Dharm

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!

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 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.

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?

Dharm (religion) is a masterpiece, a ground zero point of view on religion. The Brahmins are the upholders of the Hindu religion , their discipline and dedication to the obedience of all Hindu Vedic customs is the very thread that has kept Hinduism alive and unmarred for thousands of years.

Dharm is a story of such a Brahmin, who is staunch about his beliefs yet manages to evade ego and power that comes with such a revered position in Hindu society.

His life and beliefs are put to the test when his family unknowingly welcomes an orphan into their circle & raises him, believing he too is a Brahmin. But an unspoken truth is revealed that shatters their dreams and forces them to weigh their faith against love. The trials and turmoil tears the Brahmin's soul apart till realization & the true meaning of 'Dharm' dawns upon him.

What ensues next is for you to unfold by watching this magnificent movie. The cinematography of this movie is flawless. Each frame is well thought out, each character true to life. Thought provoking and soul moving, Dharm is a must watch movie for all!