Parzania

There were just 20 odd people in a huge cinema hall in Bombay when I watched this film!! More people in India need to watch films like these. And sadly it will probably never be released in the state of Gujrat, where all this took place. This is a heart rending look at the riots in Gujrat that took place in 2002 in "response" to a "terrorist" act in Godhra, Gujrat where a train was burned and supposedly hindus were victimised. This film is based on a true story. Not as graphic as you would imagine, the film portrays the life of a Parsi family whose son was lost in the riots, or may I say organised genocide. The main focus is the family and the loss they suffer as also the apathy or rather the role of the police and the incumbent government in the massacre of thousands of Muslims/non hindus. The sub plot deals with an American PHD student doing a thesis on Gandhi, and his own journey of self realisation, dealing with his alcoholism and his painful past. All actors have done a wonderful job. The director, himself a Hindu (Gujrati) has done a wonderful job, and kudos to him for fighting all the opposition he probably did face while making this film.

What worked: The narrative of the movie is engaging, disturbing and well executed overall. Since the movie was based on true incident, it was a difficult watch but let me understand what triggered and how the riot destroyed many lives. The story is beautifully presented and the climate of the mood is captured well, making it a watchable movie What did not work: I would say the length of the movie could have been shortened by reducing many of the family scenes, scenes with dramatic touch or scenes were not that important in the story telling. Final verdict: recommended

Every citizen and human being need to see this types of real truthful ness movies.. instead of fantasies..

After the disastrous 'Kehtaa Hai Dil Baar Baar', Dholakia is back with something completely different. No need to say that he has shown great improvement as a director in 'Parzania'. Even though there have been many movies that have depicted the political conflicts between Hindus and Muslims in India that have lead to bloodshed, 'Parzania' takes a closer look at the tragedy that happened in Gujarat in 2002.

The film deals with a sensitive and poignant issue but perhaps under the wings of a more experienced director, 'Parzania' may have been a better film. Many of the scenes before the riot appear Bollywoodish and some of the scenes thereafter appear dramatic enough to interfere when it may have worked better had it been treated with subtlety. The Allan character is poorly written. At first he's portrayed as a caricature hippy-tourist type who switches to a whiny alcoholic before becoming a do-gooder. The writer fails to show a convincing transition. I also don't understand the point of Cyrus's quest which he undertakes in order to find answers.

Much of the movie is seen through Cyrus and Shernaz's point of view and those are the parts that worked best. It also helps that the aforementioned roles were played by gifted actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Sarika. Shah downplays Cyrus with élan but it is Sarika who is outstanding. She owns each and every one of her scenes. Parzan Dastur is very likable. Of the supporting cast, Raj Zutshi and Sheeba Chaddha are superb.

Flawed it may be, but 'Parzania' is far from being a bad film. It is worth the watch. Dholakia may not have been the best choice but he took a brave step and perhaps in the future he can tackle such sensitive issues with more skill and thus do more justice to the story.

Parzania is easily one of the best movies i've seen in a LONG while. as i watched the movie, my mind was full of respect and admiration for all those who acted and invested in this movie.

first off, it was made brilliantly. the shots, the score.. exquisite. the acting was brilliant too. it was REAL and HONEST and amazingly believable. the movie talks of the events that took place in Gujarat in 2002 on a macro level. at the same time, like in many movies, we are given a local perspective, and this makes for a very personal viewing experience. if you truly do appreciate movies, you'll notice the detail in which this movie and its production has been thought out. everything is symbolic, significant and highly stimulating.

again, the characters are very REAL and make you FEEL for the story. and thats just it. it isn't just a 'story'. it describes what ACTUALLY happened and that itself should hit you hard, right in the chest. the situation is a sensitive one, all the same it has been treated carefully and honestly and made me realize that they have truly used the potential of the medium that is motion picture.

a must-watch. recommend it to your friends and family and be prepared to be FEEL. be prepared for an incredibly REAL and DEEPLY-IMPACTING movie experience.

cheers.