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18/02/2000
FILM REVIEW: HEY! RAM
Producer-Director: Kamal Haasan
Cinematography: Thirunavukkarasu
Editing: Renu Saluja
Music: Ilayaraja
Cast: Kamal Haasan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, Vasundhra Das, Naseeruddin Shah, Saurabh Shukla and Atul Kulkarni
Kamal Haasan has proved beyond doubt, time and time again, that he is amongst the most accomplished actors Indian cinema has produced. With 'Hey! Ram' he showcases himself as an equally crafty writer and director.
Yes, the film is open to debate on several counts. But there isn't any question about its visual and aesthetic appeal. It's a neat, glossy package that couldn't have been put together by a lesser man.
However, it must be said, that Haasan doesn't quite come out clear on the political / philosophical aspect of his endeavour. The film examines the turbulent days, weeks and months leading up to, and following, India's partition. But the Partition, the opinion groups for and against Mahatma Gandhi's decision to grant an independent Muslim state called Pakistan, and his subsequent assassination, are merely used as a backdrop to narrate the story of one individual, Saket Ram (Kamal Haasan).
There does seem to be a conscious effort to avoid tampering with history. But there isn't any to examine the 'cause' and the 'purpose' behind the grave decisions and acts that propelled India's division. Which is why, there are no new insights into those troubled times.
But 'Hey! Ram' does work at another level: as a 'sentimental' look at the Partition. It is, at best, semi-fiction (Saket Ram's coinage) that dips into facts merely to narrate Saket's traumatic journey from the bloody streets of Calcutta in 1946 to Madras, Maharashtra and finally, Delhi, where he witnesses the Mahatma's assassination.
The film scans his emotional responses to various incidents in his personal life. It begins with Saket's devastation on witnessing the brutal death of his first wife Aparna (Rani Mukherjee). This, coupled with his chance encounter with a firebrand right-wing activist, Abhyankar (Atul Kulkarni), transforms him from a civilian bystander to a man on a mission.
His reluctant second marriage with Maithili (Vasundhra Das) pushes him to another dilemma and finally, an unexpected meeting with his old friend from Karachi, Amjad Ali Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) and later, Mahatma Gandhi, forces him to re-examine the choices he has made.
All this unfolds as a flashback while 89-year-old Saket Ram is being taken to a hospital for emergency treatment on the 6th of December 1999 even as the city is engulfed in communal riots.
Amongst the most intriguing parts of the film is the final scene where Saket Ram's grandson narrates his grandfather's incredible tale to Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi. Now the first question is, what is Tushar Gandhi doing in Saket Ram's house? Secondly, what was the purpose behind adding this angle to the story? Was it to appease the great-grandson lest he take offence to objectionable references to the Mahatma? Most likely, yes.
In terms of its production values, 'Hey! Ram' is way above the average Hindi film. The cinematography, editing and set design is immaculate. The special effects are a bit over-the-top, but they do fit the scene for most part. As does Ilayaraja's music, barring the obviously modern-day orchestra for "Chahe pandit ho…" a song that's picturised in the 1940s!
The most outstanding feature in this film, though, is the perfect casting. Whether it's Atul Kulkarni, Saurabh Shukla or Rani Mukherjee, they're all born for their respective roles and execute them most effortlessly. Vasundhra Das, who makes her debut, deserves a special mention simply because she slips into this talented crowd with ease.
However, Hema Malini and Om Puri are woefully under-utilised. Naseeruddin Shah doesn't quite look the part of Gandhi, but his voice modulation, accent and dialogue delivery is flawless.
Shah Rukh Khan's brief but critically important appearance is outstanding. For a man who's made an art of buffoonery, he is distinctly subdued. In fact, each time he gets a director with a difference, SRK invariable comes up with a stunner.
As for Kamal Haasan himself, the entire film is held together by his inimitable presence. Every line on his face comes alive as he puts his own flesh and blood to create Saket Ram's charismatic persona. In fact, it is his performance that gives 'Hey! Ram' an 'epic' feel.
Here's a film the definitely doesn't merit a miss.
Deepa DeosthaleeOther Places to go:
