painted and carved sets of the kothas (meaning brothels)
with minute details including the colourfully designed persian carpets
and the presence of pankhawalas, transport you back to the depicted
era.
This
is further enhanced by the exquisite costumes with matching intricate
jewellery and graceful classical kathak dances.
The
stunningly beautiful Aishwarya gives the most sensitive and moving
performance of her career whilst Abhishek Bachchan as the Nawab
compliments her in every way as her loyal lover who rejects her
due to a misunderstanding.
Shabana
Azmi as the stern but caring Khanum Sahib excels throughout whilst
on the technical front, the heart-wrenching musical score will succeed
in bringing a tear or two.
Defintely
see this version you liked the original Umrao Jaan, but this one
focuses more purely on the Mirza Mohammed Hadi Ruswa's novel.
Doing
well at the UK cinemas and so not to be missed!
Reviewed
by Manish Gajjar,
麻豆官网首页入口 Bollywood Correspondent
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