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Dharm: Quality Cinema
indya.com rating: 3 out of 5 *
Cast: Pankaj Kapur, Supriya Pathak Kapur, Hrishita Bhatt and K.K. Raina
Director: Bhavna Talwar
The film tells the story of a Hindu priest, Pandit Ram Narayan Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapur), who's venerated in Benaras. He follows and preaches the societal practice of casteism and considers himself being a Brahmin as being the most superior amongst human castes. One day, his daughter gets an infant home who has been thrust into her hands by an unknown woman. The priest's wife (Supriya) requests him to allow her to raise the child (Krish Parekh), instead of sending him to an orphanage. Pandit Ram Narayan agrees. He being a staunchly fanatical man, at first tries his best to keep away from the child now named Kartikeyan. But, it doesn't take too long for him to melt.
As time passes by, the rising communal tension in and around the city breaks out into a full-grown revolt. The story takes a vital turn when the child's mother, a Muslim woman, resurfaces and claims her child, leaving the entire family shocked. How Pandit Ram Narayan and his family deal with the challenges posed by tradition and customs and what it finally leads them to forms the crux of the film.
The performances are of high calibre. Pankaj Kapur's body language and ability to get under the skin of the character is absolutely brilliant. Hrishita Bhatt, in a small role, enacts her part well. Supriya Pathak is good. K K Raina is top rate. All the child actors are extremely adorable.
First timer Bhavna Talwar deserves kudos for handling such a complex subject with incredible maturity. Her detailing shows and adds to the authenticity of the subject. The cinematography is eye catching with vibrant use of various colours. Singer Sonu Nigam turns music director with Dharm and though the film has no songs, his background score most often enhances the impact of the scenes.
The only glitch is that, it somewhat appears one-sided during the portrayal of the communal forces. A little less hurried effort on this part would have balanced the film perfectly.
indya.com rating: 3 out of 5 *
Cast: Pankaj Kapur, Supriya Pathak Kapur, Hrishita Bhatt and K.K. Raina
Director: Bhavna Talwar
The film tells the story of a Hindu priest, Pandit Ram Narayan Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapur), who's venerated in Benaras. He follows and preaches the societal practice of casteism and considers himself being a Brahmin as being the most superior amongst human castes. One day, his daughter gets an infant home who has been thrust into her hands by an unknown woman. The priest's wife (Supriya) requests him to allow her to raise the child (Krish Parekh), instead of sending him to an orphanage. Pandit Ram Narayan agrees. He being a staunchly fanatical man, at first tries his best to keep away from the child now named Kartikeyan. But, it doesn't take too long for him to melt.
As time passes by, the rising communal tension in and around the city breaks out into a full-grown revolt. The story takes a vital turn when the child's mother, a Muslim woman, resurfaces and claims her child, leaving the entire family shocked. How Pandit Ram Narayan and his family deal with the challenges posed by tradition and customs and what it finally leads them to forms the crux of the film.
The performances are of high calibre. Pankaj Kapur's body language and ability to get under the skin of the character is absolutely brilliant. Hrishita Bhatt, in a small role, enacts her part well. Supriya Pathak is good. K K Raina is top rate. All the child actors are extremely adorable.
First timer Bhavna Talwar deserves kudos for handling such a complex subject with incredible maturity. Her detailing shows and adds to the authenticity of the subject. The cinematography is eye catching with vibrant use of various colours. Singer Sonu Nigam turns music director with Dharm and though the film has no songs, his background score most often enhances the impact of the scenes.
The only glitch is that, it somewhat appears one-sided during the portrayal of the communal forces. A little less hurried effort on this part would have balanced the film perfectly.
Hollywood
12