Mani Ratnam movies have always been a shade different to what we see week in week out in Bollywood. Take for example Dil Se and Yuva, his previous two works for hindi cinema. The ever so talented story teller now hits us with Guru, and boy does he hit us hard!

I don't know what other people's views are about Abhishek Bachchan's development in Bollywood over the years, but let's flashback a few years to Yuva, to a performance which i personally believe was Abhishek's best performance to date, and the trigger point in his career.

Does Mani Ratnam bring out the best in Abhishek again? Oh YES he does!

Guru is a story about the rise of a normal middle class man, from zero to hero in the business world. It is a simple story, but its beauty is in the storytelling and the after effects it has on the viewer. Guru is a movie that makes you laugh, cry and in the end feel good, confident, inspired and enlightened.

If you are a music lover, you will not be dissapointed by A.R.Rahman's offering. He has delivered one of his finests works. Saying that, i cannot remember the last time i heard a weak A.R.Rahman soundtrack. Barso Re and Tere Bina stand out because of their stunning visuals, but overall the music is a treat to the ears. Melodious and magical.

Here are some of my favourite moments from Guru (spoilers included):

- Tears on the train- "chayn say ro bhi nahin sakte"
- Railway station scene between Abhishek and Aishwarya - "na jao"
- Mithun's confrontation with Abhishek before the interval
- Aishwarya's brother reveals to her the true reason why Abhishek married her
- Madhevan proposal to Vidya in the rain
- Abhishek's speech to the workers - the backclash
- Paralysed
- Namaste
Abhishek has given us his best performance ever in Guru - truly world class. If you thought he was amazing in Yuva and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, then open you eyes to Guru, for you are going to see Abhishek like you've never seen him before.

Mithun's presence adds a touch of class to Guru. He is a legendary actor, a resorvoir of talent. The scenes between him and Abhishek took me back in time; and reminded me of Agneepath for some strange reason, which i am yet to identify. Perhaps it was the tone of Abhishek's voice, somewhat similar to Amitabh's in the olden movies.

Aishwarya delivers a fine performance. I strongly believe the middle class look (e.g. Taal, HDDC and Guru) suits her alot more than the glamour, modern look she has in movies such as Dhoom 2 and Dil Ka Rishta etc.

After consecutive flops, (Dhai Akshar Prem Ke and Umrao Jaan), Guru is officially the first quality movie the duo of Abhishek and Aishwarya have delivered. Because of the positive word going around the industry, Guru is on its way to becoming the first Hit of 2007.

As far as my opinion is concerened, Guru is up there with the best.

My rating: 8/10

The only question that remains now is, will Guru be the movie that brings bessings into the Bachchan and Rai household?

Will they be celebrating the success of Guru by tieing the knot?

Time will tell. Keep reading Bollywood Ki Baatein (",)