Dhoop

This was a touching movie and had a few poignant scenes, for example, when Om Puri brings proof that he's Sanjay's father. This is not the typical Bollywood movie of a hero unrealistically fighting against the corrupt Indian government. Here, an elderly couple works their way through disgusting politics to immortalize their son who died while fighting in the Kargil war. A strong-willed father wants to give his life meaning by means of a gas station. The actress opposite Sanjay Suri gave a wonderful performance and a breath of fresh air by depicting an independent, self-respecting woman. The only negative of this movie is that it is very, very slow-paced, and the part about the murderer doesn't make any sense.

This movie does the same thing as a typical Indian movie - exposing the corrupted government officials in India. But what makes this movie different is that it is based on a true story.

With solid acting from Om Puri and Revati and its moving true story, you have a movie that is slow-movie but really worth watching.

The only thing I did not like about the movie was its numerous songs spread over the movie, many times seem to just thrown in.

7.5/10. (Quite Good)

Ashwini Chaudhary's 'Dhoop' takes a look into corruption of the governmental system. Unlike the several other films about corruption in India, 'Dhoop' takes a different turn. There is no overt bloodbath sequence or dramatic scene where the hero takes the law in his own hands, none of that nonsense. What we see is the parent's struggle against the corrupt system to keep the memory of their son and the several other brave soldiers who were martyred.

Based on a true story, Chaudhary's film starts at a slower pace but it gradually picks up. The screenplay keeps the viewer engaged as we see how the professor overcomes each obstacle and the sacrifices he makes. Music also contributes well. Jagjit Singh's Ghazals are beautiful.

Performances are a standout. Om Puri and Ravathi are truly excellent. One cannot help but feel for these two strong characters. Their performances look very natural and both prove that they are two of the best. In her debut film, Gul Panag definitely holds her own and her next films like 'Dor' and 'Manorama Six Feet Under' further prove that she's here to stay. In a brief role, Sanjay Suri does well. However, he looks a little too old for the part.

'Dhoop' tells a simple story of the common man's struggle against the system. The ending is slightly dramatic but the strong acting and the screenplay more than make up for the flaws. Definitely worth a watch.

The only name that drew me to this movie was Om Puri. This actor has a commanding voice and an astounding screen presence so much, the younger actors have lot to learn from this veteran of method acting. The movie is an expose of Indian corruption on the background of martyrdom of a young son and the family's struggle to cope with it. Some scenes are very heartfelt and moving with flashbacks that seem enough to portray the depth of affection in the family. The tenacity of a father and his daughter-in-law(she considers herself a widow even though she was only engaged to him at his death-played seemingly well by a debutant actress) to take a road uphill againest all odds, is well told. Even though the movie lacks the typical Bollywood decorations, it is still gripping mainly because of the heartwarming story and Om Puri.

Excellent acting not only by Revathi and Om Puri but also by the entire bunch of actors playing the corrupt civil servants.

Editing is disappointing in that scene to scene changes are abrupt and they remind you that you are watching a movie otherwise the movie makes you live the experience of the characters. Very good score and lyrics to go with the mood.

There is definitely one loose end (go figure!). The message is clear that there is a silver lining visible only through persistence and sincerity.

While this is not the first movie to touch upon this subject it is definitely an expression of awakening of the Indian public. This last sentence is forced into this review because there is a minimum-of-10-sentence requirement that I'm finding it hard to meet.