It seems remakes are the Bollywood norm these days. For box office success they must match the calibre of the original. And that's exactly what this remake of a 1981 hit achieves.
19th Century Lucknow forms the backdrop which involves the kidnapping of Amiran, in Faizabad and sold to a kotha (meaning brothel) owned by the strict Khanum Sahib (Shabana Asmi). Re-christened, Umrao Jaan, she grows into a beautiful courtesan and poetess in her own right. Her first mujra performance sees her falling in love with Nawab Sultan (Abhishek Bachchan), promising to be loyal to him. But fate plays a cruel trick, as she loses her first love. She stands by her loyal promise as dacoit Faiz Ali (Suniel Shetty), a wolf in a sheep skin becomes smitten by her. This is a moving story of a courtesan who is simply born unlucky due to unforeseen circumstancesÂ… Authentically painted and carved sets of the kothas (meaning brothels) with minute details including the colourfully designed persian carpets and the presence of pankhawalas, transport you back to the depicted era. This is further enhanced by the exquisite costumes with matching intricate jewellery and graceful classical kathak dances. The stunningly beautiful Aishwarya gives the most sensitive and moving performance of her career whilst Abhishek Bachchan as the Nawab compliments her in every way as her loyal lover who rejects her due to a misunderstanding. Shabana Azmi as the stern but caring Khanum Sahib excels throughout whilst on the technical front, the heart-wrenching musical score will succeed in bringing a tear or two. Defintely see this version you liked the original Umrao Jaan, but this one focuses more purely on the Mirza Mohammed Hadi Ruswa's novel. Doing well at the UK cinemas and so not to be missed! Reviewed by Manish Gajjar,
BBC Bollywood Correspondent | 
