PiraBit if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

mraculeated The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

Lucia Ayala It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Taha Avalos The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

MartinHafer 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!

sagar79 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?

Raj Doctor 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)

karan_mitt 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.