While most reviews for Guru are positive, the public response has been very mixed. Some calling it one of the best movies, others saying it's terrible. Probably depends on one's expectations for the movie and individual taste. I am sure Mani put a lot of hard work into the film, and such films, publicly popular or not, should be applauded for the courage to make it and to attempt to raise the standards of Hindi Cinema by creating thought provoking story lines that are different from the usual massala films. Mani Ratnam has created excellent films, but has failed to get a hit up North. Who knows why.
As far as Rahman's music, be it known that both Rahman and Ratnam have gone for a lighter approach to the music this time around intentionally. The songs have become popular, there is no doubt about that, so there is appeal and likeability. Again, expectations play a big role in how you like or dislike Guru's songs or BGM. I am pretty confident that Rahman has not lost his talent, his flair, his magic. Nobody "loses" gifted abilities in life unnless through trauma. Rahman just likes to experiment and move in different directions. I for one am glad about Rahman's tremendous diversity in output. I may prefer certain styles of Rahman or miss certain aspects of his music in the past that he is not focusing on now, but that doesn't mean Rahman is going downhill or whatever you want to call it. Guru's music is just one more unique color in the brilliant spectrum of Rahman's career. I do wish Rahman's output in films was more prolific and that he would do more independent, solo projects.
