Watch Road To Sangam
- 2010
- 2 hr 17 min
-
7.3 (898)
Road To Sangam is a 2009 Hindi film set amidst the backdrop of contemporary India. The story unfolds in the form of an emotional saga that touches the heart of the audience. The film is directed by Amit Rai and stars Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, and Pawan Malhotra in the lead roles. The film revolves around a devout Muslim mechanic named Hashmat Ullah (Paresh Rawal) who has been entrusted with the task of repairing a vintage car belonging to Mahatma Gandhi. The car is to be showcased at an exhibition in Mumbai on the occasion of Gandhi's 60th death anniversary. Hashmat is initially hesitant to repair the car, as he questions the relevance of Gandhi's teachings in today's India. However, he is convinced by his son to take up the task and honor the legacy of the Father of the Nation.
As Hashmat sets out on his journey to Mumbai, he is stopped by the local police, who demand that he remove the ashes of his deceased father from the car as it violates the law. Hashmat refuses, citing religious beliefs and is subsequently detained. Meanwhile, a group of right-wing extremists demands the immediate closure of all Muslim businesses in the area, causing communal tensions to rise.
Enter the character of the local Imam (Om Puri), who is a close friend of Hashmat. The Imam intervenes and tries to calm the situation using logic and reason. He tries to convince the extremists that they are misinterpreting the teachings of Islam and that communal harmony is the need of the hour. But the extremists are adamant and refuse to budge.
As the situation worsens, Hashmat and the Imam find themselves in a dilemma. On one hand, Hashmat wants to honor Gandhi's legacy and on the other hand, he wants to preserve the dignity of his father's ashes. Meanwhile, the Imam is torn between his duty to his community and his desire to maintain peace and tranquility.
The film also touches upon the theme of forgiveness and redemption. At one point, Hashmat meets a former militant and tries to make amends for a past mistake. The two men engage in a heartfelt conversation about the perils of fanaticism and the need for unity.
Road To Sangam is a potent commentary on the state of contemporary India, where communal tensions are on the rise, and the spirit of inclusiveness is waning. The film makes a strong case for the preservation of Gandhi's legacy and highlights the need for communal harmony in today's society.
The performances of the lead actors are top-notch, with Paresh Rawal delivering a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Hashmat. Om Puri, as usual, is brilliant in his role as the wise and empathetic Imam. Pawan Malhotra shines in a supporting role as a sympathetic police officer who tries to protect Hashmat from the wrath of the extremists.
The film's script is taut and well-crafted, with a perfect balance of drama and emotion. The direction is assured and confident, with Amit Rai handling the sensitive subject matter with great finesse.
Overall, Road To Sangam is a must-watch film for anyone who cares about the future of India and the relevance of Gandhi's teachings in today's world. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.
Road To Sangam is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 17 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.