Saathiya (2002) - Vivek Oberoi, Rani Mukherji. Directed by Shaad Ali (Muzaffar Ali's son). Story and screenplay by Mani Rathnam. Dialogues and lyrics by Gulzar. Remake of the Madhavan's debut Tamil hit - Alaipayuthey. The movie is good in bits and overall very fresh because of the treatment of characters. The casual way of dialogue delivery by characters coupled with Gulzar's dialogues adds up to the freshness. Rani Mukherji performs with ease. Vivek is also good but tends to be a little conscious sometimes. The screenplay is ordinary but the details, especially of the married life of the two, are very thoughtfully conceived. The movie is also unconventional in a lot of ways including the perspective towards life in general, which is very casual and open. For instance, the ease with which the pair decide to marry and yet live separately for some while is a refreshingly new thought. But still the movie has its share of faults and unconvincing reactions which if avoided could have turned the movie into a brilliant one. It stops well before that though. And yet, what would normally be just an "okay" movie seems like "very good" because of the state of the movies in general these days. Shaad Ali is impressive in his debut directorial venture. A time-pass watch.

Supporting cast include Sandhya Mridul (Rani's sister), Tanuja and in a suprise appearance, Tabu and Shahrukh Khan (though he is able to do as much damage to the cause of the movie as his brief appearance could have done, with his terribly self-consciousness).

6.5/10.