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'.
