Directed by
Mani Ratnam
Discover the intricate plot of Guru (2007). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The film opens in 1951 in a quaint village named Idar within the Sabarkantha district of northern Gujarat. We meet Gurukant Desai (Abhishek Bachchan), a young man fueled by aspirations of success. He struggles against the pessimism of his father, Kantilal (Rajendra Gupta), the local school headmaster, who warns him that “dreams never come true.” After failing his school exams, Guru feels the pressure to find a job and contemplates a new direction in life.
Determined to change his fate, Guru embarks on a journey to Turkey, where he becomes involved in the spice trade and later works for Burmah Shell. Although he receives a promotion, the notion of working for someone else doesn’t sit well with him. His mentor, Ghanshyam Das (Manoj Joshi), feels a sense of loss as Guru prepares to return home.
Upon his return to Idar, Guru is resolute in his desire to start a business. With 15,000 as seed money, he seeks an additional 15,000 from his friend Jignesh (Arya Babbar), but Jignesh reveals that his father, Kaka (Sachin Khedekar), won’t invest, having set aside funds for his daughter’s wedding. In a strategic personal move, Guru marries Sujata (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) for her dowry. The trio—Guru, Sujata, and Jignesh—then relocate to Bombay, where Guru aims to dive into the cloth trading business.
However, upon entering the market, Guru soon learns there are gates to success controlled by Arzan Contractor (Arjan Bajwa), the president of the traders’ association. Meeting Arzan, Guru believes he can secure entry, yet, his application gets rejected months later. Frustrated and determined, he encounters Manik Dasgupta (Mithun Chakraborty), a newspaper publisher living in close proximity to Arzan. Supported by Mathura Das (Sudhir Pandey), Manik publishes a revealing article that sheds light on Arzan’s monopolistic grip on the traders’ union, prompting Arzan’s resignation. Grabbing the opportunity, Guru finally secures his trading permit and opens his office.
Guru has a swift rise, trading in polyester during a time when the market is dominated by cotton. Arzan attempts to thwart him by claiming the market is gambling and urging IAS officer KR Menon (Prathap K. Pothan) to enforce a lock. In a bold move, Guru confronts Menon, threatening to reveal all of his raw materials, which forces Menon to conform to public demand. As time passes, Guru’s venture blossoms into the Shakti Corporation, earning him the affection of Manik, who becomes a father figure to Guru, and a friendship with Meenu (Vidya Balan), Manik’s granddaughter. However, Meenu’s journey is marred by illness, as she develops multiple sclerosis.
Seeking to expand further, Guru contemplates an IPO for Shakti Corporation, leading to discontent for Jignesh, who feels excluded. Tensions rise when Jignesh criticizes Guru’s intentions toward Sujata, claiming he only married her for her dowry. Following a period of separation, Guru wins Sujata back, and they reconcile as he constructs the factory with the help of Ghanshyam.
In just a few years, Guru amasses an empire that draws the attention of Arzan’s father (Dhritiman Chatterjee), who attempts to purchase the company. Guru stands his ground, exposing the Contractor family’s corruption in every newspaper possible. However, as his empire grows, so does the shadow of his illegal actions—manipulating markets and evading duties—eventually catching up with him. Nanaji learns of Guru’s corrupt methods and, along with reporter Shyam Saxena (Madhavan), decides to hold him accountable. The situation worsens as Sujata gives birth to twins, while Meenu suffers from her illness.
When Shyam publishes an exposé on Guru’s illegal dealings, despair leads Ghanshyam to attempt suicide, and Guru finds his stakeholders turning against him, branding him a smuggler. The mounting pressure triggers a debilitating stroke that paralyzes him.
As tragedy strikes both the personal and professional realms, the film climaxes with Guru facing a government inquiry on October 16, 1980. In this pivotal moment, he describes himself as merely a villager whose ambitions were curtailed by a corrupt system that forced him into dishonest practices. Remarkably, this narrative prompts the government to drop most charges, and Guru emerges with a fine, allowing him to reclaim his position.
The tale concludes with Guru addressing Shakti’s shareholders, reflecting on how he proved his father’s skepticism of dreams wrong. He ignites a spirit of perseverance among them by questioning if they should stop now, met by a resounding refusal. They resolve to strive toward becoming the largest company in the world.
Track the key events of Guru (2007) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Guru
In 1951, we meet Gurukant Desai in the quaint village of Idar, Gujarat. His aspirations for success clash with the pessimism of his father, Kantilal, who discourages him from dreaming big.
Failing Exams
After failing his school exams, Guru feels a strong pressure to find employment and begins to contemplate a significant change in his life. This moment marks his first step toward redefining his future.
Journey to Turkey
Guru embarks on a transformative journey to Turkey, where he enters the spice trade. Eventually, he lands a job at Burmah Shell, marking his first foray into the working world.
Return to Idar
Upon returning to Idar, Guru is determined to start his own business. He seeks initial funding from his friend Jignesh, but faces an obstacle when Jignesh's father refuses to invest.
Strategic Marriage
To secure the necessary funding for his business, Guru marries Sujata, strategically using her dowry as seed money. This move sets the stage for their relocation to Bombay to pursue their dreams.
Entering the Cloth Business
In Bombay, Guru aims to dive into the cloth trading business. However, he soon learns that entry barriers exist, controlled by Arzan Contractor, head of the traders' association.
Meeting Arzan Contractor
Guru approaches Arzan Contractor with hopes of securing entry into the trading market. However, his application is rejected, prompting feelings of frustration and determination to find a way in.
Revealing Arzan's Monopoly
With help from Manik Dasgupta, a newspaper publisher, Guru exposes Arzan's monopolistic control through a revealing article. This action leads to Arzan's resignation from the traders' association.
Rise of Shakti Corporation
Guru experiences rapid success by trading polyester, filling a gap in the market dominated by cotton. His determination and strategic moves help him establish the Shakti Corporation.
Conflict with Jignesh
As Shakti Corporation flourishes, tensions arise between Guru and Jignesh over personal and business decisions, particularly regarding Sujata. This conflict tests their friendship and partnership.
Illness of Meenu
While Guru's business grows, his friend Manik’s granddaughter, Meenu, suffers from multiple sclerosis, showcasing the personal struggles that parallel Guru’s professional challenges.
Government Scrutiny
As Guru's empire expands, so do his illegal dealings, leading to scrutiny from authorities. An exposé on his corrupt practices puts immense pressure on him and his company.
Personal Crisis
The publication of Shyam Saxena's exposé triggers a series of personal crises, including an attempted suicide by Guru's mentor Ghanshyam and the birth of Guru's twins amidst constant stress.
Government Inquiry
On October 16, 1980, Guru faces a government inquiry regarding his dealings. In a desperate moment, he defends his actions, arguing that he was forced into criminality by a corrupt system.
Resolution and Legacy
The government drops most charges against Guru, allowing him to maintain his position. He addresses shareholders, inspiring them to chase their dreams and defy limitations, cementing his legacy.
Meet the characters that bring Guru (2007) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gurukant Desai (Abhishek Bachchan)
Gurukant is a determined and ambitious individual whose journey reflects the pursuit of dreams despite significant obstacles. He evolves from a struggling youth in Idar to a powerful businessman in Bombay, embodying the complexities of ambition and the moral struggles that come with it.
Sujata (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)
Sujata is Gurukant's wife, whose initial role as a means to an end (due to her dowry) evolves into a supportive partner as the story progresses. Her character highlights the personal sacrifices made by women in the shadow of their husbands' aspirations and the tumultuous journey they face together.
Jignesh (Arya Babbar)
Jignesh is Gurukant's friend whose initial support and later discontent reflect the strains of friendship amidst ambition. His feelings of exclusion and jealousy highlight the complexities of personal relationships when faced with the drives for success.
Uncover the settings of Guru (2007), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1951 - 1980
The film spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1951 against the backdrop of post-independence India and ending with significant political and economic developments in 1980. This era was marked by a mix of traditional values clashing with modern aspirations, creating a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs like Guru.
Location
Idar, Turkey, Bombay
Idar is a quaint village located in the Sabarkantha district of northern Gujarat, known for its traditional lifestyle and agricultural backdrop. Turkey plays a significant role as the initial stop in Guru's journey, where he gets a taste of international trade. Bombay, a bustling metropolis, is where Guru seeks to establish his business empire amidst competitive challenges.
Explore the core themes of Guru (2007). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Ambition
The theme of ambition drives Guru's character throughout the film. His relentless pursuit of success and wealth reflects the struggles many face against societal and familial expectations. Ultimately, it underscores how ambition can push individuals toward both greatness and moral dilemmas.
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Corruption
Corruption is a prevalent theme as Guru navigates a world fraught with unethical practices to grow his business. The film highlights how systemic issues can lead to morally ambiguous choices, raising questions about integrity and the price of success.
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Consequences
The consequences of Guru's actions are depicted poignantly as personal and professional tragedies unfold. From strained relationships to legal repercussions, this theme illustrates how the pursuit of success can lead to devastating outcomes for oneself and loved ones.
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