Dance of the Wind

I found this movie through MUBI - India channel. Like most of the reviews mention, this is a movie of a purely spiritual journey. You can sum it up in what Pallavi (Kitu Gidwani's character) says after her mother's death, "I have been singing all this while in my mother's scale (sur). I haven't been able to find mine. Now who'll teach me?". It is also a homage to the tradition of music-making, and what it takes to keep it alive, the sacrifices.

Pallavi(Kitu Gidwani) who is an aspiring Indian Classical singer, and daughter of Karuna Devi(Kapila Vatsayayan) looses her voice and is not able to sing further following the death of his mother. She subsequently looses her carrer, students and even her husband(Bhaveen Gosain). Then comes a young girl Tara(Roshan Bano) in her life and teaches her to sing and to live.

Watching Dance with the wind is like going to musical and spiritual journey with the characters. Great music, cinematography, story and the performance makes the movie a beautiful piece of art.

Kitu Gadwani has done a great job portyaing as a singer going through a dark phase of life. Her face, expression all are in sync with the mood of the movie. Bhaveen Gosain was equally good and looked promising but I didn't saw any of his work apart from this movie.

One special scene that touches my heart was when Pallavi was on stage and not able to sing. His husband appologizes to entire crowd that she is in shock following the death of her mother, so unable to sing. And the entire crowd clapped for Pallavi.

And that scene with the Baba, who teaches pallavi, "Mere maun mein hi tumhari gayaki janm legi".

This one was some of the rare true film dedicated to music and Kitu Gadwani looked damn convincing as Pallavi.

A good creation is not just about great thought, but also capable execution. And execution is where DOTW falls short. There's no covering up of poor acting - which is what most of the support cast does. Kitu herself is quite limited, yet convincing. But her dilemma, her tribulations do not touch you the way they could have. A good contrast would be when compared to another film of same era about a musician - 'Saaz' with the thespian Shabana Azmi, DOTW doesn't immerse you in it.

Don't get me wrong. I am a music lover. And if I had to rate the soundtrack I'd rate it 9/10. In fact I heard the entire soundtrack before I saw the movie. I had read the gist of the movie and frankly the movie didn't like upto my imagination when I heard the soundtrack.

We bought this on VHS and loved it. It shows India in a way I've never seen it before, far from the traditional view usually portrayed and not remotely Bollywood. This film would be enjoyed by any nationality, it's a truly international film and doesn't depend on language; it's moody and magical. Miramax would be advised to snap it up before it's too late, this film will be discovered. It's spiritual, moving, modern and mysterious at the same time; with beautiful cinematography and a soundtrack to die for. Buy it and enjoy the experience. We did. Janis & Wilson. London.

An extremely spiritual movie living mainly from its Indian music which emanates an utmostly quiet serenity. Although the story has some lengths now and then the true fan of Indian cinema will enjoy this movie. Other movie goers will most likely have problems with this film.