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Amit Jadhav

Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose (2023) Movie Review: A Kite's Eye View of Faith and Turmoil



Ready to soar into a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of India's tumultuous past? Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose isn't your average slice-of-life drama. It's a poignant parable, woven through the innocent eyes of a kite-loving boy named Bhola, that takes flight in 1989, a year poised to change India forever.


Shiladitya Bora, known for his subtle narratives, crafts a world where kites dance in the sky, carrying whispers of ancient traditions and the anxieties of a changing nation. Sudhakar Nilmani's pen paints vivid portraits of rural life, where faith and superstition intertwine, and Bhola's curiosity clashes with the rigidness of his village.


But Bhola is no ordinary child. Satendra Soni embodies him with infectious charm and wide-eyed wonder. His playful banter with his friend Shambhu (Sparsh Suman) is a delight, while Vinay Pathak and Masumeh Makhija bring depth and warmth as Bhola's grandfather and mother, navigating their own struggles in the face of looming change.


The film's true beauty lies in its exploration of faith. It doesn't preach, but questions. Bhola's innocence shatters when he discovers the scientific truth behind an eclipse, forcing him to confront the dissonance between his blind faith and the changing world around him. This internal conflict mirrors the larger anxieties of the village, grappling with the winds of modernity.


The tone is bittersweet, a gentle nostalgia laced with the sting of impending upheaval. The cinematography captures the sun-drenched beauty of the countryside, while the score evokes a sense of both playful innocence and quiet foreboding.


Performances are uniformly stellar. Soni's Bhola is a revelation, his every expression a canvas of shifting emotions. Pathak's grandfather is a treasure trove of wisdom and wry humor, while Makhija imbues her mother with quiet strength.


But the film isn't flawless. The pacing meanders at times, and the resolution feels somewhat rushed. However, these minor stumbles are easily forgiven in the face of the film's emotional honesty and its nuanced portrayal of faith in the face of change.


Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. It's a reminder of the power of innocence, the fragility of faith, and the enduring human spirit in the face of uncertainty. It's a film that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the complexities of life under a sky filled with kites and the whispers of change.


So, dear reader, what are you waiting for? Grab your metaphorical kite and let Ab Toh Sab Bhagwan Bharose take you on a soul-stirring journey you won't soon forget.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars


What are your thoughts on the film? Did Bhola's journey resonate with you? Share your interpretations and cultural perspectives in the comments below!

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