2002 Saathiya

Director: Shaad Ali
Music: A R Rahman
Cast: Vivek Oberoi, Rani Mukherjee, Tanuja

Fresh, sweet and cute - that is precisely what Saathiya is. Shaad Ali's directorial debut has hit the jackpot with intense performances by both Vivek and Rani. What's more, the movie boasts of some of the best names in Indian Entertainment - Mani Ratnam, Gulzar, A R Rahman and Yash Chopra - a surefire combination for a superhit.

A remake of the Tamil blockbuster Alai Payuthai, Saathiya is about Aditya Sehgal and Suhani Sharma. She is a simple girl, intent on getting her MBBS degree and believes that love is people who have no better work. But then she meets Aditya, who sweeps her off her feet with his charming smile and a promise of love forever. When parents disapprove, they run away and get married.

Gradually life catches up with them and it's no more just a waltz. Ego hassles, work pressures, families and friends enter the picture. And one day, Suhani goes missing. Aditya searches for her everywhere, but can't find her. Where is she? What has happened? Will their love emerge the winner in the end or will it be too late?

While the story might have been told more times than one can count, what is refreshing is the way it has been handled. The small tiffs, the insecurities, the family's attitude, work pressures - all of these are portrayed such that anyone can identify with it. And the characters of Aditya and Suhani are themselves very ordinary... it could be a story about your guy or girl next door.

With Saathiya, it can safely be said that Rani has matured as an actress. Her transformation from a girl in love to a stressed-out wife is beautiful. Vivek has proven that he is more than just the action man. He carries off the sensitive role of Aditya very well. Enacting a role that is in sharp contrast to his first two films, he comes up with a great performance, which is sure to multiply his fan following. Among the other actors, Shah Rukh's and Tabu's brief appearance really adds to the charm of the film.

The one main winner in the movie will be the music. Most of the songs are taken from the Tamil original. Particularly catchy are the title song (Sonu Nigam), O Humdum (Kay Kay, Shaan) and Aye Udi Udi (Adnan Sami). As usual, A R Rahman's music is a chartbuster.

The cinematography is wonderful. Dialogues are well worded and some of them do register an impact.

On the whole, Saathiya is a romantic fare that will especially appeal to the younger college-going crowd. But is a must watch for Rani's fans.