**Guns and Roses**. Review on 1942- A Love Story

In the midst of burning houses and hopes, in the middle of luminous torches of fiery death and during the time of an unending struggle for independent thought…like a ray of streaming shining sunlight, an unfamiliar, yet so eternally recognisable face peeps out from a broken window. One glance at the nervous eyes, and the moment freezes…

This is the impression that 1942 A Love Story leaves in the mind.

The Love Story

Set in the pre-independence era of the early 1940s, this is an enchanting love story based in the small hilly town of Kasauli. The initial setting shows the movement of independence swooping into the town, and the first freedom-fighters resisting and revolting against the British rule. In the middle of all this confusion, Narendra Singh ( Anil Kapoor) a young rich guy, son of a wealthy influential person, who has dreams in his eyes and a determination to fulfil them, changes the course of his carefree life. On a day of a dangerous riot , he glances at Rajjo (Manisha Koirala) and falls in love with her. After this one glance, his only goal is to search for her.

However, as has been the story from the beginning of time, this love story is also not without their set of barricades. Rajjo’s father ( Anupam Kher) is a secret revolutionary who comes to Kasauli with the mission of making a bomb to assassinate the British General while Narendra’s father is a British government loyalist. Once again, the class divide sheers through love. Due to some unfortunate events these lovers get separated, but their faith in each other remains untouched. In a drastic change of events, Shubhankar (Jackie Shroff) , who’s the chosen man for the secret mission, comes and acts as a pillar of support for Rajjo. The story winds into its end as the love story finds its appropriate resolution and the independence conflict finally reaches its desired goal.

The Father of a Legend

Among the very few brilliant filmmakers in the country, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, puts life into this project with a faultless story and a crisp direction. Putting a simple love story in the backdrop of pre-independence India could not have been better presented than this. The story, apart from creating the feeling of patriotism,also has the audience hoping for the lovers. Some scenes are exceptionally well executed including the entire Climax (where the tension is so high it could touch the sky!), the first scene when Nandu sees Rajjo for the first time, the bomb-blast at Rajjo’s house which kills her father and is Shubhankar’s entry, and many more. By far one of the best directorial showcases ever!

The Actors

Anil Kapoor - If I was to state my opinion, I would say the role of Narendra was one of the best roles of his career. He really breathes life into Nandu first as a blinded lover and then as a courageous patriot who would readily give up his life for the country. His acting in the bomb-blast scene is simply superb!

Manisha Koirala - Again, one of the best acting performances of her career, Manisha Koirala really stands out as a brilliant actress! She shines in emotional scenes and is angelic in the romantic ones. She looks simply stunning in the Ek Ladki Ko Dekha song.

Jackie Shroff - His role of a freedom –fighter called Shubhankar may not be a very lengthy one, but it sure leaves an impact on the audience’s mind. The silent, reserved and sober character really suited Jackie Shroff and he carried it off with élan!

Members of the supporting cast which leave a mark are:

Raghuvir Yadav as Munna. His performance in his own death scene is brilliant. Leaves a very strong impact and lends an able support to the story’s climax.

Anupam Kher - As Rajjo's father gives a very good performance. Proves yet again that he's an amazingly versatile actor.

Enchanting Melodies

One of my favourite albums when it comes to Hindi music, the movie’s songs have been composed by the Late R.D.Burman. The movie’s songs have that haunting feel to them and one can simply not stop humming to the beautiful tunes. Even though all songs are really very good, a few personal favourites are Ek Ladki ko Dekha to, Kuchh Na Kaho and Yeh Safar. Lyrics are those rare meaningful ones penned by Javed Akhtar. Some lyrics just stay with you and make you ponder over them, and these are just those kinds of beautiful words.

What better way to end the review, than with the enchanting poetry expressing the true feel of the film. Your Comments and Ratings are eagerly awaited.

Dil naummed toh nahin,

Na udaas ho mere humsafar…