PARZANIA

Movie: Parzania

Dir: Rahul Dholakia

Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Sarika, Parzan Dastur

Rating: ****

REVIEW

It was my class 10 board exams when Godhra episode had happened. My English paper was postponed because there was a bandh observed on 1st March. I felt terrible. Exams postponed!

But then, I could not imagine the gravity of situation. Parzania, which came 5 years later, is an eye opener. Not over baked. Never hams. These are some comments you can vouch and associate with this film.

Truly a representative of the new era of Indian Cinema the film rocks. If the future is goin to be films like this, its encouraging to say the least.

Parzania is the story of a closely knit Parsi family - Naseer, Sarika, Parzan and a little girl. A modest middle class family, living in a chawl in Ahmedabad and having no complains with life whatsoever. While Sarika is a home maker, Naseer (Cyrus) is employed in a 'Talkies'. Parzan is a cricket freak. All was smooth upto 28th of February 2002 - the black day on which Godhra blast took place. The fire spread wild. The blast was may be manufactured and used as a political weapon and HINDU - MUSLIM rift was sparked. A mob of thousands of party activists bombed the chawl and massacured the Muslims. Even the neighbours didnot come to rescue when Shehnaz (Sarika) sought shelter for her little kids. The chaos was such that Parzan got left behind in the run for life and could not be traced in any form living or dead till date.

The film wins not only because it portrays the riots very realistically but also brillaintly captures the struggle of the family to get back young family. Almost everything under the face of the earth has been tried. Police and priest alike but NO RESULT!!!!

Script, which is the foundation of any film, is excellent and well balanced. Direction by Mr Dholakia is great. The technicalities of the film are superb- be it editing or cinematography all departments contribute. But the flm needed performances from its actors. And who better then Naseer and Sarika. Both are brillaint and go strength to strength. Sarika is par excllence in the riot portion as well as the trial portion while naseer spells magic in the part when he goes for a nine day seclusion for his son Parzan. Parzan dastoor and his sis are good. All the others chip in.

Overall a film worth watching and then having a copy of it in your DVD library for more watches!!!! Great and honest!