ROAD TO SANGAM

cast: Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Pawan Malhotra

Directed by Amit Rai

genre: Drama

release date: Jan 29, 2009

A simple story of a God fearing, devout Muslim mechanic named Hashmat Ullah (Paresh Rawal) who has been entrusted the job of repairing an old V8 ford engine, not knowing the historic significance that it once carried the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi which were immersed in the holy river 'Sangam'. He is caught in a complex situation after a powerful bomb explosion rocks his town leading to the arrest of innocent Muslim youths of his locality. A strike to work is called by the prominent Leaders played by Om Puri and Pavan Mallhotra, of his community to protest against the unjust treatment meted out to those arrested youths by the police. Will he support the protest and abandon the repair of the engine or go against the wishes of his community.

Thus begins his journey. A journey of Gandhian values and principles. A journey of patriotism. A journey called 'Road To Sangam'.

THE PANEL ROOM e-valuation

With Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary around the corner, the makers of ROAD TO SANGAM opted to release it on Jan 29. However it seem everyone is too busy debating over the other releases (ISHQIYA vs RANN) to actually consider giving this one a proper look.

Most of the usual suspects are yet to post their reviews, but here are the few out there:

A simple, thought-provoking story, ROAD TO SANGAM has some brilliant moments and also some sequences that you carry home. Taran Adarsh 3/5

Watch the film for Paresh Rawal's retake on his Mumbai Meri Jaan act. And for its topical message. Nikhat Kazmi 3/5