Religion

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.

Pankaj Kapur has always been at his best on the silver screen of Indian Cinema. Making an appearance this time as an orthodox Hindu priest, he leaves an indelible image of "Pandit Chaturvedi" in our minds.

The story, set in the oldest city of India - Varanasi, shows us a chapter in the life of this protagonist who staunchly believes in his "Dharm" - the universal principle of living - and the ways in which he applies this divine law to himself and his fellowmen. It's about how he discovers that humanity is above all and it is knowledge that completes a human being. Though the theme has been shown in Indian cinema many times before, I never had experienced it so touchingly.

The screenplay flows at a steady pace, brings in characters and takes them out of the script to present cinema in its purest form. The backdrop of Varanasi is the best I've seen on the silver screen.

Watch this movie to seek a soul stirring experience of witnessing beautiful images, mesmerizing colors, soothing music, blended seamlessly and celebrated by excellent screenplay and cinematography.

Bhavana, which's your next project?

Must watch movie for everyone. Just one word awesome

Dharm is too good film and it is really deserve to get Oscar for 2008. Pankaj Kapur is too brilliant in his acting. In fact No one can perform like Pankaj for the role "Pandit Chaturvedji". Hats of to you Pankaj Kapur. I remembered when i used to watch "Arya Chankya" serial of Dr. Chandra Prakash. I can co-relate the sense of dialogs and Sanskrit featured in the Arya Chankya. One should always remember his karma before his religion and perform duties towards it. I wish we get such movies to watch in future. Thanks to Director and Script writer of this movie. Wish you best of luck and thanks a lot again for such wonderful movie

Such a movie is once in a decade thing, if not more. Dharm is about religion, as the word literally mean in English, and explores religion in a new way. We have seen many movies where orthodoxy is slammed but Dharm justifies it beautifully and slowly transcends into a secular mode which, again, is affirmed by Dharm only. Religious faith is not seen with disregard but with respect. Rituals are not panned. They are redefined. Its story of a priest known for his values. He is a bit rigid with what he follows. Once incident takes place what follows has definitely no parallel in whatever cinema I had witnessed till today.

Pankaj Kapoor as Pandit Chaturvedi and Supriya Pathak as obedient wife raised their bar of acting to a new level.