Dharm(2007)
'Dharm' is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed by Bhavna Talwar. It stars Pankaj Kapoor as Pandit Chaturvedi, a Brahmin priest, alongside Supriya Pathak, Hrishitaa Bhatt, and Pankaj Tripathi. The story follows a priest who adopts an abandoned baby, only to discover years later that the child is Muslim. Set in Varanasi, the film explores religious identity, communal tension, and the conflict between ritual purity and parental love. It won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. The film was also an official entry at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival. It was released in Indian theatres on 8 June 2007.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Vodafone Play, ZEE5, Lionsgate Play, Airtel Xstream, YouTube, Netflix
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2007
- Director
- Bhavna Talwar
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 1h 44m
- Rating
- 6.4/10
Storyline
A strict Brahmin priest adopts an abandoned baby boy and raises him as his own son. Five years later, the boy's Muslim birth mother returns to reclaim him. The priest must choose between his religious rules and the love he feels for the child.
“Love is the only true religion.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dharm
Cast reunions in this film: Supriya Pathak & Pankaj Kapoor (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film's original title was 'Dharm', which means 'duty' or 'righteousness' in Sanskrit.
- It was shot on location in Varanasi, capturing the authentic atmosphere of the city's ghats and temples.
- The child actor playing the Muslim boy, Kartik, was selected from a local Varanasi school.
- Director Bhavna Talwar spent years researching Hindu scriptures to ensure the priest's rituals were accurate.
- The film was India's official entry to the 2008 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
- Actor Pankaj Kapur prepared for his role by learning Sanskrit shlokas and consulting with real priests.
- Despite critical acclaim, the movie had a limited theatrical release and performed modestly at the box office.