Cast
View All
Abhishek Bachchan
as Gurukanth Desai
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
as Sujata Desai
Mithun Chakraborty
as Manik Dasgupta
R. Madhavan
as Shyam Saxena
Vidya Balan
as Meenakshi "Meenu" Saxena
Arya Babbar
as Jignesh
Mallika Sherawat
as Champa
Prathap Pothan
as K R Menon I.A.S.
Sachin Khedekar
as Sujata's Father
Manoj Joshi
as Ghanshyam Bhai
Dhritiman Chatterjee
as Contractor Sahaab
Nina Kulkarni
as Sujata's Mother
Roshan Seth
as Thapar
Arjan Bajwa
as Arzaan Contractor
Mukesh Bhhatt
as Ram Lal
Crew
Director
- Mani Ratnam
Producer
- Mani Ratnam
- G. Srinivasan
Reviews
badelf
Old-style Bollywood with too much dancing and singing in very beautiful (enjoyable) settings and photography. The dancing fades out in the second half, yielding to good acting and a good story.
Sep 4, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Guru examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Mani Ratnam brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Guru took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $4.7 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 166 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 203 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 320 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 71 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Guru shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Sea Inside, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Guru offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Yoshiko & Yuriko and Champions explore similar territory, Guru stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 12, 2007
- Runtime: 2h 46m
- Budget: $4,700,000
- Revenue: $31,000,000
Where to Watch
