Dharavi

In 'Dharavi', Sudhir Mishra gives us a glimpse of the slum culture infested by poverty, crime, corruption, despair and depravity. Taxidriver Rajkaran (Om Puri), an inhabitant of the Dharavi slum, dreams of making it big as he's fed up of life in the slums. His frustration takes a toll on his marriage. His wife Kumud (Shabana Azmi) works at a garments factory and takes care of their son. She's satisfied enough with her life and this only further exacerbates things for Rajkaran. Rajkaran's happiest moments are when he's hammered. He bounces into a dream world where he is paid a visit by a siren (Madhuri Dixit) whom he identifies as his true love. Frustration leads to despair which calls for desperate measures.

Mishra's depiction of the slum culture is well done. He displays a good understanding of it and pays attention to detail which is apparent in the language, the sets, costumes and social interactions. I also liked his use of symbolism and metaphors. The background score is beautiful. However, the cinematography is flat and the sound effects are weak.

Om Puri delivers yet another phenomenal performance. He captures Rajkaran's frustration, vulnerability, persistence, anger and despair with élan. Shabana Azmi plays her part with equal conviction. Veerendra Saxena does well as Kumud's brother whose ideals conflict with Rajkaran's interest.

Overall, 'Dharavi' is easily one of Mishra's best movies, perhaps his best after 'Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi'.

Dharavi is the story of Rajkaran, who lives in the biggest slum of the world, Dharavi, Mumbai. He is so fed up of his life, aspires to start his own business. He takes a loan from some not so good people but then circumtances change and his business is destroyed.

It's more of a collage of lives of different living in Dharavi with different views, aspiration toward life.

No words for Om Puri. He is the soul of the movie. Watching him perfrom in the movie was so real. He was phenomenal and the way he portrays Rajkiran was so convincing, be it displaying the characters anger, frustration, ambition, despair. He was completely convincing.

Sudhir Mishra has sketched the world of Dharavi so real, you won't believe you are watching a cinema. It's as if being part of that slum and watching the characters in front of you. He has put so many layers in Rajkiran's character, he is ambitious, angry, fantasizes about Madhuri Dixit and deep down emotional too.

Apart from Om Puri, Virendra Saxena was amazing too. Though not a full length role, he delivers great performance. Raghuveer Yadav was superb as well, though he was under utilized. Not that much of a screen space for him but delivered good performance.

Shabana Azmi as Rajkiran's wife Kumud is phenomenal too. She brings out expression so easily. All the anger which is inside Kumud is conveyed on Shabana's face effortlessly.

A gem from Sudhir Mishra, who is known for making realistic movie.

Dharavi, the big slum with which everyone is acquainted with because of the umpteen times its depicted in movies. If not sure, Slumdog millionaire, all RGV gangsta flicks, Deewar....u will get the idea.

Dharavi, a land of promises and despair, A land of treachery and miseries and what not. A satire on the canvas of the maximum city- MUMBAI.(A satire because dharavi was the fisherman's swamp land some 200 hundred years ago before it acted as a base for establishment of mumbai which now ignores it.) Anyways it creates a perfect backdrop for storytellers to express ordeals and hardships of the common man. A common man, so extensively portrayed in our films from time to time that he has become a kind of cliché'. We all have certain expectations from him. He must be honest, should be in loose plain shirts, dropped shoulders, find happiness in his wife and children and u know what i mean. He may sometimes have big expectations but in no way are they bigger than his ethics and his family. Our hero Rajkaran is a common man, earning from hard work and still in debt. He also has big dreams,to rise higher in life. But, he is uncommonly common. He has a family,but he is not happy with their burden. He has ethics, but only as far as they don't come in his way. He drinks a lot. Can easily put a blind eye whenever sees any trouble.Heck, he fantasizes about Madhuri Dixit! He is in every sense in the modern world-just a human. He takes all the right steps needed. In his eyes, he has done nothing wrong. But the world is determined to take him down. His wife, Kumud is also common in every sense. Content, hardworking and loving. Or it seems so. Maybe she is tired of fighting with the destiny and accepted her status in society. What destiny plans for them is for you to watch. Om puri and shabana azmi, two of the stalwarts show us yet again what playing a character honestly is. Om puri plays a flawed and thus a very human character. His character Rajkaran, shows how a dream can possess a man.His ambition of going up the social ladder forms the base of story. And his wife Kumud, a woman with huge responsibilities of chores upon her shoulders, is one who has to bear all her husband's fault without questioning. Played brilliantly by Shabana Azmi, the character shows how a woman sacrifices for a man and yet has to rely solely on him. In other characters. Raghuveer Yadav and Virendra Saxena play their part with ease and finesse. Sudhir Mishra handles the subject of poverty,greed, injustice and crime without being biased and keeping every character flawed in some sense thus adding to the perception of story.

Rating- 8/10

"Dharavi" is a cinematic masterpiece that takes viewers on an emotional journey through the heart of one of Mumbai's most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods. The film's storytelling is both compelling and thought-provoking, offering a deep exploration of the lives, struggles, and dreams of its characters.

The performances by the cast are nothing short of exceptional, with each actor bringing a level of authenticity and depth to their roles that is truly commendable. The cinematography captures the essence of Dharavi in a visually stunning way, immersing the audience in its narrow lanes and bustling markets.

What sets "Dharavi" apart is its ability to shed light on the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It beautifully weaves together tales of hope, friendship, and determination amid challenging circumstances. The film's soundtrack complements the narrative perfectly, enhancing the overall experience. It also shows about the true colours of the people around us. The worst part of the story is about how one person trusts his friend so much and the other friend just uses him for money to build his business and loses all his hard earned money. It teaches us how cruel the world is.

"Dharavi" is not just a movie; it's a reflection of the diverse, resilient, and dynamic spirit of a community often overlooked. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and a glimpse into the real-life stories that shape our world. This film will leave you with a lasting impression and a deeper appreciation for the human connections that bind us all.