Mango Dreams

I admit it. I'm a Westernized American Capitalist who just recently learned the difference between the "Bollywood" film industry and independent filmmaking from India. I got schooled. See, Americans aren't that enamored by Indian films for the most part. In all fairness, the same could be said of most Americans whenever it concerns international or art house cinema in general. "This is 'Merica Dammit! We like our whiskey straight and our TVs loud! And we don't often mix deep social consciousness, honest history, or gender and class issues with our blockbusters!" (But when we do, it's magnificent.)

I find myself looking more and more into Indian History each time I see an Indian film. So much of their work has to do with their cultural and societal evolution. A history of class struggle, compounded with British colonizers and a global economy lusting for cheap access to a land rich with resources and industrious people. And of course, a vast religious divide which has separated friends and family, through the best of political intentions.

"Mango Dreams" is a story that begins with two friends who became separated at youth by a simple childish argument. Only to have a wall driven between them for almost a lifetime of regret, by the partitioning between India and Pakistan.

Filmmaker and Director, John Upchurch is a storyteller from the rural farmlands of North Carolina. Surprise! And believe it or not, this is his first feature film. John's always had an affinity for Indian, (Hindi or Bengali) films. In his own words he says, "Growing up, the best entertainment could always be found at the feet of local storytellers; my grandparents, the farmers at the hardware store, my barber, etc. I love how their stories sparked my imagination, opened my mind to new ideas, and encouraged me to care about the world around me."

The good and kind Doctor Amit Singh played by Ram Gopol Baja, survived the partitioning but not without severe emotional angst and regret. As his age and dementia sets in he is driven by a need to return to his homeland to find closure, finally after all these years. Amits's memories are haunted by the massacre of his family by Muslims and the guilt he feels for the death of his brother. Before dementia sets in completely he begins a race against time to return to his past and find peace.

Amit's son, Abhi, (Samir Kochhar), who lives in America, comes home to see that his father is efficiently "entombed" in the old folks home for his own welfare. Amit makes a break for it and happens across an auto-rickshaw driver named Salim (Pankaj Tripathi), a Muslim with his own history. Salim's wife sadly; ironically, was raped and burned to death by Hindus. An early connection brings them to this impasse. Dr. Amit once saved Salim's son's life and as a poor man with a conscience, Salim has always been ready to repay that debt in some reciprocal way.

Amit asks a favor of Salim and that is, to take him "home". Salim agrees but has no idea where home is. He only gets directions and distances that lead him farther and farther away from his own destination, and what's worse, the entire trip is for free! Salim being a man of his word and wishing to pay his debt, becomes torn between his promise and what's reasonable. This is an "Odd Couple" story as well. Different religions; different appetites and different desires. Two lives so much in parallel with each other, but on opposite sides, like a reflection in a mirror.

This is an incredible journey between two men who have had severe trauma and sadness dealt with them. The sharing of their life stories, their youthful escape from some mischief on the road and the comradery they feel for each other lets us know that empathy and respect for our fellow man and woman are still within reach, and that a better world awaits us all with just a little tolerance, understanding and cooperation from each of us.

The cinematography is very well done. The scenes are shot tightly and edited with precision. The film moves along at a lively pace and only slows when it needs to. The dynamic between Amit and Samir is inspiring and humorous to watch, as any meeting of opposite polarities might attract. And isn't that the secret between the meeting of cultures? An exchange of ideas; a transfer of perspectives and thought. Did we just solve all the world's problems right now?

E. J. Wickes/Cult Critic/CICFF

Wonder what was the reason for choosing english as the language of delivery. It just does not make sense and gives a feeling that the movie isn't for Indian audience.

Enjoyed it very much. Emotional. Exceptional portrayal of Hindu and Muslim brotherhood.

Can a piece of art centered around Pankaj Tripathi ever be deemed "bad"? The acting prowess of two distinguished actors, the protagonist Ram Gopal Bajaj and the remarkable Pankaj Tripathi, is undeniably top-notch. The narrative revolves around a Hindu doctor named Ram Gopal Bajaj, afflicted by dementia, who yearns to revisit his father's ancestral home before losing his cherished childhood memories. The journey unfolds as he embarks on foot, setting out from his home with resolute determination.

In a poignant twist of fate, a Muslim autorickshaw driver encounters him at a bus station, where he remains, allowing buses on his route to pass him by. The doctor had previously saved the driver's son's life without expecting anything in return. This act of kindness creates a sense of obligation in the driver, driving him to reciprocate the favor. With no knowledge of the destination, the driver warmly welcomes the doctor into his autorickshaw, commencing a journey that extends beyond geographical miles. A journey that traverses the harrowing distress people endured during and post-partition of India in 1947 and poignantly underscores how those events continue to reverberate in lives today. This film masterfully portrays the profound impacts of the partition, the scars it left, and how individuals coped, highlighting that life, even after enduring such adversity, persists and triumphs.

As the doctor urges multiple stops at places steeped in personal history, the bond between the Hindu doctor and the Muslim autorickshaw driver deepens, painting an enduring portrait of unity amidst a divided past. This very aspect underscores a powerful message: that the divide between people cannot be drawn by mere border lines alone and that the nuances of human connection transcend such divisions.

The canvas of this cinematic creation is painted in the English language, a choice perhaps attributed to the English director. While seemingly unconventional for an Indian audience, I found myself captivated, even revisiting fragments of the film. However, I find it shocking that not many have rated and reviewed this film, implying that its reach has likely been unjustly limited.

In conclusion, I implore you to experience this cinematic gem for yourself. Sharing this recommendation brings me immense joy, as it feels like sharing a piece of my heart. It's a film that reiterates that history's ink cannot erase the resilience of the human spirit, nor can it sever the threads that bind us together.

Life teaches us that 'We are all just people' .This is not a journey that ends at a destination. This is a journey that starts at a destination. Returning back to one's roots after achieving what he had set forth and after traveling thus far is the only thing in his bucket list. Mostly shot in Ahmedabad, Shamlaji, Amritsar ... producer/director is John Upchurch, an American and he is also the story teller. Good performances from Ram Gopal Bajaj and Pankaj Tripathy and a equally fitted chemistry... as the landscape of the independent cinema in India has been unrolling since last few years, here comes a heartwarming Indian indie..the story is predictable and may seem sanctimonious at times.. but a good watch..