Dharam Sankat Mein

Hindi film industry is known to follow the running trend blindly, so here is another of those noble attempts in the newly found genre of 'religious-political satire' rediscovered post the big success of OH MY GOD! and PK. The word 'rediscovered' is being used here as the genre was always there in our cinema with films such as DHARAMPUTRA(1961), YAHI HAI ZINDAGI (1977) and more but rarely used till it was re-presented in an entertaining as well as enlightening form again in the recent years.

Coming to the latest release DHARAM SANKAT MEIN focusing on an important and burning debate that whether religion depends upon the birth or the family bringing up the child since his early childhood, the film is no doubt a brave and thought provoking attempt by its debutant director Fuwad Khan in all respects. But if only he could have stayed with the basic subject without going into the already exhausted plot of fake babas and their influence on innocent people, the film could have been another eye-opener for all those fanatic practitioners of various religions unarguably.

Revolving around a middle aged Hindu person who shockingly finds out that he was actually an adopted boy and a born Muslim, the film is an official remake of British comedy THE INFIDEL (2010) wherein the Muslim protagonist happened to be a born Jew. Now though the idea seems to be quite fresh and novel in the first look, it interestingly remains an innovative extension of many lost and found formula Hindi films only, wherein the heroes after getting lost in the childhood, get adopted and then brought up by different families practicing distinctive religions like in Manmohan Desai's AMAR AKBAR ANTHONY.

Putting it more specifically, it can also be said that DHARAM SANKAT MEIN in fact begins from where films like DHARAMPUTRA (1961) end when the lead character gets to know his real identity and religion belonging to a different family. But then the major difference here lies in the treatment which in the present times tends to become all comical instead of getting serious or deeply introspective. DHARAM SANKAT MEIN begins superbly with a scene straight away mixing Hindu, Muslim and Punjabi communities together in just 2 minutes and then its truly a treat to watch the exceptional actors Paresh Rawal and Anu Kapoor together on the screen for its next hour. The director along with his dialogue writer and actors very bravely and carefully executes many sensitive scenes related to the different traditions or religious prayers and for that they certainly need to be praised whole heartedly. For instance, as Anu asks Paresh to come into the car, Paresh questions "Kyon Musalmaan Hun Isliye?" To which Anu replies, "Nahin Tum Pareshaan Ho Isliye....."

In short it's a completely enjoyable film till the intermission with an interesting story progression and many socially relevant scenes. But as always the same cannot be said for its second half since the team is not able to maintain the quality of content and pace moving into all weird and avoidable directions in its concluding hour. Post intermission, focusing more on the fake baba (poorly played by Naseeruddin Shah) and forcibly added social-political games once again leading to a court room, the film falls apart badly and offers nothing new to the audience strongly reminding them of both OH MY GOD as well as PK in exact terms. Though few well written scenes do keep coming in at gaps in its final hour, but overall DSM completely turns into a lousy sequel of the two films mentioned above towards the end and the viewer doesn't leave the theater thoroughly impressed or entertained ruining the fine buildup made by its initial hour. Particularly when a (sanskrit) song erupts all of sudden sung by Naseer and later an utterly silly connection revealed between a Punjabi pop singer (Gippy Grewal) and the fake Baba (Naseeruddin Shah), also making a clear indication towards another Punjabi music industry icon who was allegedly caught for "Kabootarbaazi" (illegal immigration) a few years back.

In the technical department, DSM has a decent soundtrack with two catchy Punjabi based songs and one well written-composed track, "Main Kis Mitti Ka Jaaya Ve" inserted perfectly where required. Both the background score and cinematography help the film a lot to get into that pensive mood, editing makes it move at a good pace only to get disturbed by an amateurish climax, whereas the dialogue writers keep coming up with great one liners constantly till the end.

In the performances, Paresh Rawal seems to have achieved mastery in such similar roles and thus he is right there at the top with a flawless portrayal. But the one who leaves you asking for more is Anu Kapoor, once again reminding the industry about his unexplored talent not given enough chances to deliver many possible path breaking performances. Their scenes together simply become the backbone of the film along with praiseworthy supporting acts coming from Murli Sharma, Alka Kaushal and more. However the major spoilsport among these all remains the hamming act of Naseeruddin Shah, probably due to an over the top performance demanded by the director. In fact had his character not been given so much footage in the second half, the film could have reached much higher status in terms of satire as well as the message stored for the society.

Overall, DHARAM SANKAT MEIN can be seen once for its subject and all 'Anu-Paresh' sequences alone, crediting the makers for their courage shown in taking up a satirical comedy project based on such a sensitive subject in the present scenario involving 'The Original Religion'.

Director Mr Fuwad Khan work is technically OK. He prefers lots of unnecessary movement in takes but I heartily appreciate him for keeping his vision very clear about this sensational issue. So, he kept writers group very focused about his wants. The Urdu fonts used in credit and title are creatively overboard. I got it while watching the film otherwise I was unable to get it. You can easily get the feel that it is written by more than one writer, actually there are four here. Due to this movie is not seamless. You enjoy the movie in bits and pieces. Over all writers Sanjay Sharma, Alpesh Dixit, Vijay Desai and Vedish Jhaveri work is good. They are excellent in dialogues but average in screenplay. Parallel cut of protagonist learning religious rituals is realistic, funny and intelligent but snatching file in orphanage office is typical filmy. There is one great shot used as metaphor, which is riding motorcycle by protagonist in three different looks, which reflects that common person is being sandwiched between religion. I loved this one. Then visualization of protagonist that he is approached by another religion is irritating. The main drawback of this film is less emotional quotient. The family bond is not established well, even the love track is bad. Both these notes are the soul of movie but due to not established well, you feel that why is he doing all this? Movie takes a slow start then grabs pace, again slows down after interval then picks up. Pre climax is slow, climax is average. The excuses made by protagonist time to time by covering his lie is cute and fresh i.e coming in Father gate up, excuse of wearing a particular cap. Over all you enjoy the movie. Performance wise Naseerudin Shah as Neelanand Baba is excellent in his brief role. He takes every word to a different level. Annu Kapoor as Nawab Mehmood..... is very impressive. He touches your heart by putting the right amount of emotions in words. Paresh Raval as Dharmpal is great. Murli Sharma as Imam is very good. One song "Allah Hoo.." is good and have great lyrics.

Love of humanity follows no caste or creed. The main message of this beautiful film emphasizes this. The central character of this film Dharam Pal(Paresh Rawal) finds out upon the opening of a safe deposit box left by his late mother - that he is a child adopted from a Muslim couple.

Having been raised as a Hindu for so long, this comes as a rude awakening to him. He is left in a moral dilemma - whether to confide in his wife or not. He opts not to tell his wife, but confides his secret to his next-door neighbor Nawab Mehmood Shah(Anu Kapoor), who is a lawyer by profession. Nawab Shah helps him to find his real biological father.

Upon learning that his father has been found and is seriously ill, Dharam Pal rushes to meet him, but he is stopped by the Imaam who is taking care of his father.

He tells Dharampal that if his father saw that his only son has been brought up as a non-Muslim, it could cause severe damage to his health. Therefore, he tells Dharampal to learn how to become a true Muslim and come back to meet his father once he is ready.

Watch this excellent film to find out what happens next...

The film also stars veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah in the role of Neel Anand Baba.

Paresh Rawal Films To See: Woh Chokri, Sir, Sardar, Naam, Kshana Kshanam (1991), Money (1993), Money Money (1995), Govinda Govinda (1994), Rikshavodu (1995), Bavagaru Bagunnara (1998), Shankar Dada M.B.B.S. (2004), and Teen Maar (2011), Shiva (1990), Tamanna (1996), Chachi 420 (1997), Hera Pheri (2000), Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Deewane Huye Paagal (2005), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).

Anu Kapoor: Utsav, Mr. India, Tezaab, Chameli Ki Shaadi, Arjun, Ram Lakhan, Main Azaad Hoon, Ghayal, Yodha.

Naseeruddin Shah: Tridev, Woh Saat Din, Pestonjee, Mirch Masala, The Perfect Murder, Hum Paanch, Masoom, Jalwa, Paar, The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen(LXG), Khamosh, Hero Hiralal, Khoj, Vishwatma, Mohra, Albert Pinto Ko Gussa Kyoon Aata Hai, Sarfarosh, Chinagate, Sir, Panaah.

These types of movies which are mostly shot outside then inside amazes me, plus the story is very good. Simple and good. Sometimes movies like this are real gifts. Everybody acted great. Watch it!

"Dharam Sankat Main" is a combination of smart story, crafty direction, smooth dialoges and inspirational acting skills. Mr Paresh Rawal has once again touched the hearts of his fans with this extra-ordinarily staid, divisive and appealable performance. The movie is a continuation of sensitive cinema in India and marks the culmination of religious myths and beliefs. When at the age of 55, Paresh Rawal comes to know that he was a Muslim by birth, his agony, helplessness and distress is beyond control. He then decides to find his biological father with the help of his Muslim Neighbor Lawyer Friend (Anu Kapoor). During the search, Paresh comes across so many hurdles both domestically and religiously. When he finds about his father, he goes to visit him but the 'Molana' of the Orphanage(Where his father is living ) refuse to allow him to see his father being a 'Hindu'. The 'Molana' asks him to become "Muslim' first and then see his father as a condition. Perplexed by the situation, he decides to take help from his lawyer friend (who is a Muslim) to learn Islam. From here on starts a dual problem for him. His son is forcing him to go to 'Mundir' so that he can win the heart of her girlfriend orthodox Hindu father and the pinch to meet his father pushes him to adopt Muslim rituals and methods. During the hunt, he encounters a procession that is agitating against Muslims where he burns a 'Muslim Cap' to show his son his Hindu Image and this starts a wave of aggression against him by the Muslims. Ultimately, he ends up in a court where he admits that he is Muslim by birth and it is the 'Molana' of the Madrassa who is not allowing him to see his father because he is 'Hindu' and this caused him to learn Muslim rituals. The whole plot revolves around Paresh Rawal and he creates his persona throughout the movie through his comic timing and natural acting. Paresh Rawal 100% justifies his character and delivers his best. This film is another addition to his sublime acting career and a continuation of "Oh My God" extravaganza. A thumbs for the whole team and a salute to Mr Paresh Rawal Skills with a kiss to Anu Kapoor being so nice and hilarious in the short role!!!