SYNOPSICS
Dharm (2007) is a Hindi movie. Bhavna Talwar has directed this movie. Pankaj Kapur,Supriya Pathak,Pankaj Tripathi,Daya Shankar Pandey are the starring of this movie. It was released in 2007. Dharm (2007) is considered one of the best Drama,History movie in India and around the world.
The movie is about a Hindu priest Pandit Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapur) who is one of the most highly respected priests in the entire city of Varanasi. A man who lives for his religion, soaked in years of ancient traditions, values and morals. He is a strict, yet lovable man. As any real priest would, Chaturvedi believes he is a disciple of God on this earth to spread God's message and love as he goes about his rigidly ritualistic world of pooja's and teachings. One day his daughter brings home an infant (Krish Parekh) and the mother of the infant has disappeared and cannot be found nowhere. Pandit Chaturvedi is hesitant to have the child around the house at first, and when it's confirmed that the child has been abandoned, he then makes the decision that the child will be raised in the local orphanage. However the Pandit's wife Parvati (Supriya Pathak Kapur) has by now developed a soft spot for the young child and requests her husband if they can keep and raise the child if as their own. ...
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Dharm (2007) Reviews
This film should be made mandatory viewing in all schools
Dharm is a film that needs to be made mandatory viewing in all schools across India if we really want to build a secular nation, whilst not giving up on our traditional heritage. More importantly, it needs to be screened FREE public viewings for each and every communally sensitive town, locality, and colony. Finally, it should be made compulsory viewing for some of our political leaders and I don't take names who have made a killing out of orchestrated communal frenzy and caste violence. Dharm is not an ordinary film. Its power lies in the fact that it gives us a progressive interpretation of religion, straight from the head pontiff who has pursued a life of unwavering religiosity. A respected Brahmin priest, Pandit Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapoor) has dominated the spiritual landscape of Benares with his strict adherence to the traditional tenets of practiced Hinduism. Like all conventional priests, he believes in the caste and communal differences and his world almost falls apart when he realizes he has adopted a Muslim child. The foundling who became Kartikeya for him was actually Mustafa, a child lost in the communal carnage that had ripped the city apart. When the child's mother returns, Pankaj as the devout priest; as the man who falls in love with the child; not only lets Kartikeya go, but as the torchbearer of his faith also cleanses his home, mind, body and soul by undergoing days of penance. Is this the true essence of Dharm? No, declares the devout priest, when the city begins to rage once again in the communal cauldron and his followers brandish their sharpened swords in half-burnt colonies. Then, an enlightened Priest is the one who stands amidst the bloodbath and challenges his followers who attack with swords and fire torches. Eyes drop, swords fall to the ground, as he calls out to Kartikeya in the locality they have come to burn, and kill, and walks hand-in-hand with a Muslim child. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Benares ghats, the film ends up equating Dharm with its true tenets: the world is one big family; any discrimination on the basis of caste, color, community and religion is anti Dharm. Pankaj Kapoor towers like a colossus amidst the dying social fabric and what could have been an instructive sermon on spirituality,turns up as an uplifting soul curry. Brilliant photography, a very good soundtrack and top class performance from Pankaj Kapoor. I would recommend this film for every youngster. In fact, schools should put up a circular urging their students, besides facilitating them, to see this movie. Education begins at the grass roots. Let's teach the future of our nation, that religion is all about humanity. That to love one another as God loves us is the biggest act of faith.
Humanity is Religion indeed
I just finished watching this movie today and was impressed by the message it conveyed (ie, humanity is religion), the performances, the direction, the lighting and the cinematography, yet, IMO it could have been a little better as it somewhat disappoints (only a little). What I found disappointing was the ending. It just seemed too abrupt and sudden (which sort of made it unrealistic). Talwar's direction is impressive and she put a lot of heart into making a movie based on a somewhat complex issue. There have been movies made on similar subjects but she shows her point of view and takes us into the mind of Pandit Chaturvedi, an extremely devoted Brahmin priest. We see his dedication, experience his conflict and feel his emotions. The character's been excellently played by Pankaj Kapur. His subtleness and silence conviction is powerful and his dialogue delivery, especially in the end, is amazing. Supriya Pathak plays Chaturvedi's wife with clear ease while Hrishitaa Bhatt leaves a mark in a smaller role. The rest of the cast is adequate while the 'villains' were very caricaturish. The background score deserves mention as it adds a voice to the going ons. Bhavna Talwar deserves full marks for doing such a fine job. Even though I think the ending could have been a little better developed, I think Ms Talwar wanted to make it more concise. It would have been interesting too to also dig into the 'villains' psyche. They were so fundamentally opposed to other religions. Anyway, while one may argue that 'Dharm' is a spiritual movie, I think it has very universal message. This is a film that everyone must see, especially in today's time.
Dharm
I had heard about this movie's release, it sounded like a religious movie. I was recommended to see the movie too. So when I got the opportunity, even though with no idea about its content I sat to see this movie. The story is based in Banaras and is about a Hindu Priest Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapoor) who follows the scriptures to practice Hindu religion. When a child is abandon by a woman and brought in his house by his daughter - after initial hesitation but due to requests from his wife (Supriya Pathak) - the family adapts the child; only to know after 4 years that the child is a Muslim. The family gives away the child and Chaturvedi engulfs himself in the purification process to cleanse his body, mind and soul due to contact with a Muslim soul. By the time, Chaturvedi thinks he is fully purified the child reappears seeking refuge, due to Hindu- Muslim riots. This is the time Chaturvedi finally realizes that the true religion is - religion where humans help humans humanity. The debut director Bhavna Talwar has done a commendable job in taking a difficult subject to address and giving it the required justice in portraying and presenting the nuances of Hindu scriptures and its meaning in leading a religious life. The technique and cinematography by Nallu Muthu are brilliant. The light-dark shade, the camera angles are innovative. Good editing too. The location of Banaras suits the theme of the movie. The best part is hear the music and background score, especially to hear the voice of Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal was pleasing. It was also good to hear a good traditional score by Debajyoti Mishra who has rendered melodious music. All the actors have acted well yet as always Pankay Kapoor puts life and fire into his role as Pandit Chaturvedi. His mannerism reminded his characterization of Jahangir Khan of Maqbool. He has given a power house performance to lead the burden of story and deliver the message as effective as it could have been expected by the director Bhavna. The caricature of Hindu fanatic / fundamentalist character, and the money-minded priest was too clichéd but I think, due to short time span it worked exactly to convey the message of the film. Why I say this is because I know fundamentalist Hindus who are fanatic and do not even look like shown in movies. That would have given more interest, depth into the character and psyche. The movie though loads full with Hindu religious ceremony does not dwell into the brink of "marketing India to western audiences" as is often seen by some Indian directors - lately like Deepa Mehta and Meera Nair (who could not resist that mystical angle of showcasing India). Dharm does not even attempt to do that. It takes a deeply relevant contemporary topic and dissects it. To say frankly, in the end I was left a bit unsatisfied. The final message of "humanity is religion" though relevant sounded too simple. Everyone knows that, and a minor reminder would not help to solve the breeding fundamentalism in India or in the world. That is a topic for future story telling starting the movie with the subtle awareness of idea "humanity is religion" and dissecting it to find out what are the problems that still need to be addressed. That aside, this is a wonderful movie to watch a treat to see a new sensitive director emerging into global cinema scene. (Stars 8 out of 10)
amazing film... one complaint
i loved this film. it was so deeply moving; a beautiful message. and the aesthetics were wonderful too. i would recommend it to anyone, especially those who have any sort of interest in India. i have one complaint, though. at the end of the film, pankaj kapur gives an amazing speech about how religion is about unity, about humanity. he then calls out to kartikey, picks him up, and leaves the scene in a glorified way. beautiful. there was just one huge problem: he left kartikey's mother there!!! if he's the embodiment of religion, and he had just said that religion is about humanity, then why would he leave a single woman alone in the midst of a bunch of testosterone-laden men with torches? i was very disappointed by this. women are part of humanity too! i humbly ask: what values is this teaching our children? 7 stars overall. i would have given it 10 if it weren't for the ending.
For Athiest & Believer alike, 'Dharm' will move your soul...
Dharm (religion) is a masterpiece, a ground zero point of view on religion. The Brahmins are the upholders of the Hindu religion , their discipline and dedication to the obedience of all Hindu Vedic customs is the very thread that has kept Hinduism alive and unmarred for thousands of years. Dharm is a story of such a Brahmin, who is staunch about his beliefs yet manages to evade ego and power that comes with such a revered position in Hindu society. His life and beliefs are put to the test when his family unknowingly welcomes an orphan into their circle & raises him, believing he too is a Brahmin. But an unspoken truth is revealed that shatters their dreams and forces them to weigh their faith against love. The trials and turmoil tears the Brahmin's soul apart till realization & the true meaning of 'Dharm' dawns upon him. What ensues next is for you to unfold by watching this magnificent movie. The cinematography of this movie is flawless. Each frame is well thought out, each character true to life. Thought provoking and soul moving, Dharm is a must watch movie for all!