Vivaah - 2006 Movie & Music Review
So, just this once, toss those hip modern values out the
window along with that bathwater. This movie is VIVAH, and it unabashedly
hearkens back to India's more traditional conventions, and specifically that of
the arranged marriage. Released in 2006 VIVAH tells the story of two young
people, Prem and Poonam, strangers to one another yet destined to be wedded. So
it'd be nice if they like each other.
Poonam (Amrita Rao) is an orphaned girl from the small town of Madhupur, who was raised in her uncle's household. She is beautiful and demure and brought up to be obedient and traditional. Despite this, her aunt dislikes her intensely, simply because Poonam is far prettier than her own daughter, never mind that Poonam and her daughter get along very well. Poonam has tried to make the best of it, basking in the love lavished on her by her doting uncle and cousin. But, all her life, she's longed for a mother's affection...
Prem (Shahid Kapoor) is the youngest son of an industrial magnate in Delhi. Carefree and just about to settle into his career, Prem is very surprised and unprepared when his father proposes an arranged marriage for him. Yet Prem is respectful enough to at least meet his potential bride, an act which proves fatal to his bachelorhood. Instantly charmed by Poonam, Prem promptly gives the nod to the marriage contract. As for Poonam, it's hard to tell what she's really thinking because she's so damned demure, but she seems to reciprocate Prem's interest. So the contract is finalized, friendships are struck, a romance is fostered, and the nuptials set to take place in six months' time.
As the following weeks and months elapse and the families get better acquainted, Poonam and Prem continue to get ever closer, until that old familiar happens: Poonam and Prem fall in love. And, suddenly, the big day can't come soon enough. But complications surface. Poonam's aunt still bears her a deep jealous resentment and, so, what should have been an idyllic time for Poonam is sabotaged by her aunt's venomous snipings at her uncle, over his extravagant financing of the wedding and over his seeming disregard for his own daughter's future prospects. Then, on the eve of the wedding, a life-threatening tragedy unfolds, and Poonam and Prem and their families will be tested as never before.
Even in Bollywood cinema, the idea of the arranged marriage has taken its share of negative hits. So, every once in a while, for balance's sake, it's nice to see a film which espouses the positives of this age-old institution. I don't necessarily agree with it as I'm more with the free choice side of the fence. But it's nice to hear from the other point of view. And, more importantly, while not a classic, I do think VIVAH is a movie worth watching. It certainly did well enough at India's box office.
Granted, not much of a plot here in VIVAH. Basically, the film is built on simple moments as it tracks the progression of the arranged marriage, from the contractual conception to the courtship to the consummation of the marriage ceremony. Nothing gossip-worthy happens, and, other than the virulent aunt, all is easy-peasy until the last thirty minutes when the tragic twist surfaces. Sadly, the musical interludes are lackluster. And the sedate pacing and lack of narrative punch might've turned me off, except that the superb cast managed to keep me involved. These characters are likable enough (except for the aunt) that you even get immersed in the slow scenes. VIVAH applies a huge chunk of the running time in developing Poonam and Prem's blossoming relationship, as they overcome their mutual shyness and awkwardness and begin to fall for each other. Theirs isn't a raging romance. Their subdued personalities don't lend too much to fiery, over-the-top demonstrations, although there is a moment when Prem shouts "I love you!" in an airport. Rather, theirs is a connection arrived at by achieving a certain mutual comfort level and by clinging to a commitment to and a respect for traditional culture and customs. But, also, that they're both very attractive people probably didn't hurt any.
Again, the glue of VIVAH is the cast. The two young leads, Shahid Kapoor and the ravishing Amrita Rao, turn in sensitive, if bland, performances. The supporting actors turn out to be as equally important. Particularly great are Anupam Kher and Alok Nath, who respectively play Prem's wealthy but grounded father and Poonam's loving uncle and surrogate father. And the fact that you end up hating on Poonam's dour-faced aunt is, of course, a reflection of Seema Biswas's very good acting skills.
Graced with a gentle, low key charm and a heartwarming simplicity, the waterworks really come on in the tense and emotional last half hour (Grab your hanky). And yet VIVAH may prove to be too Pollyanna for some. Are arranged marriages really this wonderful? Does love really come after marriage? Well, no, and sometimes. VIVAH is a celebration of this institution and is, for all purposes, a Bollywood fairy tale, an idealization of arranged matrimony. As such, it's about as real and convincing as, well, as a Bollywood motion picture. Would that all arranged marriages work as well as this one did.
Poonam (Amrita Rao) is an orphaned girl from the small town of Madhupur, who was raised in her uncle's household. She is beautiful and demure and brought up to be obedient and traditional. Despite this, her aunt dislikes her intensely, simply because Poonam is far prettier than her own daughter, never mind that Poonam and her daughter get along very well. Poonam has tried to make the best of it, basking in the love lavished on her by her doting uncle and cousin. But, all her life, she's longed for a mother's affection...
Prem (Shahid Kapoor) is the youngest son of an industrial magnate in Delhi. Carefree and just about to settle into his career, Prem is very surprised and unprepared when his father proposes an arranged marriage for him. Yet Prem is respectful enough to at least meet his potential bride, an act which proves fatal to his bachelorhood. Instantly charmed by Poonam, Prem promptly gives the nod to the marriage contract. As for Poonam, it's hard to tell what she's really thinking because she's so damned demure, but she seems to reciprocate Prem's interest. So the contract is finalized, friendships are struck, a romance is fostered, and the nuptials set to take place in six months' time.
As the following weeks and months elapse and the families get better acquainted, Poonam and Prem continue to get ever closer, until that old familiar happens: Poonam and Prem fall in love. And, suddenly, the big day can't come soon enough. But complications surface. Poonam's aunt still bears her a deep jealous resentment and, so, what should have been an idyllic time for Poonam is sabotaged by her aunt's venomous snipings at her uncle, over his extravagant financing of the wedding and over his seeming disregard for his own daughter's future prospects. Then, on the eve of the wedding, a life-threatening tragedy unfolds, and Poonam and Prem and their families will be tested as never before.
Even in Bollywood cinema, the idea of the arranged marriage has taken its share of negative hits. So, every once in a while, for balance's sake, it's nice to see a film which espouses the positives of this age-old institution. I don't necessarily agree with it as I'm more with the free choice side of the fence. But it's nice to hear from the other point of view. And, more importantly, while not a classic, I do think VIVAH is a movie worth watching. It certainly did well enough at India's box office.
Granted, not much of a plot here in VIVAH. Basically, the film is built on simple moments as it tracks the progression of the arranged marriage, from the contractual conception to the courtship to the consummation of the marriage ceremony. Nothing gossip-worthy happens, and, other than the virulent aunt, all is easy-peasy until the last thirty minutes when the tragic twist surfaces. Sadly, the musical interludes are lackluster. And the sedate pacing and lack of narrative punch might've turned me off, except that the superb cast managed to keep me involved. These characters are likable enough (except for the aunt) that you even get immersed in the slow scenes. VIVAH applies a huge chunk of the running time in developing Poonam and Prem's blossoming relationship, as they overcome their mutual shyness and awkwardness and begin to fall for each other. Theirs isn't a raging romance. Their subdued personalities don't lend too much to fiery, over-the-top demonstrations, although there is a moment when Prem shouts "I love you!" in an airport. Rather, theirs is a connection arrived at by achieving a certain mutual comfort level and by clinging to a commitment to and a respect for traditional culture and customs. But, also, that they're both very attractive people probably didn't hurt any.
Again, the glue of VIVAH is the cast. The two young leads, Shahid Kapoor and the ravishing Amrita Rao, turn in sensitive, if bland, performances. The supporting actors turn out to be as equally important. Particularly great are Anupam Kher and Alok Nath, who respectively play Prem's wealthy but grounded father and Poonam's loving uncle and surrogate father. And the fact that you end up hating on Poonam's dour-faced aunt is, of course, a reflection of Seema Biswas's very good acting skills.
Graced with a gentle, low key charm and a heartwarming simplicity, the waterworks really come on in the tense and emotional last half hour (Grab your hanky). And yet VIVAH may prove to be too Pollyanna for some. Are arranged marriages really this wonderful? Does love really come after marriage? Well, no, and sometimes. VIVAH is a celebration of this institution and is, for all purposes, a Bollywood fairy tale, an idealization of arranged matrimony. As such, it's about as real and convincing as, well, as a Bollywood motion picture. Would that all arranged marriages work as well as this one did.
Reception
Vivah received a mixed response by critics: Taran Adarsh of IndiaFM generally compliments the actors by calling Shahid Kapoor a "tremendous actor", Amrita Rao "splendid all through" and compliments the strong supporting cast, he criticises the first half as "ordinary/routine". Raja Sen of Rediff gave a generally negative review of Vivah, calling it "a nightmare" and "unforgivably regressive". Deepa Ghalot of Sify.com called Vivah "close to being regressive" and "syrupy sweet", however, she complimented Shahid Kapoor's acting The Hindustan Times called Vivah "boring" and an "utopia", but complimented Shahid Kapoor and Amrita Rao on their acting, calling the first one "good", but "lacking charisma" and the latter "sweet". "The Hindu" however called Vivah "lovable" and a "choice unlikely to regret". BBC.co.uk complimented Shahid Kapoor as being "playful", called the movie itself however "sickeningly sentimental". The Telegraph criticised Vivah for "lacking plot", "flat characters" and mentioning that the story is "rather weak" and "improbable".
Box-Office Earnings
Like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Rajshri Productions released limited number of prints for the film and eventually increased prints with increasing popularity.The film was declared a blockbuster, after earning Rs 22.22 crore net gross after seven weeks of running. The film earned Rs 35 crore in box office earnings. By the end of November, it was reported that there had been over 4 million (4,000,000 * $9.99 = approx. Rs. 18 Cr.) online streams of Vivah. By October 2012 Over 7 million have watched it online on YouTube. After more than six months, its position remained in the top 10 at the Indian box office despite its limited release and competition from some of year's and industry's most successful movies including Dhoom 2, Bhagam Bhag, Krrish, Don - The Chase Begins Again, Jaan-E-Mann all being released after Vivah's debut.
Soundtrack
Ravindra Jain, the music director of Vivah has put together a soundtrack of old world charm, with a full orchestra behind some of the best known voices of the Hindi movie scene. The orchestra combines with classical Indian instruments, like the sitar, sarod, violin, dholak and tabla to produce a blend between classical western and classical Indian music. The music has, however been criticised due to its monotony, with the range of singers, choice of instrument and music arrangements being very similar. Rediff.com wrote in its music review that "Vivah's music disappoints".
"Mujhe Haq Hai"
Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghoshal
Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghoshal
05:02
"Do Anjaane Ajnabi"
Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghoshal
"Do Anjaane Ajnabi"
Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghoshal
05:02
"Milan Abhi Aadha Adhura"
Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghoshal
"Milan Abhi Aadha Adhura"
Udit Narayan & Shreya Ghoshal
05:47
"Hamari Shaadi Mein"
Babul Supriyo & Shreya Ghoshal
"Hamari Shaadi Mein"
Babul Supriyo & Shreya Ghoshal
05:17
"Kal Jisne Janam Yahan Paaya"
Suresh Wadkar, Kumar Sanu & Ravindra Jain
"Kal Jisne Janam Yahan Paaya"
Suresh Wadkar, Kumar Sanu & Ravindra Jain
07:43
"O Jiji"
Pamela Jain & Shreya Ghoshal
"O Jiji"
Pamela Jain & Shreya Ghoshal
05:20
"Tere Dware Pe Aai Baraat"
Sudesh Bhonsle & Ravindra Jain
"Tere Dware Pe Aai Baraat"
Sudesh Bhonsle & Ravindra Jain
03:58
"Jai Gauri Maa"
Pamela Jain
Pamela Jain
02:03
"Savaiyaa - Chhota Sa Saajan"
Suresh Wadkar & Aparnaa Bhaagwa
with young Poonam
01:21
"Savaiyaa - Raadhey Krishn Ki Jyoti"
Shreya Ghoshal & Ravindra Sen
with grown Poonam
02:16
Suresh Wadkar & Aparnaa Bhaagwa
with young Poonam
01:21
"Savaiyaa - Raadhey Krishn Ki Jyoti"
Shreya Ghoshal & Ravindra Sen
with grown Poonam
02:16
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