There are 2 levels of this movie: when you consider it only as a movie, and take all the performances for face value. The second level is where you draw analogies to Dhirubhai Ambani’s life and try to dwell deep there.

At the Movie Level: Abhishek Bachchan stands out. If anyone had any doubts about his acting prowess (I never did, after his initial couple of movies) – they should surely be answered now. His dialogues are simple in words, but profound in effect. Of course, Mani Ratnam’s screenplay helps bring out the best in him – but this has to be Bachchan Junior’s finest performance till date. From schoolboy grins to young dreams to putting his detractors in their place, he does it all very well.The beauty of this movie is that characters have been in and out of the movie to highlight Guru”Bhai”Kant Desai’s life and times. Aishwarya Rai is the only constant feature – and delivers a better performance than her recent misadventures in Dhoom 2 and Umrao Jaan. Other actors – Mithun Da (in a worthwhile role after God knows how long), Madhavan, Vidya Balan etc deliver their little cameos effectively and fade out. The beginning is powerful, the middle enchanting and the end inspiring. The only thing which feels a bit out of place are the dance sequences – which do not gel that well with the flow of the movie. Mind you, Rahman’s music is as soothing as ever – though this is not one of the “to be remembered forever” scores from him.

At the next level, you are trying to draw parallels to the great Dhirubhai Ambani’s life – you would find ample common there. The facts shown in the movie (15000 bucks to start, paralysis of the right hand, the first Merc – the same model was shown in the movie) are right out of reality. There are small variations to the plot, most notable being that the movie shows him having 2 daughters – leaving out his 2 “illustrious” sons (and leaving out the possibility of a sequel as well!).

My take – go and watch it, and when the DVD comes out, add it to your collection. This is one movie you would want to watch once every few years – maybe just to realize that indeed dreams can become reality.

Update on Jan 15, 2007:  Bachchan Junior and Ash got engaged last night. Its a sad day.

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