Saawariya (2007)

39% of critics liked it
(18 reviews)
48% of users liked it
(5,652 ratings)

The title of Saawariya carries a double meaning; it refers to both an epithet for the Hindu god Krishna and to a title sought by many Indian lovers, who wish to reach a state of "Saawariya," or overpowering consumption by love. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama Saawariya weaves the… More The title of Saawariya carries a double meaning; it refers to both an epithet for the Hindu god Krishna and to a title sought by many Indian lovers, who wish to reach a state of "Saawariya," or overpowering consumption by love. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama Saawariya weaves the tale of the ill-fated romance between two such individuals: artist Raj, who finds the fulfillment of his soul's yearning when he enters one of the most picturesque rural hamlets in India, and his lover, Sakina, a mysterious young woman whom he spots standing on a bridge. Raj tries desperately to win Sakina's love and devotion, but finds it increasingly difficult to accept the truth of her past. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 2 hr. 18 min.
Directed By: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Written By: Prakash Kapadia, Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Genres: Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Art House & International

In Theaters: Nov 9, 2007 Wide
On DVD: May 6, 2008
Studio: Sony Pictures

Critic Reviews

Abigail Deutsch, Village Voice
See this movie if you need to get some sleep.
Derek Elley, Variety
Saawariya entices, fitfully springs to life but finally outstays its welcome by a good half-hour.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
How can it be that a movie as beautiful to look at as Saawariya is so...boring?
Kirk Honeycutt, Hollywood Reporter
For audiences unaccustomed to the format, the film runs too long -- though it is short by Bollywood standards -- and is repetitive, sentimental and cliched.
A.O. Scott, New York Times
Saawariya is 2 hours 11 minutes of wide-screen close-ups, fanciful sets, colorful costumes, bellybuttons, almost-kisses and 10 pumped-up, achingly sweet songs.
John Anderson, Newsday
When the most intriguing thing about a film is the production design, you know you're in trouble.
Bryant Frazer, Bryant Frazer's Deep Focus
Ranbir Raj is a charming presence with moves that suggest a cross between Justin Timberlake and Gene Kelly, but the screen really comes to life when it's full of dancers.
Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile
With its lavish production design, extravagant sets, poetic musical numbers and photogenic stars, Saawariya is ravishing to look at, but disappointing overall
Andy Klein, Los Angeles CityBeat
I have my problems with Saawariya's story, but the neon/candy production design and cinematography are dazzling, among the most gorgeous I've yet seen in hi-def ... Moulin Rouge times two.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
[A]n enrapturing movie, deliciously gorgeous and impossible not to fall in love with...
Bill Gibron, DVD Verdict
Everything here is so bright and shiny, so glistening with masterful movie magic, that it's a shame the storytelling lags behind.
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
Entertaining ... Not all that different from America's love affair with MTV, American idol, and prime time TV offerings
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
A stylistic achievement, but a storytelling disappointment. And the music and dancing? You walk away wishing there had been more big production numbers and less of the sad clown/mime nonsense.
David Chute, L.A. Weekly
Comes this close to sweeping us off our feet.
Jaspreet Pandohar, BBC
Disappointingly, neither India's most artistic director nor his new discoveries can prevent this song-packed extravaganza from being a beautifully crafted bore.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
May not be the artistic milestone many have been hoping for, but as the first product of Bollywood's marriage with Hollywood, there should be pride from all corners for producing a solidly crafted entertainment.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The songs are undistinguished, and while newcomers Sonam Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor (who aren't related) both have impeccable Bollywood pedigrees, her performance is wildly uneven -- and his strenuously madcap antics are grating rather than endearing.

Read all 17 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Leo L

This is a movie that has you captivated with complete interest from beginning to end. Although the story plot dwindles a bit, it's the characters that strikes a most mesmerizing effect. The cinematography is also amazing. Great music! Great cast. Zohra Sehgal truly shines once… More
This is a movie that has you captivated with complete interest from beginning to end. Although the story plot dwindles a bit, it's the characters that strikes a most mesmerizing effect. The cinematography is also amazing. Great music! Great cast. Zohra Sehgal truly shines once again. Definitely worthy.
Marion R

I really wanted to see this film. what a disappointment. You think it is going to be some visual masterpiece with great songs, instead you get okay visuals with so-so songs. I could not remember one song from this film, that is a bad sign, in musicals the music is the life of the… More
I really wanted to see this film. what a disappointment. You think it is going to be some visual masterpiece with great songs, instead you get okay visuals with so-so songs. I could not remember one song from this film, that is a bad sign, in musicals the music is the life of the story and this film had no life. With such a fantastical story you think the director could have captured some of that.