Khwahish: A Bollywood Take on Love Story with Mixed Results
A Unique Bollywood Adaptation
Released on June 6, 2003, Govind Menon's film Khwahish stands out for its unusual approach. It not only borrows heavily from Arthur Hiller's 1970 classic Love Story but also translates its dialogues directly from the original.
While the dialogues are largely adapted from Erich Segal's influential novel, the credit for the script goes to Shashi Wadia, who crafted the lines for the characters portrayed by the film's leads, reminiscent of Ryan O'Neal and Ali MacGraw. In a twist, the character played by Mallika Sherawat refers to her love interest as 'Sethji,' a nod to the original's 'Preppie.'
Bollywood's Creative Challenges
Menon's debut film, Danger, was similarly inspired by a Hollywood source, and with Khwahish, he dives into the adaptation of Segal's work with fervor. The film features scenes and dialogues that are lifted without regard for copyright issues.
The outcome is more of a tribute than a parody. The chemistry between the working-class character Lekha and the upper-class Amar is entertaining, but only for those unfamiliar with the source material.
For viewers who know Love Story well, Lekha's lines may feel like mere echoes of MacGraw's character. The dialogue often falls flat, as it seems to be a direct translation rather than a thoughtful adaptation. The use of terms like 'prayog' feels out of place for a modern character in this homage to romantic cinema.
Attempts at Originality
Despite its shortcomings, Menon occasionally ventures beyond the original narrative. Notable scenes include a heartfelt interaction between Amar's mother and Lekha over R.D. Burman's music, and Lekha's bold purchase of condoms during her honeymoon. These moments add a touch of depth, but they are fleeting amidst the film's overall imitation.
The promotional material emphasizes the protagonists' physicality, which misrepresents the film's core themes of love and loss. The emotional turmoil experienced by Amar and Lekha's father after her passing could resonate more in a different context.
Performances and Cinematic Elements
Mallika Sherawat, despite the film's focus on sensuality, portrays a student of Indian classical music. In a poorly executed scene, she performs a raga, only to be met with indifference from the audience. Menon critiques modern life's superficiality while simultaneously contributing to it.
Nonetheless, some exchanges between the leads possess a certain charm. Sherawat's spirited performance is commendable, and while Himanshu Mallik fits the aristocratic role, he needs to enhance his emotional range. The film's music, composed by Milind Sagar, is pleasant, and Uday Devare's cinematography beautifully captures the settings.
Cultural Context and Reception
Menon avoids the typical class conflict between the characters' families, unlike previous adaptations. While other films have successfully localized similar stories, Khwahish struggles to adapt its source material to an Indian context, often feeling like a radio play.
In an interview, Sherawat expressed pride in her role, acknowledging the film's promotional strategy as a necessary tactic to attract audiences. She reflected on her journey in the industry, emphasizing her desire to break free from being typecast as merely a 'sexy' actress.
Looking Ahead
Sherawat's experience with Khwahish has opened doors for her, and she is set to collaborate with Menon on a new project that promises to be more heroine-centric. She aspires to take on diverse roles that challenge societal norms regarding gender and sexuality.