Law vs l usty godman Cast: introducing Junaid Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, Sharvari (spl app) Rating: 3* OTT: Netflix Dire...
Law vs lusty godman
Cast: introducing Junaid Khan, Jaideep
Ahlawat, Shalini Pandey, Sharvari (spl app)
Rating: 3*
OTT: Netflix
Director Siddharth P Malhotra adapts this powerful, liberal & revolutionary story by Saurabh Shah which is based on his book of the same name. Malhotra engages you from the first scene and yet keeps it simple. The sensitive plot and the protests and legal issues are sure to enhance the viewership. The exploitation shown in the name of religion is not over the top and he makes sure that no religion is targeted. But yes, you might be tempted to draw parallels with earlier films like PK, OMG, and especially the hit web series Ashram. But despite the controversial subject, Malhotra keeps you hooked and hits you hard.
This true
story is based in the year 1862 in Bombay. Most of them are followers of
Jadunathji / JJ (a brilliant underplaying Jaideep Ahlawat). Karsan Das Mulji
(Junaid Khan in a fine debut), a social reformer stays with his father Mulji
bhai (Sandeep Mehta) and his mama and mami. He also works with other social
reformer and revolutionary Dadabhai Naoroji. Despite being religious, Karsan
doesn’t believe in blind faith but his fiancée Kishori (a sweet & adorable
Shalini Pandey with limited screen time) and her family are blind followers of
JJ who is also a priest (Maharaj) of the biggest ‘haveli’ (temple) in Bombay.
Kishori is selected by JJ for a customary ceremony known as ‘Charan Sparsh’
during which the priest will sleep with an unmarried woman. Karsandas is
shocked to see Kishori in a compromising position with JJ and breaks off the
engagement with Kishori. Later when Kishori finds out the truth about JJ, she repents
for not listening to Karsan and commits suicide. It is then, that he takes up a
crusade against the practice and exploitation of women by JJ. But the Maharaj
is out to crush him. It is law vs religion.
Sharvani as Viraj is wonderful and provides the much-needed relief in the film with her spunk. She is credited in a special appearance but has more screen time than the heroine Shalini Pandey.
The film holds your attention right from the word go. Plus Aamir Khan’s son Junaid makes a conscious effort and has tried hard but needs more polish. But it is a must-watch for Jaideep Ahlawat’s performance. He steals the show with his stellar performance in the titular role. Despite being controversial the film also makes an important comment regarding faith and godmen.
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