Religion (2007) User Reviews

amazing film... one complaint

[lizhannig · 7/10 · 13 April 2012]

i loved this film. it was so deeply moving; a beautiful message. and the aesthetics were wonderful too. i would recommend it to anyone, especially those who have any sort of interest in India.

i have one complaint, though. at the end of the film, pankaj kapur gives an amazing speech about how religion is about unity, about humanity. he then calls out to kartikey, picks him up, and leaves the scene in a glorified way. beautiful. there was just one huge problem: he left kartikey's mother there!!! if he's the embodiment of religion, and he had just said that religion is about humanity, then why would he leave a single woman alone in the midst of a bunch of testosterone-laden men with torches? i was very disappointed by this. women are part of humanity too! i humbly ask: what values is this teaching our children?

7 stars overall. i would have given it 10 if it weren't for the ending.

Dharm

[rajdoctor · 8/10 · 24 July 2007]

I had heard about this movie's release, it sounded like a religious movie. I was recommended to see the movie too. So when I got the opportunity, even though with no idea about its content I sat to see this movie.

The story is based in Banaras and is about a Hindu Priest Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapoor) who follows the scriptures to practice Hindu religion. When a child is abandon by a woman and brought in his house by his daughter - after initial hesitation but due to requests from his wife (Supriya Pathak) - the family adapts the child; only to know after 4 years that the child is a Muslim. The family gives away the child and Chaturvedi engulfs himself in the purification process to cleanse his body, mind and soul due to contact with a Muslim soul. By the time, Chaturvedi thinks he is fully purified – the child reappears – seeking refuge, due to Hindu- Muslim riots. This is the time Chaturvedi finally realizes that the true religion is - religion where humans help humans – humanity.

The debut director Bhavna Talwar has done a commendable job in taking a difficult subject to address and giving it the required justice in portraying and presenting the nuances of Hindu scriptures and its meaning in leading a religious life. The technique and cinematography by Nallu Muthu are brilliant. The light-dark shade, the camera angles are innovative. Good editing too. The location of Banaras suits the theme of the movie. The best part is hear the music and background score, especially to hear the voice of Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal was pleasing. It was also good to hear a good traditional score by Debajyoti Mishra who has rendered melodious music.

All the actors have acted well – yet as always Pankay Kapoor puts life and fire into his role as Pandit Chaturvedi. His mannerism reminded his characterization of Jahangir Khan of Maqbool. He has given a power house performance to lead the burden of story and deliver the message as effective as it could have been expected by the director Bhavna.

The caricature of Hindu fanatic / fundamentalist character, and the money-minded priest was too clichéd – but I think, due to short time span it worked exactly to convey the message of the film. Why I say this is because I know fundamentalist Hindus who are fanatic and do not even look like shown in movies. That would have given more interest, depth into the character and psyche.

The movie though loads full with Hindu religious ceremony does not dwell into the brink of "marketing India to western audiences" as is often seen by some Indian directors - lately like Deepa Mehta and Meera Nair (who could not resist that mystical angle of showcasing India). Dharm does not even attempt to do that. It takes a deeply relevant contemporary topic and dissects it.

To say frankly, in the end – I was left a bit unsatisfied. The final message of "humanity is religion" though relevant sounded too simple. Everyone knows that, and a minor reminder would not help to solve the breeding fundamentalism in India or in the world. That is a topic for future story telling – starting the movie with the subtle awareness of idea "humanity is religion" and dissecting it to find out what are the problems that still need to be addressed.

That aside, this is a wonderful movie to watch – a treat to see a new sensitive director emerging into global cinema scene.

(Stars 8 out of 10)

For Athiest & Believer alike, 'Dharm' will move your soul...

[jingabobo · 9/10 · 23 May 2008]

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!

This film should be made mandatory viewing in all schools

[graffitiworks · 10/10 · 6 August 2007]

Dharm is a film that needs to be made mandatory viewing in all schools across India if we really want to build a secular nation, whilst not giving up on our traditional heritage. More importantly, it needs to be screened – FREE public viewings – for each and every communally sensitive town, locality, and colony. Finally, it should be made compulsory viewing for some of our political leaders – and I don't take names – who have made a killing out of orchestrated communal frenzy and caste violence.

Dharm is not an ordinary film. Its power lies in the fact that it gives us a progressive interpretation of religion, straight from the head pontiff who has pursued a life of unwavering religiosity. A respected Brahmin priest, Pandit Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapoor) has dominated the spiritual landscape of Benares with his strict adherence to the traditional tenets of practiced Hinduism. Like all conventional priests, he believes in the caste and communal differences and his world almost falls apart when he realizes he has adopted a Muslim child. The foundling who became Kartikeya for him was actually Mustafa, a child lost in the communal carnage that had ripped the city apart. When the child's mother returns, Pankaj as the devout priest; as the man who falls in love with the child; not only lets Kartikeya go, but as the torchbearer of his faith also cleanses his home, mind, body and soul by undergoing days of penance.

Is this the true essence of Dharm? No, declares the devout priest, when the city begins to rage once again in the communal cauldron and his followers brandish their sharpened swords in half-burnt colonies. Then, an enlightened Priest is the one who stands amidst the bloodbath and challenges his followers who attack with swords and fire torches. Eyes drop, swords fall to the ground, as he calls out to Kartikeya in the locality they have come to burn, and kill, and walks hand-in-hand with a Muslim child.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Benares ghats, the film ends up equating Dharm with its true tenets: the world is one big family; any discrimination on the basis of caste, color, community and religion is anti Dharm. Pankaj Kapoor towers like a colossus amidst the dying social fabric and what could have been an instructive sermon on spirituality,turns up as an uplifting soul curry.

Brilliant photography, a very good soundtrack and top class performance from Pankaj Kapoor. I would recommend this film for every youngster. In fact, schools should put up a circular urging their students, besides facilitating them, to see this movie. Education begins at the grass roots. Let's teach the future of our nation, that religion is all about humanity. That to love one another as God loves us is the biggest act of faith.

Humanity is Religion indeed

[Chrysanthepop · 13 August 2007]

I just finished watching this movie today and was impressed by the message it conveyed (ie, humanity is religion), the performances, the direction, the lighting and the cinematography, yet, IMO it could have been a little better as it somewhat disappoints (only a little). What I found disappointing was the ending. It just seemed too abrupt and sudden (which sort of made it unrealistic).

Talwar's direction is impressive and she put a lot of heart into making a movie based on a somewhat complex issue. There have been movies made on similar subjects but she shows her point of view and takes us into the mind of Pandit Chaturvedi, an extremely devoted Brahmin priest. We see his dedication, experience his conflict and feel his emotions. The character's been excellently played by Pankaj Kapur. His subtleness and silence conviction is powerful and his dialogue delivery, especially in the end, is amazing. Supriya Pathak plays Chaturvedi's wife with clear ease while Hrishitaa Bhatt leaves a mark in a smaller role. The rest of the cast is adequate while the 'villains' were very caricaturish. The background score deserves mention as it adds a voice to the going ons.

Bhavna Talwar deserves full marks for doing such a fine job. Even though I think the ending could have been a little better developed, I think Ms Talwar wanted to make it more concise. It would have been interesting too to also dig into the 'villains' psyche. They were so fundamentally opposed to other religions. Anyway, while one may argue that 'Dharm' is a spiritual movie, I think it has very universal message. This is a film that everyone must see, especially in today's time.

Worth for Oscar Nomination

[vasantys · 10/10 · 7 April 2008]

Dharm is too good film and it is really deserve to get Oscar for 2008. Pankaj Kapur is too brilliant in his acting. In fact No one can perform like Pankaj for the role "Pandit Chaturvedji". Hats of to you Pankaj Kapur. I remembered when i used to watch "Arya Chankya" serial of Dr. Chandra Prakash. I can co-relate the sense of dialogs and Sanskrit featured in the Arya Chankya. One should always remember his karma before his religion and perform duties towards it. I wish we get such movies to watch in future. Thanks to Director and Script writer of this movie. Wish you best of luck and thanks a lot again for such wonderful movie

Religion Redefined

[user-169-219219 · 9/10 · 25 September 2011]

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 a must watch for art lovers!

[itsgorab · 8/10 · 21 August 2013]

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!

Soul Stirring...

[vs_acharya · 7/10 · 9 August 2008]

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?

Must watch movie

[bharatjiodedra-49383 · 10/10 · 13 November 2020]

Must watch movie for everyone. Just one word awesome

Finest Movie every Indian should watch it.

[karan_mitt · 10/10 · 17 July 2007]

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.

Clichéd Tripe with a transparent and predictable plot. Only Saving Grace - Pankaj Kapur

[princebansal1982 · 1/10 · 6 July 2011]

Dharm starts off good. It builds on high expectations. Acting is particularly good especially by veteran Pankaj Kapur. It has got nice visuals. The location is Banaras one of most holy cities of hindu religion and you are pulled into a different world.

But the movie goes sharply downhill. Pankaj Kapur plays Pandit Chaturvedi who is a Brahmin priest in a temple. He represents old India, one who still believes in untouchability and upper castes and lower castes. The old India which still lives in many corners if India. His daughter finds and infant one day and on pressure from his wife he keeps the infant with him at his home.

The point when his daughter brings the kid home I could predict what was going to happen, not in minute detail, but still to a large extent. And the movie was so clichéd it didn't prove me wrong. I have seen so many of similar kind of movies, with simplistic and transparent plot which are about brotherhood and values. Don't get me wrong I completely agree with the message of the film and yes we need more films of this type. But as a movie it is a failure. We have got better movies that along with giving a message manage to entertain us, move us and delight us.

By the way till now, there is not even a single negative review about the movie. I though I was the only one who disliked the movie. But I checked the Top 1000 voters and they have given it a rating of 3.8.

Must Watch

[drsajjadpathan · 10/10 · 6 May 2008]

Very rarely does one come across a film that makes the other films look so trivial in comparison. An excellent masterpiece... Must watch for all audience. Pankaj Kapur as, usual has come up with an extraordinary performance. Bhavna Talwar has done a fabulous artwork to present such a beauty in her directorial debut. Outstanding locations, and beautifully presented the traditional culture. Vibha Singh, the screenplay writer, was awesome in giving a very different and sensitive storyline. An outstanding film in all respects, this one deserves the highest praise and of course, the highest award. Indeed, true religion is humanity.

Awesome

[chinud · 10/10 · 28 December 2012]

The movie is simply awesome. Great acting, great cinematography, great plot and above all - an excellent message. The issue that this movie addresses is one of the most pressing issues in any human society and is the cause of war and massive genocides. In India, things are much more worse as politics and religion are often combined. Political parties use religion to conduct mass genocides and use religion as a weapon to gain power. Common men are often brainwashed to start hating a particular community.

In a country like India where such scenarios are rampant, this movie should be taught like a text book to school children.

A film that defines religion aka 'dharm', a term which has been misinterpreted since centuries

[rahulchawla001 · 9/10 · 19 June 2013]

Awwal Allah Noor Upaya Qudrat Keh Sub Banday Aik Noor Keh Sub Jag Upajiya Kaun Bhale Ko Mandhe

God created light of which all the beings were born And from this light, the universe; so who is good and who is bad

The movie starts with this message and concludes with the same.

AS rightly pointed by a sadhu in the beginning of the movie, I speak of what I observe; you are quoting the writing on a piece of paper.

The result of the misinterpretation of scriptures is communal tension, hatred, terrorism in the name of jehad and growing orthodoxy even when the man has reached moon.

Loving each and every entity created by god, irrespective of its caste colour and race, whether it's human or an animal...That's what religion is. Anything which provokes hatred, orthodoxy and communal carnage, cannot be God's religion.

The movie redefines 'dharm' through a very simple and lovely story. The cinematography capturing Banaras is awesome. And the best part of the movie is Pankaj kapoor's acting.

What defines us?

[samabc-31952 · 9/10 · 17 April 2020]

It won Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.. beautifully crafted that makes many technically superior and big-budget movies seem so piddling.. the religion that flows in our body, why it fails to reach our hearts at times and how we perceive religion so subjectively and ostensibly .. have we ever understood the religion? If so, then how can we stoop so low and kill on the name of it? What defines us? Religion, ego, beliefs, spirituality, values or humanity? A great watch especially in today's time and age... superb performances, as usual Pankaj Kapoor at his best.. Loved the way Vedasara Shiva Stotram is used in the movie..

Masterpiece...A film that leaves an indelible impression on your heart...

[sudeep-lazarus · 10/10 · 31 January 2008]

Very few films that are made nowadays stay with you after you watch them. This is certainly one of those movies that not only stays with you but becomes a part of your thinking and your way of living. Rarely would some one come across a film that is so positive.

Director Bhavna Talwar brilliantly brings home the gist of the movie that "Humanity is the True Meaning of Religion". Pankaj Kapur leaves you dumbfound with his acting. You can feel all the emotions of the character as if they were real and are happening to you. He just calls his character to life. This film is a story of a devout Brahman who is also the head priest and who is considered as a perfect follower of the scriptures(Vedas). A mother leaves her baby in the hands of the Brahman's daughter, who brings the baby home. The baby becomes their own. The baby grows up as a true Brahman's son until 4 years when the boy's biological mom comes back to claim her son who happens to be a Muslim.

As an ardent follower of faith, Panditji(priest) gives her son back to the lady and rigorously punishes himself for desecrating his faith(Dharm) for raising a boy who does not belong to his caste or religion. Panditji's religion and faith and his devotion for God can be easily understood when intensifies the punishment upon himself even when the loving thought of the boy comes considering it to be against his Dharm. After a while communal tensions arise in the city. The boy's biological mom comes to the Panditji's home, asking his family to rescue the child from the angry mob ready to kill them both.

What will the Panditji do....what is his real DHARM???? Watch the movie...its WORTH a try.. trust me!!!

Dharma!!!

[sachinpandit001 · 10/10 · 28 September 2021]

This movie is a gem, one of the finest movie of bollywood. Pankaj Kapoor just nailed it.

Masterpiece.. Hits hard

[mrunaldesai · 9/10 · 24 December 2013]

I started the movie thinking as a Pankaj Kapur movie, because I love his acting. But the movie gave me chills. This movie is at its best. The end could have being better, but it's still an amazing movie.

It leaves a very strong impact on a person's mind.

It's not regular SRK, Salman stupid movie. It's AMAZING. Not sure why it didn't go to Oscars.

Pankaj Kapur is awesome. All the other actors are also amazing. No overacting, No stupidity.

Watch it if you like non-commercial movies. MUST WATCH for everyone, although most of people may stop the movie in the first half an hour since it's not a "Bollywood" style movie.

There are no words...

[Geeta352 · 10/10 · 3 May 2018]

One of the finest Hindi films ever produced. Excellent and important because it touches on faith and what it should make you do. Kudos to everyone involved in the making of this great movie!

A wonderful film about what religion should be all about....just be sure you have some Kleenex handy as you watch.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 19 March 2014]

In Dharm, Pandit Chaturvedi (Pankaj Kapur) is a Brahmin priest in India. As a Brahmin and Hindu scholar, he's greatly respected by the Hindu masses, as the Brahmins are the highest of the castes (a social class to which you are born and cannot change). Members of this caste have been considered by many to be next to God--just one or two reincarnations away from reaching Nirvana (perfect enlightenment). In this position as a scholar, he obeys all the structure and rules of Hinduism--and dedicates himself to being holy--like God's own agent on Earth. However, while obeying the letter of Hindu scriptures and being a shining example to his followers, he is a cold and rigid man--with little understanding of the spirit of religion. For him, it is all rules, regulations and ritual.

Into the VERY ordered house of Chaturvedi comes a big surprise. His daughter is asked by a stranger in town to keep watch over her baby just for a moment--and the mother never returns to get the boy. Chaturvedi is initially angry--this child cries a lot and disrupts his meditations and rituals—and his life revolves around these things. However, he soon grows to like the child and agrees to let his wife keep it. And, due to the young boys' influence, over time Chaturvedi begins to loosen up and smile and see his religion in such a rigid manner.

While the home seems quite ideal with the boy, there is a HUGE surprise is in store. Although Pandit Chaturvedi was told the child was, like him, from the Brahmin caste (and that is why he agreed to adopt it), his mother eventually returns. This isn't the only surprise, as he is shocked to learn that she is a Muslim! Considering how strict, dogmatic and unsympathetic he has been, this really throws this holy man for a loop! Now he must cleans his home, his temple and himself, pray for forgiveness and go on a strict fast to get the gods to forgive him for having an 'unclean child in his home'!

Although Chatuvedi is able to complete all these tasks to purify himself, he is still very uneasy. While as a Hindu and Brahmin he SHOULD care nothing about the boy, he cannot help but remember him now that he's been removed from the household. And, with religious riots breaking out in his town, he begins to worry about the child's safety, as many 'good Hindus' are on a rampage to rid their town of the hated unbelievers. What is Charuvedi to do?

This is a wonderful film for anyone—whether they are Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Atheist or whatever. It has a wonderful universal message— one that is taught without being preachy or heavy-handed. It also gives the viewer wonderful insights into Indian society today, as it wasn't that long ago when perhaps a million or more people were murdered after the partition of India into India and East and West Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively) in 1947. Religious intolerance and anger simmer beneath the surface there—just like in some other parts of the world.

In addition to the great message, the film has excellent production values—with nice acting, music (it takes a little getting used to—but it is fitting) and cinematography. It's well worth seeing and would be especially good viewing if you watch it with your teens. Give this one a try. And, fortunately, it is available now through Netflix!

Should be watched by anyone in the world

[hannahsen · 10/10 · 21 November 2022]

This film gives me serenity by showing all the way of being good or bad assumptions about humanity. How religion turns a tool to connect people in their lives and how them use that tool to turn their perceptions thru their hearts.

As I watched this film hope to one day everyone see this supreme art work. And wish to understand by anyone to think about point of views.

I found out this film's subtitles in English,Portugal,Turkish etc please add more langugaes as subtitiles to show this ouvrages d'art spread to every kind of people in the world.

Incredible panaroma magnificent actorships and fullfill the heart and brain at the same time.

What actually is a religion in a fight of humanity?

[ridi-arahan · 8/10 · 2 February 2021]

What worked: The movie is an extraordinary tale of a devoted Hindu priest portrayed brilliantly by Pankaj Kapoor. I think this is one of his best characters in the recent times. Another good thing about the movie is the cinematography, it's done very well. The movie has a very powerful narrative, fine screenplay and storytelling. It's a movie with a message that gets conveyed by the end of the movie , making it a wonderful watch. What did not work: I am against songs in the movie both the love song and the song that starts the movie by Sonu Nigam. Somewhere down the line, the movie diverted to the typical Bollywood masala and melodrama, which effected the movie in a dramatic way. If only, it was conveyed with less glorified way it would have been better Final verdict: highly recommended

Being born in Hindu Brhman family I like the way this movie does not hurt the sentiments of Hinduism.

[ganesharmaneeraj · 9/10 · 6 September 2020]

Thanks to the Hindu artists chosen for proper roles in this movie that they have done justice to Hinduism.This movie is worth watching,,, does not hurt Hindu sentiments. This movie PROVES HINDUiSM is a religion of HUMANiTY and PEACE.