Review : Hazaron khwaishen aisi

HKA, a Pritish Nandy Communications production, is a politically tinted story contrasting ambition and idealism, and the paths they lead us down. And then it raises the bigger question of whether ambition or idealism is ever enough or long-lasting ? There are no straight answers; however we follow the lives of the three main protagonists in the search of some.The story starts off in 1969, the age of flower-power, student politics, and the Naxalite movement in Bihar. We get to meet Geeta (Chitrangada Singh), a student in a Delhi college, and the two men (also students) who love her. Vikram (Shiney Ahuja), the son of an idealistic, middle-class political party worker from U.P., is tired of the travails of the middle-class and longs to build a brighter and materially richer future for himself. Siddharta (KayKay Menon), son of a rich ex-judge, is given to idealism, and thoughts of revolution and fighting for the rights of the oppressed. Geeta, a Telugu speaking South-Indian, bred in the UK, Africa and India, has led a sheltered life and is moderate, although drawn into Siddharta’s circle because she loves him.

Siddharta, however is steadfast in his beliefs, and since Geeta is unwilling to devote her life to Siddharta’s cause, they part. She marries an IAS officer (Ram Kapoor), but has an affair with Siddharta begind his back. Finally, unable to bear a separation from Siddharta, she divorces her husband, and joins Siddharta in the villages of Bihar where he works. Meanwhile Vikram, is steadfastly climbing the ladder of success, accquiring wealth and contacts.

The story wends its way through Geeta and Siddharta’s life, its trials, and tribulations, exposing their thoughts and inner ideals. We also see Vikram, who although drawn to power and money, cannot get over Geeta and is tied to her through his attempts to rescue her from hardship. Can Geeta and Siddharta endure in their life of service ? And what of Vikram, who still loves Geeta ? The film leads us through their lives, stretched thin by love, relationships and commitment to their private ideals.

The film is stark and true, and brutal at times. It throws up many interesting questions, and is quite intriguing even at a philosophical level. English is used in atleast 50% of the film if not more, which was quite surprising. Moderately paced, the movie heats up towards the end, finishing up quite unpredictably. All three lead characters act well and convincingly. The script and direction succeed in delving into the characters lives and their private philosophies in depth, allowing the viewer to sympathise and feel for the characters. Direction is good, and storyline believable. This is a serious film, no song-dance routines, no frivolity, just a good story well-told. A must-see.