Hey Ram(2000)
'Hey Ram' is a 2000 Indian Tamil-language historical crime drama film directed and produced by Kamal Haasan. The film stars Kamal Haasan in the lead role, alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Naseeruddin Shah. Set during the 1946 Direct Action Day riots and the partition of India, the story follows Saketh Ram, an archaeologist whose wife is raped and killed by a Muslim mob. Consumed by hatred, he decides to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi. The film is known for its unflinching portrayal of religious violence and its exploration of hatred and redemption. It was India's official submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film was released on February 18, 2000.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Eros Now, YouTube
- Theatrical Release
- 18 February 2000
- Director
- Kamal Haasan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 3h 6m
- Rating
- 5.5/10
Storyline
After his wife is brutally killed during the Calcutta riots, archaeologist Saketh Ram blames Mahatma Gandhi for the violence. He joins a radical Hindu group and plans to assassinate Gandhi. But a meeting with the Mahatma himself forces him to question his hatred.
“One man's journey from love to hate to peace.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Hey Ram
Cast reunions in this film: Kamal Haasan & Ilayaraja (60 films together), Naseeruddin Shah & Om Puri (21 films together), Shahrukh Khan & Rani Mukerji (10 films together), Shahrukh Khan & Naseeruddin Shah (7 films together), Shahrukh Khan & Farida Jalal (7 films together), and Atul Kulkarni & Om Puri (6 films together).
Trivia
- Kamal Haasan wrote the first draft of the script in 1966, but waited over 30 years to make the film.
- The film was simultaneously shot in Tamil and Hindi, with many actors performing their own lines in both languages.
- It was the first Indian film to use digital intermediate technology for its entire color grading process.
- A.R. Rahman composed the score, but the film's songs were unusually few and placed only in the background.
- The movie's release was delayed because of real-life political tensions and controversies over its subject.
- Kamal Haan funded the film largely himself after some producers backed out due to its sensitive theme.
- The end credits include a rare disclaimer stating the film is a work of fiction, not historical fact.