Bhagwan Bharose

Ab To Sab Bhagwan Bharose story: Two impressionable kids find their ideas of religion and faith questioned. Their experiences with different characters and the country's changing socio-political scenario cause an event leading to their loss of childhood and more.

Ab To Sab Bhagwan Bharose review: The film's opening scene gives one a glimpse of how deep (or shallow) Bhola (Satendra Soni) and Shambhu's (Sparsh Suman) understanding of Hindu mythology is, as the former is convinced Naga-Lok is just about 40 deep below Earth's surface. During the course of the movie, it becomes apparent how impressionable minds form beliefs based on what they learn from those who influence them. The duo is exposed to differing ideologies, constantly questioning their faith and knowledge about their own and other religions. The changing socio-political landscape further fuels their journey as they navigate life.

Director Shiladitya Bora and writer Sudhakar Nilmani' Eklavya' set the story in North India's unknown village in 1989 when one would adjust the television antennae with sticks for the picture to relay on the screen. The rustic life also introduces us to characters such as the village priest and teacher, Panditji (Shrikant Verma), who dismisses anyone going against dogmatic ideologies as asur (demon). This includes an atheist (Manu Rishi Chaddha) and people of another religion in the neighbouring village. Bhola's conditioning makes him believe the elders' ethos as the gospel truth, and the story leads to an event resulting in lost innocence and childhood.

Ab To Sab Bhagwan Bharose is an emphatic comment on how the seeds of bias and intolerance are sown early in young minds and how manipulative people can twist the narrative to their benefit. Bora and director of photography Surjodeep Ghosh create a rich rural tapestry that looks exquisite, quaint, and peaceful on the surface, but the undercurrents of unrest soon become palpable. Indian Ocean's background score and music are powerful and complement the drama well.

The movie also comes up with aces as far as performances go. Satendra Soni shines as the confused and misled young boy. He exhibits his acting chops every time his faith is questioned. Sparsh Suman, as his buddy, and Vinay Pathak, as his gentle grandfather Nanababu, are great. But the surprise package is Masumeh Makhija as Bhola's mother, Radha. While Shrikant Verma does well as the prejudiced priest, Manu Rishi Chaddha deserves mention for being the voice of reason, especially when he succinctly talks about the asur within us who wreaks havoc when it gets insecure.

The film is thought-provoking without being preachy. What truly stands out about the movie is the strong message it delivers without letting go of the compelling story and narrative. Catch this one for its immersive experience.