Cast : Raj Babbar, Dimple Kapadia, Urmila Matondkar, Ashmit Patel , Akash Khurana, Naseruddin Shah
Director : Pankaj Parashar
Release Date_6th April , 2006
There are two kinds of films. One, which focus on providing wholesome entertainment. And the other, that sets you thinking!
Banaras, directed by Pankaj Parasharr, belongs to the latter category, although it has its share of entertaining moments as well.The best part about Banaras is that it remains honest to the plot. There’re routines sub-plots to satiate the moviegoer in every state and no superfluous humor to balance the emotional quotient.And yes, do not forget to carry a kerchief when you saunter in a movieplex screening this flick. Banaras is high on substance, without doubt!
Urmila Mantondakar is the only child of her rich brahmin parents.(Dimple Kapadia and Raj Babbar). A teacher of phylosophy and religion she falls in love with a low cast muscian-(Ashmit Patel). She unspools the events of her own life when she looses her beloved.Disillusioned she abandons hope, desire and leaves Banaras.
Things starts looking brighter as she transcends her own attachments and discovers the ultimate freedom. She finally returns to Banaras, the city of Shiva, where ’everything is possible’.
Naseerudin Shah plays the mystical preacher. He knows the secret of life and helps Sohum gain enlightment.
Director Pankaj scores on several accounts –
One, the storytelling is simple, but effective. Executions have been done in the most simplistic manner so that the common viewer can comprehend with no trouble.With never like before subject , that of sprituality it scores heavily .
Two, the city Banaras has been captured minutely on celluloid. The look is perfect and the viewer is compelled to believe that he is part of the proceedings.
Banaras abounds in moments that remain etched in your memory even after the screening has ended –
The relation between Raj-Dimple-Urmila in the first reel itself;
The murder of Ashmit Patel;
The sequence when old Urmila visits Banaras yet again is undoubtedly one of the most striking portions of the enterprise, which is well penned brilliantly enacted [Urmila , Dimple] and deftly executed by the director.
The conforntation sequences between Urnila and her parents;
The heart-rending climax.
These marvellously shot sequences leave an indelible impression on the psyche. Here’s a dynamic director who needs to be lauded for tackling such a difficult subject and emerging triumphant!
Urmila dominates the show yet again! The actress is going through the best phase in her career, with roles offering her scope to go beyond the stereotype. Banaras would’ve gone for a toss if entrusted in inferior hands, but her powerful performance remains the hallmark of the enterprise. Dimple is a pleasure to watch. The actor is natural to the core and carries the most difficult sequences with utmost ease. One hopes to watch this gifted actor in more movies!
Ashmit has a brief role, but the actor makes his presence felt for sure.
Rajbabbar is first-rate yet again. Naseer is in terrific form.
On the whole, Banaras has the merits to remain etched in your memory even after the screening has concluded. A must must must see ...
rating-6/5