I have said this countless times and I will say it again: I adore indie films no matter how low-budget they are. However, the problem with this film is that the makers try to market an honest drama as a thriller.
Janu (Garrick Chaudhary) is a young Muslim boy who lives with his parents - his homemaker mother and a much older father, Maulvi (Lalit Mohan Tiwari), who works as muezzin at the local mosque and also owns a small candy shop. Janu is one curious child with unprecedented interest in Hinduism and its mythological stories. For this reason, he often finds himself among fellow Hindu friends and a pandit who is equally fascinated by the Muslim boy's interest in Hindu mythology. Unfortunately, for Janu, Maulvi is not supportive of his interests, and often admonishes him for the same. This basic idea is taken forward in the story as Janu gets more and more exposed to Hindu traditions, accentuated by similar teachings at school.
The plot is surprisingly original and weighty. At a time when we are fed films with hollow ideas about religious fanaticism and rebellions, this one comes as fresh air. However, the execution is what wrecks the whole flow of the film. In addition to a failed attempt at non- linear screenplay, the writer is seen to often omit sequences, which bring about confusion in the story-line. The non- linearity further aggravates the issue as the audience finds itself looking for clarity. Poor cast performance and direction increases the inconvenience of the viewer. The dialogues come out weird and the camera work is shoddy. Overall, no filmmaking factor is taken seriously here.
The story explores topics of religious suppression on kids. Maulvi wants Janu to practice Islam and forces him to take up the religious courses offered at the local madrassah. But, Janu is interested in Ramayan, in which his favorite character is Lord Hanuman. He wants to know more about these fictitious characters, and why the river Ganges is considered holy. The absence of loud characters in his own religion cajoles Janu to explore another religion, which against his command, turns his world upside down.
There's innocence in the central character. And the film studies how that innocence is disturbed/marauded by religion or religions. Consider this dialogue by Janu as you decide whether or not to watch the film: "Why are people buried after they die? Won't the darkness be uncomfortable?"
BOTTOM LINE: Zaigham Imam's "Dozakh in Search of Heaven" manages to pique one's interest as it narrates a fresh story about the effects of religion, but fails to maintain it due to awful screenplay and poor execution. Skim through it if you can.
Can be watched with a typical Indian family? YES
