Saathiya Starring Vivek Oberoi, Rani Mukherji
Directed By Shaad Ali, Script by Mani Ratnam & Music by AR Rehman
The movie garnered both critical acclaim and commercial box office success upon release in 2002. It won several awards for its direction, performances and music.
Marriage Is A Journey, Not A Destination
A chance encounter at a local wedding sets the ball rolling. Saathiya starts off as an innocuous tale of rich boy (Aditya played by Vivek Oberoi) meets poor girl Sohani(Rani Mukherji). Sohani is a serious medical student, and the younger daughter of a lower middle class family. She is initially skeptical of Aditya's intentions, but he wins her over with his persistence. He sends his parents to Sohani's house to finalize their marriage, but his father disapproves of Sohani and her family and insults them. Sohani subsequently turns down Aditya's proposal, but he follows her until she relents again.
The couple have a quiet temple ceremony and court wedding, and then part ways. They continue to live with their families without informing their parents. But Sohani is forced to confess her secret when her family tries to get her elder sister Dina (Sandhya Mridul) married. Dina's suitor has a younger brother who is considered an eligible match for Sohani, and the families are horrified when they learn of Sohani's secret marriage.
The lovers are thrown out of their houses, and vow never to contact their families again. Aditya concentrates on his start up computer business, and Sohani on her hospital job. The couple rent a dilapidated house, and are happy to begin with, but the pressures of work and running a house gradually take their toll. Further differences arise when Sohani learns of her father's illness, and feels the need to reestablish family ties. Aditya's ego is hurt, more quarrels ensue and Sohani leaves house. But the drama begins when she is reported missing.
Saathiya Is Shaad Ali's Hindi Remake Of A Mani Ratnam Tamil Classic.
Let us get straight to the point - Saathiya is an exceedingly well directed movie, and barring the climax is an engaging watch. The chemistry between the lead pair is terrific, and enhanced by the fact that both are superb actors. The supporting cast of Sandhya Mridul, Tanuja, Satish Shah and Swaroop Sampat are great. AR Rehman's music is top notch, and the songs are popular even today. What does not work is the way some of the songs are interposed, with typical Bollywood choreography. The climax, with a cameo appearance by Shahrukh Khan, also seems unrealistic. The effect detracts from what is actually a very serious movie about love, marriage, and the realities of life.
- Released in: 2002.
- Director: Shaad Ali
- Starring: Vivek Oberoi,Rani Mukherji, Tanuja, Sandhya Mridul, Satish Shah and Swaroop Sampat
- Run time: 130 mins
- Music: A R Rehman
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