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With their last three ventures bagging the national award, Sai Productions are credited with reviving the staid perception of Punjabi cinema. The expectations then, for Waris Shah were high from the outset. Starring Gurdas Maan and Juhi Chawala the film recounts the legend of Sufi saint Waris Shah and the real-life love that informed his epic poem Heer Ranjha. Presented against an authentic canvas, the film beautifully renders the pathos and poetry of the artist.

On his ascension to the throne, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb declared that music be outlawed as it distracted from devotion to God. Facing certain death for his brazen celebration of music, revered saint Makhdoom calls upon Waris Shah (Gurdas Maan) to continue his legacy. Waris' growing love for village girl Bhagpari (Juhi Chawala) forms the basis of his poem Heer Ranjha. Their love is, however, thwarted by Bhagpari's betrothal to another and the meddling of Saabo (Divya Dutta). Betrayal, mistaken identity and murder ensue as art imitates life.

"THE DIALOGUE IS POETRY IN ITSELF"

From the glossy opening frames, Waris Shah bears the hallmarks of a quality production. While Gurdas Maan's performance is deeply touching, it is the beautifully crafted script, penned by Maan himself, which is the cornerstone of the film's success. The dialogue is poetry in itself, encapsulating the prevailing mood, while simultaneously portraying an authentic picture of early Punjabi life. While Juhi Chawala is characteristically endearing, Divya Dutta's is the stronger role, bringing a more sinister edge to the proceedings. With its allusions to history, the film is deftly executed, while the emotive songs add to its spirit. Waris Shah is an imaginative and heartfelt portrait of the Punjab's most celebrated poet.

In Punjabi with English subtitles

Waris Shah - Ishq Daa Waaris is released in UK cinemas on Friday 6th October