‘Dharam Sankat Mein’ Movie Review- Bollywood Bubble

Directed by: Fuwad Khan
Produced by: Sajjad Chunawala, Shariq Patel
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal and Annu Kapoor
Duration: 2 hours 09 minutes
Bollywood Bubble Rating: 1/5

Directed by Fuwad Khan and a remake of the 2010 British film ‘The Infidel’, ‘Dharam Sankat Mein’ is a recycled version of ‘PK’ and ‘OMG’. The story has Hindu Dharam’s life going for a toss, when he discovers that he is adopted and was born in a Muslim family.

Dharampal Trivedi (Paresh Rawal) is a caterer in Ahmedabad and has no love for the Muslims. On his mother’s death he discovers that he was born Muslim, but raised by Hindu parents. The story takes off as Dharam struggles to fit into the practices of both the religions, even as he tries to bring himself to accept his changed identity. With the help of his Muslim lawyer and neighbor, Nawab (Anu Kapoor) Dharam tracks down his biological father, but before the two can meet, an Imam insists Dharam learn a few Islamic customs.

Dharampal puts on a kufi and tries to educate himself in the ways of Allah. On the other hand, Dharampal’s son is in love with a girl whose parents are staunch followers of an eccentric Hindu godman, Neelanand Swami (Naseeruddin Shah). Baba turns out to be MSG-type rockstar who makes his grand entry on a motorcycle. Every word Neelanand Swami utters, is gospel to his crazed followers. It truly reveals the religious fanaticism that is so prevalent in the country.

‘Dharam Sankat Mein’ is marred by a patchy screenplay that flits without any reason from one issue to another. The first half is peppered with some funny dialogues, but sadly falls flat by the time it reaches the climax. The movie has somewhat balanced comedy and the religious sentiments of its audience. The film presents the hypocrisy in blind belief. Hindu and Muslim customs, are made fun of with equally measures. But the Censors have played a spoilsport, taking away the satirical bite of the film with many a cut.

Paresh Rawal gets into Dharampal’s skin with utmost ease. For him it’s like been there done that. But it is Naseeruddin Shah as the eccentric, lecherous baba ‘Neelanand Swamy’ who steals the show.The songs are terrible, they do not add to the quotient of the film in any way.

Does Dharampal manages to fit into the intricacies of both the religions? Or does he fall flat on his face you will have to watch ‘Dharam Sankat Mein’ to know.