Banaras

Urmila Matondkar, Ashmit Patel, Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Raj Babbar, Akash Khurana, Arif Zakaria, Javed Khan

Perhaps there is a deeper layer to Banaras. Perhaps there's more to the metaphysical discussion than the 15 seconds devoted to the mad physics professor. Perhaps the obvious mysticism is just sheen, and there's a lot to decipher and grapple with beneath the surface. Read More

On the whole, BANARAS A MYSTIC LOVE STORY is a sensitively handled story that will earn immense praise from connoisseurs of meaningful cinema. But the film has very little to offer to the masses, which in turn will reflect in its overall business. Read More

During the opening credits of Banaras, director Pankuj Parashar forewarns audiences that his film doesn't promote superstitious beliefs. That caution is probably for the benefit of Indians or Hindus, whose cultural traditions and religions are rooted deeply in mythology and mysticism. Read More

"Banaras" works on several levels. As a film that takes us right into the heart of the holy city, it's a splendid occasion for sights and sounds seldom heard in contemporary cinema. Read More

Director Pankuj Parashar does deserve credit for telling the story aesthetically. The movie unspools at an almost rhythmic pace and reaches an emotional high in the closing reels. But, alas, the spiritual sophistry sucks. Read More

The credits roll and the movie opens with a brief shot of the river Ganga and its famous ambience and you can't help saying "What a stunning photography" In a movie set in a specific location with the story spun around it you expect that place to be a part of the movie. Read More