Film review: 'Sadiyaan' takes you to a different era

Film: Sadiyaan
Cast: Luv Singh, Hema Malini, Rekha
Director: Ran Kanwar
Ratings: **

We rarely make desi movies these days. Palatial mansions, swanky cars, designer outfits, the latest handsets and gizmos have replaced large kothis, traditional outfits, ghoda-gaadis and makke di roti aur sarson ka saag. True to its name, Sadiyaan takes you to a different era.

Sadiyaan is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the love story, which falls on the predictable, mundane stuff, with the Hindu-Muslim angle thrown in. But Raj Kanwar reserves the best for the second part, when the two women meet and the story takes rapid turns. But, let’s face it, Sadiyaan is not everyone’s idea of entertainment, since the ‘multiplex junta’ doesn’t patronise desi cinema anymore, unlike the single screen audience that adores this kind of cinema.

So what’s the final verdict? Watch it if you like desi melodrama of yore, which comes alive with Sadiyaan.

Sadiyaan is a period drama based on an incident which happened during the partition. In the chaos during partition in 1947, Benazir [Hema Malini] leaves behind her child before moving to Lahore. The child is rescued by Amrit [Rekha] and Rajveer [Rishi Kapoor], who try to locate the parents of the child, but in vain. Ishaan [Luv Sinha] falls in love with Chandni [Ferena Wazeir], who lives in the same city [Amritsar]. However, Chandni’s parents oppose the match, since Ishaan is a Hindu. Amrit and Rajveer decide to reveal the truth to Ishaan and also to Chandni’s parents.

The best moments are reserved for the second hour, with the penultimate moments proving the mainstay of the enterprise. However, as mentioned earlier, desi themes aren’t too popular these days, except in the hinterland. Hence, a film like Sadiyaan has its limitations to cut across to a universal audience.

Directorially, Raj Kanwar handles the dramatic moments with flourish, but the writing, especially the love story, is archaic. Also, what was the need to force comedy in the narrative? Cinematography is alright, but the locations are eye-filling.

Rishi Kapoor, Rekha and Hema Malini are the lifeline of the film. Rishi is top notch. Luv Sinha needs to polish his acting skills. He’s slightly awkward in the first part, but decent in the second half. Ferena is a decent actor, but needs to work on her makeup and wardrobe.

On the whole, Sadiyaan is an emotional drama narrated in old-fashioned style. If old world charm still excites you, there are chances you may like this one.