Mirzya

6^th October 2016 5.30pm at Embankment Garden Cinema
7^th October 2016 12.00pm at Embankment Garden Cinema

Directed by Bollywood’s Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Mirzya is a magnificent tale about the power of true love, set in Rajasthan, India. Accompanied by outstandingly beautiful music, cinematography with exquisite panoramic vistas, and stunning costumes and make-up, the film is a feast for the senses. Also highly moving, this poignant Romeo & Juliet story engages the spirit and the heart.

With incredible photography, Mirzya opens with dazzling sweeping shots of Indian landscapes and the Rajasthan desert, immediately foretelling a grand, epic romance. Emotion is palpable as future lovers Mirza and Sahiban are already entranced with each other and inseparable as children. When Mirza is one day caned by their school teacher for not having her homework – which she had given to Sahiban who was late for class – Sahiban takes revenge on the teacher, leading to a tragic destiny for him and separation from his Mirza. Years later, the beautiful Mirza (Harshvardhan Kapoor), betrothed to a Prince (Anuj Choudhry), is once again reunited with Sahiban (Saiyami Kher), and thereafter nothing can keep them apart.  Despite everyone trying to stop them from being together, and in jeopardy from hordes of aggressors pursuing them, their mutual devotion prevails.

Kher and Kapoor are engaging and accomplished as the ardent couple. Kher, an Indian Michele Pfeiffer look-a-like with the appearance of a fashion model, plays the role of the enamoured, anguished Mirza with talent and grace, while Kapoor’s performance is strong as the tormented Sahiban. Choudry portrays well a Prince who is initially kind and courteous but becomes immoral, a brutal killer because of his love for and possessiveness of Mirza.

The soundtrack to the movie is of special note. The first title track, Mirzya, is energetic and impressive; Teen Gawah Hain Ishq Ke has stunning vocals and soulful melody; Chakora is Rajasthan folk music, followed by the serene Aave Re Hitchki, and the fusion sound of Hota Hai. Ek Nadi Thi features India’s Nooran Sisters, and Doli Re Doli is classical Hindi. In finale are the exuberant Kaaga and the tender Mirzya Theme – Broken Arrows. In general, the entire track is gorgeous and resplendent, perfectly complementing the sumptuous visuals for this highly romantic story.

With excellent direction, Mirzya is a ravishing, tour de force production and a very charming, moving piece.

Catherine Sedgwick

Mirzya does not have a UK release date yet.

For further information about the 60^th London Film Festival visit here.

Read more reviews from the festival here.

Watch the teaser trailer for Mirzya here: