The Indian movie `Saathiya` is a remake of Mani Ratnam`s `Alai Payuthe`. This Bollywood movie is the directorial debut of the director Shaad Ali. Though the storyline is somewhat common based on the theme of lovers facing parental opposition, getting married in secret and then parting ways. The film takes off on a mushy note in the first half with Vivek chasing Rani in Mumbai trains. Both Vivek and Rani have delivered commendable performances and the chemistry between the two is superb throughout the film. The whole story is told in flashback.
Synopsis of `Saathiya`
Aditya Sehgal played by Vivek Oberoi is a law student of a rich father. He meets Suhani played by Rani Mukherji, who is a medical student, at a wedding function and falls head over heels for her. He follows her relentlessly in the local trains. Suhani, who is a daughter of a simple railway employee played by Sharat Saxena and Tanuja, initially brushes him off because she wants to become a successful doctor and make her parents happy. However, his persistence pays off and she agrees.
Only to be opposed by their parents. The couple decides to part ways as she is determined not to hurt her parents. But they can`t bear being separated, so they finally decide to discuss it with their parents. Their two families meet and again they fight. The two young hearts are fed up and they come together and gets married in secret. Once they are married, their true story begins. Suddenly it is not at all a happy journey. There are misunderstandings and quarrels. Suhani`s elder sister`s marriage breaks off because of Suhani and Aditya. Eventually Suhani`s father gets heart attack and Suhani is shattered.
In the second half the movie gets serious as Ali focuses more on the petty tiffs and spats that drive a wedge between the once happily married couple. Suhani begins to suspect Aditya and he is caught thick in the daily chores of providing for his newfound domestic life.
In one such day the couple begin to argue and Suhani runs away from home. She meets an accident and goes into a coma. Aditya searches for her desperately and finally finds her in the hospital.. Aditiya realises how much he loves Suhani and the film ends in a happy node.
Cast and Crew of `Saathiya`
The star cast of the film `Saathiya` includes Rani Mukherjee, Vivek Oberoi, Tanuja, Satish Shah, Sharat Saxena, Swaroop Sampat, Sandhya Mridul, Anju Mahendru, Shahrukh Khan, Tabu and Shahrukh Khan. Shamita Shetty was in a special role in a song `Chori Pe`. The film is the directorial debut of Shaad Ali, while it is produced by Bobby Bedi. The dialogue of the film is written by Sampooran Singh Gular and screenplay is by Mani Ratnam. Music is given by A. R. Rahman.
Awards for `Saathiya`
The Indian movie `Saathiya` won six awards at the Filmfare Awards. And these awards includes Critics Award Best Performance which goes to Rani Mukerji, Best Music Director goes to A.R. Rehman, Best Lyrics was awarded to Gulzar, Best Male Playback goes to Sonu Nigam for `Saathiya`, Best Dialogue goes to Gulzar and Best Screenplay goes to Mani Ratnam
