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‘Mohenjo Daro’: Magnum opus that leaves you wanting
Film: “Mohenjo Daro”; Director: Ashutosh Gowariker; Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Pooja Hegde, Kabir Bedi, Arunoday Singh, Suhasini Mulay, Nitish Bharadwaj and Sharad Kelkar; Rating: ***1/2
Mounted like an epic with elements of romance, state politics and exodus, director Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Mohenjo Daro” is loosely based on historical facts. Yet, the film has nothing to do with the history of the place which was abandoned and termed Mohenjo Daro, which means, mount of the dead, when it was rediscovered in the early 20th century.
With brilliant production values, colossal sets, impressive cinematography and a predictable script, director Ashutosh Gowariker transports you to a small village called Amri which is situated in the northwest region of pre-historic India, in 2016 BC.
Braveheart Sarman (Hrithik Roshan) lives with his aunt and uncle who are indigo cultivators. Fascinated by stories of Mohenjo Daro from traders of the region, Sarman hopes to travel there to sell his wares. And, after much reluctance and warnings, his uncle permits him to travel along with his cousin and aide, Kojo.
Once they land in the gated city of Mohenjo Daro, they are spellbound with the advanced civilisation and the functioning of the state. But soon, they learn that the town is being governed by a wicked, greedy “Pradhan” (head) called Maham (Kabir Bedi) and his equally cruel son Monja (Arunoday Singh).
Sarman decides to head back home, but a chance glimpse of Chaani (Pooja Hegde), the high priest’s daughter, makes him change his mind. His rattled cousin warns him, “Yeh adbhut nagar hai, yahan chand, suraj ka bhi bharosa nahin”.
What unravels during the 155-minute narration, is Sarman’s connection to the land and how he redeems the people from the tyrannical ruler.
The film begins with a promise. But, fifteen minutes into the telling, the narrative loses its lustre, when Gowariker adheres to the star system by focusing the song “Mohenjo Daro” on the stars. And every step forward, you lose heart.
The script follows a formulaic pattern and although it rides on an even keel, it is weak in parts. The screenplay is influenced by numerous historical films and lacks thrilling moments.
Hrithik as usual lives the life of the character he plays. He is flawless with his emotions, dancing and action. Pooja as his love interest is equally impressive. They make an endearing pair.
Kabir Bedi and Arunoday Singh and the rest of the cast play their parts to perfection.
Visually, every frame is like a picture-perfect tableaux that you experience in a magnum opus. The sets are atmospheric and the wide-angle lensing gives the film its added zing.
The climax is adroitly and astutely picturised with brilliant effects. The action sequences too are realistically designed. A.R. Rahman’s music enhances the viewing experience and the dances are brilliantly choreographed. They appear like a narrative in a ballad.
Overall, “Mohenjo Daro” lights up the screen but only if it was crisp and thrilling.
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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