The Film Banaras - A mystic love story

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Banaras - A mystic love story

Manoj Rammohan

 

Hindi (U) Inox, PVR, Symphony, Innovative Multiplex Cast: Urmila

Matondkar, Ashmit Patel, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia Director:

Pankaj Parashar

 

 

 

Frozen in enticing frames, the script flows with the characters

though with minor glitches. Like the confluence of human rituals in

the ‘Ganges’, the abstractness of our whole existence gains visual

aura in ‘Banaras’.

 

Treading a path of realism and existentialism, the tale unfolds

through the transformation of a young girl (Urmila) from Shwetambari

to Maaji. Myriad moods of the river, the flocking devotees,

traditional practices, vedic chants and mystic lives come together

on screen. Portrayal of a physics student, mesmerised by musical

notes to a low cast boy blessed with divine voice to a famed

psychiatrist experiencing inner peace, the director’s dexterity is

unmistakable.Shwetambari falls in love with Sohan (Ashmit Patel) her

music teacher, inviting opposition from both parents and society.

Even as the dreams of a peaceful life sprouts, he is found murdered.

Then begins the interplay of spiritualism and practical living.

 

The indifference shown by Mahendranath (Raj Babbar) towards Soham

reflects the falsified notions of caste hierarchy and deep-seated

hatred within the society. The ‘mystic love story’ traverses the

commercial demands into the spiritual arena, especially with a

commendable performance by Naseeruddin Shah as Babaji. Shedding her

‘dare to bare’ image, histrionics and sensuous expressions present

Urmila in a natural hue. Whether it’s learning about the death of

her lover or leaving home or expounding age old truths, she excels

as a mature artist. Dimple Kapadia’s presence as Gayathri Devi is

felt more in silence than in speech. Ashmit Patel d isappoints with

monotonous expressions and is a mismatch for the backdrop.

http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr92006/movies18550200648.asp

 

 

The film does not promote superstitious beliefs--- the dialogues

only inform never teach. Eastern mysticism along with philosophical

thoughts swarm throughout the film, making viewers search for

spiritual quotients. The smooth flow of happenings is interrupted

occasionally with songs and even a few scenes of intimacy.

Nonetheless, Himesh Reshmiyya’s background score is mellifluous.