Banaras is a tale of mystic romance where Urmila Matondkar plays the only daughter of an aristocratic set of Brahmin parents, Raj Babbar and Dimple Kapadia who live in Banaras. A student of science in Banaras Hindu University, Ashmit Patel belongs to a low caste, and plays a lecturer in music. Being a protégé of Baba (Naseeruddin Shah), he is also a mystic.
Urmila is Ashmit’s student, and soon love blossoms between the two. The parents are outraged at their romance, but eventually agree for their marriage. Ashmit is killed under mysterious circumstances, and dejected; Urmila leaves Banaras and turns a teacher in religion and philosophy.
At the very start of the film, the director places his cards on the table –the way he connects quantam physics with existence of human being is noteworthy. The emphasis is on sprituality. The love story also takes precedence in portions and although the film moves at a speedy pace in this half, the songs that crop up at regular intervals act as speed breakers. In fact, the film can do without a couple of songs for sure.
Director Pankaj Parashar is a fairly good story teller, but he seems to have got confused midway – whether to make an offbeat film or a love story. On the technical side, the cinematography is breathaking. Dialogues are well penned at places, especially the ones delivered by Urmila.
Himesh’s music is functional. Barring the holi number, the remaining songs are plain mediocre.
Getting into the skin of the character and essaying a role that’s not run-of-the-mill types was a challenge and Urmila passes the test with good marks.Ashmit is efficient, conveying so much through his facial expressions.Dimple is excellent . Naseer is first-rate.
Banaras defintely reflects a changing face of Indian cinema.