Gour Hari Dastaan: The Freedom File

One of the very few Bollywood movies with the greatest ensemble casts. The movie works in every aspect, and by far one of the few complete movies. What worked:

• ensemble casts; finest actors from the Bollywood industry
• it's based on the true story and strong concept
• narrative and screenplay

What didn't worked: -I don't know. Maybe there isn't any. Final verdict: Highly recommended. The movie has layers and sub layers that you can't simply deny.

I m not going to talk about anything about this film except the subject. Because if I start commenting on anything about this film on a technical aspect , it will be an insult .This is a very important film, movies like these should be promoted by every individual who watches it. It was only when the movie ended I realised its based on a true story and is actually a biography. Only the thought that a person had to go through so much only to prove that he is a freedom fighter , breaks my heart. I think every parent should make their children watch this movie.

He fought for the country and now 70 years later he had to fight against the same country. He fought to free his country from British and the people of that free country not only refuse to acknowledge his sacrifice but even question his identity as was he indeed a freedom fighter !!! I can relate to this as I come from a freedom fighter's family...Thought provoking as did he really help free the country? What is a freedom really???? Are we free? Excellent screenplay based on true story and commendable performance by Vinay Pathak and superb exemplary direction by Anant Mahadevan.

Vinay Pathak always show the real life image of the character. His acting is damn amazing. Many Many Thanks to Bindiya Khanolkar and Sachin Khanolkar for producing this Movie. Director Anant Mahadevan done it brilliantly, i congratulate him for this kind of direction.

Vinay Pathak surrenders himself to the role (Gour Hari Das) and strikes the right note without any overt attempt to reach out to the audience. He reflects the optimism of a man who believes in his truth but also knows that he is pushing against a wall.

Konkona Sen did her best and remains in the shadow of Pathak, she brings her skills into play as the supportive wife. Like Pathak, she has also perfected the walk of an old woman.

As always Ranvir Shorey did his best. These actors are the real actors i admit.

The silence in the movie really hit you. I love it. 5/5

In a highly attention deficit generation of Indian cinema, Gour Hari Dastaan manages to stand out by being down-to-earth and unpretentious. Here is a film that silently pulls you into a relationship of engagement, rather than by being loud and calling attention to itself. The heavy subject matter is brilliantly contrasted by the contextual humour that results from the relationship between Gour Hari Das, the protagonist, and Rajeev Singhal, the jaded but supportive journalist who tries to bring his story to the eyes of the public through the newspaper, Mid-Day.

This is really a film of contrasts, between the India of the Raj and contemporary India. The characters are archetypal metaphors for the differences in thoughts between the older generation and the new. In a rapidly accelerating country, this is an important dialogue to be had. 'Gour Hari Dastaan' manages to raise these questions by allowing the audience to use its intelligence to navigate the thoughts, desires and beliefs of its characters - it reveals the complexity of India as a nation, exposing its stifling bureaucracy.

The cinematography by Alphonse Roy carries the story beautifully, highlighting the contrasts between the two India's that are shown in the film. Having been shot on film, the accurate skin tones with the right amount of detail as well as the limited color palette make this a new landmark in contemporary Indian cinematography. Mr. Roy's breathtaking, classical European cinematography combined with beautiful locations and the beautiful production design brings out the beauty of Ye Olde India.

The risk of not using a regular 'filmy' soundtrack with songs and dances has resulted in a tight, focused screenplay and direction. Mr. Ananth Mahadevan does an excellent job at bringing out regularly recurring themes onto the screen, moving the story towards the right direction and keeping the audience engaged with the characters' goals.

The casting is downright excellent. Vinay Pathak delivers as Gour Hari Das, the purist freedom fighter who slowly and quietly fought for his right. Ranveer Shorey is convincing and humorous as Rajeev Singhal, and pulls off the cynical journalist archetype. Konkona Sen Sharma does the job of being the wife of Gour Hari Das, though ardent fans might have wished for more screen-time for her character. The focus is on believability as the screenplay is based on a true story.

God bless this film to receive the accolades and recognition that it deserves. The level of success of this film will reflect on us as the audience, whether we are interested in addressing the state of the country.

Coming back to the question again, was the India of yesteryear better than the India of today?