One movie I can't get tired of - 2

Like you might have probably guessed I am on a movie diet these days. The movie that I wish to talk about this time is Zakhm, a 1998 classic directed by Mahesh Bhatt. The movie is based on the contentious issue of Hindu and Muslim harmony or must I say dis-harmony in those times.

Movies dealing with such issues, always have a happy ending with the side oppressed getting their dues at the end. The movie deals with story of a mother, who by societal pressures conceals her faith and religion. Her's is a story of selfless love towards her husband-to-be, who fearing for the society fails to marry out of his religion.  It is also a story of a single mother who brings her son up more as a confidant, than a son. It is pure power of story telling which makes the movie gripping and has moments that send shivers right down to the spine. 

While Pooja Bhatt plays the role of the mother, Ajay Devgan plays the role of the protagonist 'son'. Kunal Khemu essays the son's childhood role with remarkable aplomb. Of the few moments that stand out, I recollect some moments that are key to this movie. 

The sensitive scene in which Ajay's mother is offering her 'Namaaz' (prayer) before Ajay wakes up in the morning, is something that has to be seen to be explained. The sheer confusion Mahesh Bhatt succeeds in bringing out in the eyes of the young Kunal Khemu is commendable.

Another scene at the end of the movie, when Ajay wants to fulfill his mother's last wishes of a burial according to her religion about which she has revealed only to her elder son Ajay. He faces communal tensions over the last rites fueled by a Hindu politician with vested interests. For Ajay's dismay, even his brother Anand who has some political aspirations under the corrupt politician wants her last rites to be conducted as per the Hindu religion. The situation transpires further with the politician almost succeeding, but for a push that has Ajay carrying his dead mother in his arm, sends him tumbling towards the ground only to be supported by his younger brother Anand just in time. They come together as if signifying politics of hate becomes irrelevant when it concerns the matters of heart.

Do watch this movie, for the beautiful portrayal of all the characters by everyone involved and some sensitive moments fabulously cinematised.


Image source: Wikipedia