Religion

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.

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.

It won Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.. beautifully crafted that makes many technically superior and big-budget movies seem so piddling.. the religion that flows in our body, why it fails to reach our hearts at times and how we perceive religion so subjectively and ostensibly .. have we ever understood the religion? If so, then how can we stoop so low and kill on the name of it? What defines us? Religion, ego, beliefs, spirituality, values or humanity? A great watch especially in today's time and age... superb performances, as usual Pankaj Kapoor at his best.. Loved the way Vedasara Shiva Stotram is used in the movie..

Amongst all the masala entertainers that Bollywood is churning out, this beautifully crafted film is very refreshing. The plot is very crisp with a running time of 103 minutes.

The story revolves around the life of the most reputed Pandit (Brahmin) located in Banaras. It is a gripping tale packed with lots of emotional punches and forces the viewer to introspect religion vs secularism.

The main highlight in my opinion was the role of the main protagonist portrayed by Pankaj Kapur. Add to it the beautiful city of Banaras so amazingly captured with very apt background music. Full credit goes to the cinematographer for the neat and crystal clear close up shots (at many instances) which depicts the emotional turmoil of the Pandit through mere facial expressions and body language. I couldn't believe that this was Bhavna Talwar's (director) debut film. Simply Bravo!

For people looking for masala entertainment, stay away from it as you "might" get bored with the deep sensitivity that this film offers. For others, just give it a try and I'm sure you wont regret it!

DHARM is one of the finest movie made.. every Indian should watch it.

Dharm is a film that deserves to be seen by every lover of qualitative cinema. It is heartening to see the beauty of depiction. Everyone actor seems like a character lifted from real life. Dharm is one of those thought-provoking films that touch the core of your heart. It talks of religion, of communal harmony and also looks at the parent-child bond.

Director Bhavna Talwar rightly deserving for not only choosing a daringly different story, but also presenting it with rare maturity and honesty. A lot of hard slog and detailing has gone into this film and it's evident in each and every frame.

Pankaj Kapur delivers an amazing performance. He is certainly one of the most underestimated actors of Bollywood.

DHARM is one of the finest films produced in India. Watch it to believe quality Hindi Cinema.