"Zakhm" is an Indian film about a topic we'd all do well to see more of--religious toleration. The film was apparently written by the director, Mahesh Bhatt, and it's actually based on his own life experiences.
The film begins in recent times--during some unrest between Muslims and Hindus in Mumbai. After a Hindu man's mother is attacked and severely burned by a group of religious zealots, the doctor is baffled--why would this Hindu woman call on the name of Allah in her dying hours? At this point, her son begins to think back about his childhood and the sad story of his mother. Apparently, she and a man fell in love and married secretly--but her mother-in-law refused to recognize the marriage, as she is a Muslim and he is Hindu. For several years, he keeps her like a concubine in a separate house with their son. When the man later tries to be a man and defy his mother's wishes and recognize her as his wife, she manipulates him in one of the most awful ways I've ever seen in film history (you just have to see this scene for yourself!). Eventually, this spineless jerk marries--leaving his unofficial first wife and son to fend for themselves. Shortly after this, the first wife has a baby--and now Ajay has a younger brother, Anand. And, when the man realizes he's a father once again, he rushes to her side--but is killed in a traffic accident. All this and the aftermath at the father's funeral is all told through a flashback that takes up at most of the film.
In the present time, Anand is lured by the appeal of the extremists and when his mother is set ablaze, he's about to murder one of the men responsible. Ajay stops him and hands the killer over to the police--and now Anand vows that he is no longer Ajay's brother--Anand wanted his revenge. How will all this straighten itself out--as it sure sounds complicated and quite sad. And, Anand has no idea that his mother is secretly one of the people he hates--a Muslim. And what of Ajay's lovely wife? She has no idea he hides this secret. What's to become of all this?
"Zakhm" is not a typical Bollywood song and dance film. While there are some musical interludes, none of these involve the actors singing or dancing. And, because of the sad mood of the film, more traditional singing would have detracted from the movie. Overall, this is a very compelling story--well told and sure to keep your attention. My only reservation is that western audiences are usually VERY ignorant of Indian history (a plead guilty of this to a small degree) and it might be tougher for them to follow the story and understand the cultural and religious aspects of the film. Most Westerners, sadly, know little, if anything, about the religious strife which has killed hundreds of thousands since India gained its independence. This is not a complaint about the film--just an observation about potential difficulties for the unfamiliar. However, it also is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this and be entertained at the same time. For a similar sort of insight, try watching Deepa Mehta's film "Fire"--a very sad but extremely well done film as well. For both films, be sure to have some Kleenex handy--you'll probably need them.
One other aspect of the film that might confuse some is seeing folks embracing Christianity and other religions at the same time. Within Hinduism in particular, this is NOT a problem--as you can worship Jesus and the traditional Hindu deities--something you would not think of in the West. Also, the turbaned man in the film is neither Muslim nor Hindu but a Sikh. Just in case you wondered.
The film begins in recent times--during some unrest between Muslims and Hindus in Mumbai. After a Hindu man's mother is attacked and severely burned by a group of religious zealots, the doctor is baffled--why would this Hindu woman call on the name of Allah in her dying hours? At this point, her son begins to think back about his childhood and the sad story of his mother. Apparently, she and a man fell in love and married secretly--but her mother-in-law refused to recognize the marriage, as she is a Muslim and he is Hindu. For several years, he keeps her like a concubine in a separate house with their son. When the man later tries to be a man and defy his mother's wishes and recognize her as his wife, she manipulates him in one of the most awful ways I've ever seen in film history (you just have to see this scene for yourself!). Eventually, this spineless jerk marries--leaving his unofficial first wife and son to fend for themselves. Shortly after this, the first wife has a baby--and now Ajay has a younger brother, Anand. And, when the man realizes he's a father once again, he rushes to her side--but is killed in a traffic accident. All this and the aftermath at the father's funeral is all told through a flashback that takes up at most of the film.
In the present time, Anand is lured by the appeal of the extremists and when his mother is set ablaze, he's about to murder one of the men responsible. Ajay stops him and hands the killer over to the police--and now Anand vows that he is no longer Ajay's brother--Anand wanted his revenge. How will all this straighten itself out--as it sure sounds complicated and quite sad. And, Anand has no idea that his mother is secretly one of the people he hates--a Muslim. And what of Ajay's lovely wife? She has no idea he hides this secret. What's to become of all this?
"Zakhm" is not a typical Bollywood song and dance film. While there are some musical interludes, none of these involve the actors singing or dancing. And, because of the sad mood of the film, more traditional singing would have detracted from the movie. Overall, this is a very compelling story--well told and sure to keep your attention. My only reservation is that western audiences are usually VERY ignorant of Indian history (a plead guilty of this to a small degree) and it might be tougher for them to follow the story and understand the cultural and religious aspects of the film. Most Westerners, sadly, know little, if anything, about the religious strife which has killed hundreds of thousands since India gained its independence. This is not a complaint about the film--just an observation about potential difficulties for the unfamiliar. However, it also is a wonderful opportunity to learn about this and be entertained at the same time. For a similar sort of insight, try watching Deepa Mehta's film "Fire"--a very sad but extremely well done film as well. For both films, be sure to have some Kleenex handy--you'll probably need them.
One other aspect of the film that might confuse some is seeing folks embracing Christianity and other religions at the same time. Within Hinduism in particular, this is NOT a problem--as you can worship Jesus and the traditional Hindu deities--something you would not think of in the West. Also, the turbaned man in the film is neither Muslim nor Hindu but a Sikh. Just in case you wondered.