Pardes (1997)

just watch it!

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

The first must-see film of the year.

Back when it released in 1997, Pardes was a box-office blockbuster because of the presence of Shahrukh Khan, the best-selling music by Nadeem-Shravan, and the excellence director Subhash Ghai. Still, for some reason it is not remembered as fondly as DDLJ, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, or Dil To Pagal Hai - the reason being that it deals with several unpleasant truths about Indian society that the aforementioned films have a tendency to gloss over. It tackles the Indian obsession with Western culture and the elitism of the NRI population in a way that is both entertaining and emotionally moving. There's nothing wrong if the Indian adapts values from Western culture, but to what extent? To the extent of forgetting and deprecating one's own roots? Pardes is a moving tale of the negative effects of emotional and cultural ignorance and isolation and the healing effects of a relationship driven by genuine friendship and goodwill as opposed to greed and lust. The story begins with Ganga (Mahima Chaudhary), a simple Punjabi village girl who catches the attention of her father's friend Kishorilal (Amrish Puri), who wants her to marry his American-raised son Rajiv. Since Rajiv has no interest in marrying an Indian girl, Kishorilal sets Arjun (Shahrukh Khan) off to finish the task of getting the two together, and he succeeds in making the two fall for each other. Rajiv requests that Ganga come to America for a month to become accustomed to American culture, and this is where the drama begins, as Ganga begins to see that Rajiv is not what he appears to be, and Arjun begins to fall in love with Ganga. As one can see, the story is a typical 90's romantic melodrama, the kind that became popular following the success of DDLJ. However, do not be put off by the ordinary story. It is the way in which the story is presented that makes Pardes special. Ace director Subhash Ghai has crafted the scenes and situations of the film in a way that is both entertaining in a dramatic sense and emotionally moving. The first message presented is that of being proud of one's culture. It is not Western culture that is being depicted as "bad" or "immoral"; it is Indian society's and the NRI population's tendency to place it on a pedestal that is being condemned. The scenes with Amrish Puri's materialistic family are meant to highlight the ills of Indian elitism and the family's perception of Western culture as "superior" to embellish their wealthy NRI status. Why should Indians be ashamed of their culture? Why not adapt a value system that takes the best of both worlds? the film asks. Ghai also manages to tackle the opposite side of the coin as well by depicting the gender hypocrisy of Indian society. While Rajiv is allowed to wander around with various girlfriends even while betrothed, Ganga is humiliated and accused of being characterless simply for her innocent friendship with Arjun. The part of the climax scene in which the grandmother stands up for Ganga is yet another example that provides insight into the humiliation women in Indian society are compelled to undergo as a result of their expected subservience. The second message is that of the purity and genuineness of human relationships. The problem with the family in Pardes is that they do not value the benefits of family and togetherness, rather seeing love as a superficial entity devoid of genuine emotion. In one of the most touching scenes in the film, an emotionally deprived Ganga cries to Arjun that she "doesn't want a mansion worth millions, she wants the love of a human being, the kind of love that Arjun gives to others". The kindness and gentility of Arjun and the scenes that show his pure relationship with Ganga are another element that take the film higher. His love for Ganga is not driven by lust for outer beauty. It is driven by a genuine willingness to be there for her as a supportive friend and support her in all circumstances. This definition of love as an emotional rather than physical connection is a truly touching message that is necessary in today's world. Where the film stands out apart from similar films of the mid-to- late 90's is that it doesn't shy away from the ugly side of things; there is no utopian family or chocolate romance. Yet it manages to maintain the same clean, pleasant aura devoid of vulgarity or violence (save for the fight scene at the end) that is suitable for family viewing. In terms of performances, Shahrukh Khan gives one of his best performances along with that in "Swades" and "Chak De India". He is not his usual stereotypical romantic hero, but is instead more mature, restrained and real. He shines in the scenes and gives them greater emotional depth. Mahima Chaudhary is beautiful and endearing as the naive yet headstrong Ganga; she skilfully balances both the vulnerable and strong shades of her character, providing a truly heartwarming performance. Amrish Puri shines as the kind but misguided father figure in a role similar to his in DDLJ, and the supporting cast ranges from decent to pathetic. The technical effects, such as the cinematography and sound, give the film a truly professional look and make it even better. The film is directed at a very brisk pace, and the film does a good job of moving through its 3 hour duration without making you check the time. Nadeem-Shravan's musical score is another highlight of the film, and the songs bear great elegance and musical substance with their deep rhythms and rich melodies. In short, don't be misguided by people's dismissal of "Pardes". If you are willing to accept and acknowledge the bitter truths depicted, you will be able to see something that is truly special.

Of all the films of Shahrukh Khan which are available on DVD, I would say this is one of the least pleasing I've seen. Try just about any other one first. This tangled, jumbled mess of a film makes little if any sense at all. Any film with Alok Nath trying to slash someone to death with a sword is a bad one.

Briefly, the story goes like this. Kishorilal (Amrish Puri) is an NRI whose heart belongs to his homeland, India (or so he says). On a trip back home, he meets his old friend, Alok Nath (forget his name). Kishorilal is impressed with the traditional values his friend has instilled in his daughter, Ganga (Mahima Chawdhry). So he requests Ganga's hand in marriage for his westernized son, Rajiv (Apoorva Agnihotri) who he hopes will become more Indian with Ganga in his life. To prepare Ganga and her family for Rajiv's visit to India, comes Arjun (Shahrukh Khan), adopted son of Kishorilal. Arjun is a struggling musician who even though has lived in America for a few years is completely Indian at heart. After Rajiv's visit, Ganga is sent off to America to experience and understand the life there before she gets married. There she is entrusted to Rajiv who exposes her to the so called American culture. She is shocked and runs to Arjun for comfort. She begins to get closer to Arjun who is already in love with her. The elders misinterpret their friendship and with the help of Rajiv's skewed mind label Arjun as the enemy. A highly melodramatic climax leads to an obvious ending. So whats the problem with Pardes? Why has it raked up so much controversy you ask. Well the answer lies in the director/storyteller of this enterprise, Mr. Subhash Ghai. His portrayal of Americans and Indians living in America is completely one-sided. He shows them as drunk, sexually obsessed individuals with no values or principles. Mr. Ghai did have a message to send to his audience but somewhere on the way it got lost in all the melodrama. His message was to be careful that we don't let foreign influences ruin what is India's most valuable entity: traditional family values and principles. What he fails to do is show all sides of the coin. There exist people in America, UK and other such countries who hold onto their values, following them to a fault. Also, he should have taken a closer look at India. There are some aspects of Indian culture that are utterly ridiculous, and we might do well to take some advice from outside and NRI's are our link to such changes. The world is not black and white, there's a lot more gray than Mr. Ghai seems to want to acknowledge. Patriotism is a wonderful thing until you begin to stop using your brain because your blinded by it. Everything else in the movie is average and sometimes below average. Nadeem-Shravan's music is hummable at points and loud at others. Mahima Chawdhry, the new find is pretty and decent for a newcomer but is guilty of overacting at points. Apoorva Agnihotri, although a good-looker is below average. His dialogue delivery is his downfall. Amrish Puri and Alok Nath are also guilty of overacting. I'm guessing this overdose of melodrama has to do more with the director than the actors. So they are forgiven. Shahrukh Khan is the saving grace of this film. Coming up with one of his most subtle performances of his career, he is simply outstanding. His silence and subtlety have so much more effect than the rest of the cast's yelling and preaching. He is the only reason I own the DVD of this film. Watch Pardes, if only for the King Khan.

This movie makes all of us NRIs or better known as ABCDs look like value-less and immoral pigs. Mr. Ghai should have actually researched the way of life of NRIs in America and UK before he even wrote the script on this movie. But as with all Hindi movie-makers, they don't even research the topic their movie is about and do something that unsophisticated Indian audiences would believe (which is just about everything on the big screen) This is the MAIN reason why most commercial Hindi films lack credibility and Pardes being one of the most notorious examples that supports my theory. One example of this increduality is how smoking and drinking are treated in this film. In India nobody smokes? drinks? Another is the assumption that Air India and more unbelievably Indian Airlines flies to American (and moreover to L.A. aka Vancoover, where the movie is filmed). In my life experiences, I have never ever met an NRI (or even a white guy) with the selfish, stuck up attitude as exuded by Amrish Puri's son in Pardes. So congratulations, Mr. Ghai, you have convinced several millions in India that us male NRIs are all egotistically womanizers and pigs. This treatment is also true for NRI females. Amrish Puri's wife in this movie is also portrayed as a "chudail" What's up with that? Well...you all know how I feel about this film. But I recommend you see it just to see how many stupid mistakes that Mr. Ghai has made.