Mausam is a love story spanning from 1992-2002 set against some of the more turbulent times in recent Indian History. Director Pankaj Kapur (also the father of lead actor Shahid Kapoor) attempts to resurface the theme of young lovers separated by war. Using politics as a background is nothing new to Indian Cinema with directors like Mani Ratnam (Roja (1992), Bombay (1995), Dil Se.. (1998)), who saw great success merging tragedy and passion.
Shahid Kapoor stars as Harinder "Harry" Singh, a mischievous and carefree Punjabi youth. He meets Aayat Rasool (Sonam Kapoor), who moves in with her aunt and uncle during a time of social unrest in her native Kashmir. They are taken with each other but before they can establish their relationship, she moves to Mumbai (at that time known as Bombay) shortly after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
Seven years later, their paths cross unexpectedly in Scotland. Her uncle was killed in the 1993 Bombay bombings, and they moved shortly after. Harinder is there as a pilot of the Indian Air Force. As they spend time together, he gains the approval of her family and they are to be wed. She awaits his arrival to dinner with her family to choose a wedding date, when they receive news of the war in Kargil. Fate separates them once again as his duty to his country forces him back to India.
In 1999, the Kargil War is still raging. Harry tries to no avail to reach Aayat. He tells his sister Pammo in Switzerland to deliver a message that as soon as the war is over he will take Aayat away. Aayat's father has passed away and she returns to Mallukot with her Bua (aunt) hoping that she will find Harry. After several failed attempts at finding news about Harry, they return to Scotland. Meanwhile, Harry paralyzes his left arm during a mission at Tiger Hill. With no news 2 months after the end of the war, Aayat resigns that maybe she will never hear from him again, and writes him her final letter.
The final circumstance of their reuniting is a sad and intense climax taking place during the Post-Godhra Riots. The horror of wartime, previously shown throughout the film by simple phone calls or TV announcements is brought to fruition. Aayat and Harry rescue an orphaned child from the riots and are finally reunited for life. They start a family together and are able to live peacefully.
Shahid Kapoor was lively and endearing during his youthful days in Punjab, a role he seems to fit as seen in previous films like Jab We Met. His character matures throughout the film and he develops a quieter, more stoic personality while maintaining his charisma.
Sonam Kapoor is one of my favorite actresses simply because she is so lovely on screen. With the recent exception of her role in Neerja, she hasn't often played a meaty role and Mausam is no exception. Her grace and beauty are sufficient enough to carry her through. Aayat's character seemed to float seamlessly between Indian and Western culture, which from first glance seems potentially unrealistic but since her western dress is introduced to viewers after spending 7 years in Scotland, it may not be so far-fetched after all.
The musical score has heavy Punjabi influence, and with the culture differences between the main characters (Punjabi and Kashmiri) it would have been nice to see more contrasting throughout the movie. The songs carry through the film well but none are all too memorable.
The cinematography is incredibly pleasing to the eye with a wonderful contrast of landscapes and architecture not just between Scotland and India, but within India itself.
Overall this is a beautiful romance filled with longing, hardship, and a well-deserved happy ending.
Rating : 3.5/5
