Watch The Hangman

The movie 'The Hangman' is a 2005 Indian drama film that revolves around a family of hangmen from an ancient community in India. The film features renowned actors Om Puri, Gulshan Grover and Tom Alter in the lead roles. The story is set in the backdrop of India's changing social fabric, where the profession of being a hangman is considered taboo, despite being an inherited occupation passed down through generations of the family. Jallad (Om Puri) is the patriarch of the family, who is responsible for executing death sentences of convicted criminals. He is an expert in his profession and is highly respected by the community that he serves.

However, his profession creates a rift between his family and society. His son Kalu (Shreyas Talpade) is ostracized by his schoolmates and his wife's family refuses to acknowledge him as their son-in-law. The societal pressure mounts when Jallad is called upon to execute a death sentence of a wrongly accused person. Despite knowing that the person is innocent, Jallad is compelled to carry out his duty.

The film beautifully captures the dilemma faced by Jallad and his family. It delves into the emotional turmoil faced by him, as a father, husband and as an individual. It also gives the audience an insight into the psyche of a society that shuns those involved in carrying out death sentences.

The Hangman is directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, who is known for his unconventional films. The film's strength lies in its powerful performances by the cast. Om Puri, as always, delivers a brilliant performance as the conflicted hangman torn between his duty and his moral compass. Gulshan Grover's portrayal of the societal pressure faced by Jallad's family strikes a chord with the audience. Tom Alter's cameo in the film is also noteworthy.

The film's cinematography by Hemanshu Roy and Ajay Jadhav is also impressive. The film's tone is sombre and realistic, effectively portraying the mood of the subject matter. The music by Vishal Bhardwaj complements the film's atmosphere, with his unique blend of Indian classical and western music.

The Hangman is not just a film about the hangman community and their struggle to find acceptance in society, but it also offers a commentary on the Indian judiciary system, flawed and misused by those in power. The film highlights the issue of capital punishment and the ethical dilemma faced by those responsible for carrying it out.

In conclusion, The Hangman is a poignant film that offers a fresh perspective on a society's struggle to coexist with an ancient profession. The film is a reminder that often society's ideologies are not in sync with our inherited traditions, and we should introspect before we judge. The performances by the cast and the director's sensitive approach to the subject matter make The Hangman a must-watch for fans of offbeat cinema.