Hey Ram

Hey Ram, a Tamil-language historical drama, was released on February 18, 2000. Written, directed, and produced by Kamal Haasan, the movie also stars the legendary actor in the lead role. This period drama explores themes of love, revenge, and redemption against the backdrop of India’s partition and Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. With a star-studded cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Naseeruddin Shah, Hey Ram is a cinematic journey that delves into the complexities of human emotions and socio-political turmoil. Despite its polarizing reception upon release, the movie has gained critical acclaim over the years for its bold storytelling and technical brilliance.

Plot Summary

The story follows Saket Ram (Kamal Haasan), an archaeologist whose life takes a dramatic turn during the violent partition of India. The communal riots claim the life of his wife Aparna (Rani Mukerji), pushing Saket into a downward spiral of hatred and revenge. He becomes entangled in a conspiracy to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi, whom he blames for India’s partition and the ensuing chaos. However, Saket’s journey is not merely about vengeance; it’s also about self-discovery and the quest for truth. The narrative, told through flashbacks, weaves personal loss with historical events, presenting a deeply layered and thought-provoking tale.

What’s Good?

Performances

Kamal Haasan delivers a tour-de-force performance as Saket Ram, portraying the character’s evolution with remarkable depth and nuance. Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo as Amjad Ali Khan is impactful, showcasing his versatility. Rani Mukerji’s portrayal of Aparna is heartfelt and memorable. The supporting cast, including Naseeruddin Shah as Gandhi, contributes significantly to the film’s emotional weight.

Direction and Screenplay

Kamal Haasan’s direction is visionary, seamlessly blending personal drama with historical context. The screenplay is meticulously crafted, with each scene serving a purpose in the overarching narrative. The non-linear storytelling adds complexity, making the audience actively engage with the plot.

Music and Background Score

The music, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, is one of the film’s highlights. Songs like “Isaiyil Thodangudhamma” and the haunting background score elevate the emotional intensity of key scenes. The fusion of traditional Indian instruments with modern orchestration enhances the movie’s historical setting.

Cinematography and Visuals

The cinematography by Tirru is visually stunning, capturing the chaos of partition and the emotional turmoil of the characters. The use of muted tones and period-accurate settings immerses viewers in the 1940s. The attention to detail in costumes, sets, and props adds authenticity.

Themes and Social Relevance

Hey Ram is more than just a historical drama; it’s a commentary on communalism, hatred, and the consequences of extremism. The film’s themes are as relevant today as they were during the time of its release, making it a timeless work of art.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Stellar performances by the cast, especially Kamal Haasan and Shah Rukh Khan.
• A powerful and thought-provoking narrative that balances history and personal drama.
• Ilaiyaraaja’s exceptional music and background score.
• Visually immersive cinematography and meticulous attention to detail.
• Relevant themes that provoke introspection and dialogue.

Weaknesses:

• The non-linear narrative might confuse some viewers.
• The movie’s pace, especially in the second half, can feel slow for audiences expecting a more traditional drama.
• The film’s intense and graphic portrayal of violence may not be suitable for all viewers.

Target Audience

Hey Ram is best suited for viewers who appreciate thought-provoking cinema that delves into complex themes. History enthusiasts, fans of Kamal Haasan, and those interested in socio-political narratives will find the film highly engaging. However, the movie’s mature content and intense themes make it more suitable for adults and serious cinephiles rather than casual viewers or younger audiences.

Box Office Details

Budget and Collections

Hey Ram was made on a budget of approximately INR 12 crore, a significant amount for its time. Despite its critical acclaim, the film’s box office performance was underwhelming, with a worldwide gross of around INR 14 crore. The movie’s controversial themes and unconventional narrative were factors in its mixed reception during its initial run.

Day-Wise Earnings (India and Overseas)

• Day 1: INR 1.5 crore (India) + INR 0.4 crore (Overseas)
• Day 2: INR 1.2 crore (India) + INR 0.3 crore (Overseas)
• Day 3: INR 1.4 crore (India) + INR 0.5 crore (Overseas)
• Day 4: INR 1 crore (India) + INR 0.2 crore (Overseas)
• Day 5: INR 0.9 crore (India) + INR 0.2 crore (Overseas)

The film found a niche audience but struggled to connect with the broader public during its theatrical release.

Recommendation

Hey Ram is a cinematic gem that combines exceptional storytelling, powerful performances, and technical brilliance. While it may not cater to everyone’s tastes, it remains an essential watch for those who value meaningful cinema. Recommended for mature audiences and history buffs who seek a film that challenges conventional narratives.

Genres:

History, Drama, Crime

Rating:

6.9/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Kamal Haasan	Saket Ram
Shah Rukh Khan	Amjad Ali Khan
Vasundhara Das	Mythili Iyengar
Rani Mukerji	Aparna Ram
Atul Kulkarni	Shriram Abhayankar
Girish Karnad	Uppilli Iyengar
Om Puri	Goel
Hema Malini	Ambujam
Naseeruddin Shah	Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Farida Jalal	Kasturba Gandhi
Vikram Gokhale	Maharaja
Saurabh Shukla	Lalwani
Nassar	Ibrahim
Sowcar Janaki	Mythili’s Grandmother
Abbas	Munavar
Vaali	Bhashyam Iyengar
Iravati Harshe	Nafisa
V. S. Raghavan	K.T. Chari
Delhi Ganesh	Mr. Chari
Gollapudi Maruti Rao	Govardhan
Y. G. Mahendran	Yagyam
Vaiyapuri	Vedha
Arun Bali	Shaheed Suhrawardy
Shadaab Khan	Altaf Tailor
Yatin Karyekar	Qureshi
Manoj Pahwa	Jalal
Chandrahasan	Mohan Gandhiraman
Lewis Elbinger	Mortimer Wheeler
Tushar Gandhi	Self
Sharad Ponkshe	Nathuram Godse
Shubhangi Gokhale	Rani
Annapoorna	Mrs. Chattopadhyay
Shruti Haasan	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Daughter
Arun Patekar	Sardar Vallabhai Patel
Raj Patra	Jawaharlal Nehru
Savar	Lord Mountbatten
Aravind Akash	Sankar Kishthaya
Shabbir Ahmed	Aparna’s Attacker
A. C. Murali Mohan	Parthasarathy
Nikita Aria	Pushpa Iyengar

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