The story is based in Banaras and is about a Hindu Priest Chaturvedi 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 - 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.
Acting
Pankaj Kapur's physical transformation through ritual obsession.
Direction
Bhavna Talwar's unflinching gaze at self-inflicted spiritual violence.
Cinematography
Ganges as character—purifying, drowning, indifferent.
Director
Bhavna Talwar
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during rising communal tensions in India; banned in some regions for 'hurting religious sentiments.' The irony writes itself.
Talwar insisted on shooting during actual Ganga aarti ceremonies—Kapur's exhaustion in purification scenes is partly real, 4 AM takes for weeks.
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