"I don’t fear the Public, I am the Public…" This is one of the catch-lines hogging attention in the newspaper advertisements of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Guru’. The main catchline – Villager, Visionary, Winner - continues to be the mainstay. This has to be said that in its final stage of Herculean publicity, ‘Guru’ is definitely evoking curiosity that goes beyond mere entertainment.

It’s being said that this is Abhishek Bachchan’s best work. And if the promos are any testimony then Bachchan Junior surely seems to be on top. In his young avatar flirting with Mayya Mayya oomph doll Mallika Sherawat or singing Aishwarya duets with mountain backdrops, Abhi looks hot. But it’s his transformation into the industrialist, the leader phase that’s startling. His body language when he screams: “Banna chahte ho is desh ki sabse badi company” is spellbinding. And the paralytic moments with his mouth clenched is stunning to say the least.

Some films are beyond Box Office. ‘Guru’ seems to be one of them. Mani Ratnam’s ‘Yuva’ earned Abhishek loads of Best Supporting Actor awards, will 'Guru' take him beyond everything else? Wait for January 12th, the verdict will be out soon.