Lamhaa is a social-action thriller about the life of people of Kashmir valley, a story about terrorists and the Indian army’s fight against terrorism. An outright bold and frank approach at the multi-layered turmoil in Kashmir, having quite a few real-life references that simply sums up as a genuine film about a real problem.
Fortunately, national award winning director Rahul Dholakis does not exploit the political situation for narrating this love story. Cinematographer Jamie Fowlds captures the natural splendor of Kashmir in its beauty and well so in its sinister shades. Lamhaa movie review…
An unidentified ‘company’ controlled by local leaders, generating millions of unaccountable dollars for the benefit of politicians and even the bureaucrats in the Indian and Pakistani intelligence is likely to disrupt and possibly paralyze Kashmir. This company’s mission is to brainwash the youth to fight the ‘holy’ war in the valley.
So Vikram (Sanjay Dutt), a sharp shooter and an undercover intelligence officer is dispatched to Kashmir investigate this highly confidential task under the identity of Gul Jehangir. He has been informed that something big and dangerous is going to happen in Kashmir and that his secret mission is to establish peace in the valley.
Vikram’s assignment is to dig deep into the secret going-ons and unveil a sinister plot which is designed by the anti national elements who want to thwart the ongoing democratic process in the troubled state which has been grappling with terror and violence since generations.
His landing in the troubled state of Kashmir coincides with the assassination attempt on the spiritual leader Haji (Aunpam Kher). Is there any connection to it?
Vikram manages to navigate his way through the conflicting forces in their forms of the terrorists financed by other country, the separatists, the die hard activists and even some opportunists. His aim is to establish a democratic process in this trouble ridden state.
He comes across a firebrand female activist Aziza (Bipasha Basu) who fights her battles for a better future for the people of Kashmir. Aziza is hell bent on finding out the plotters of the attack on Haji, and even support to Vikram on his mission which leads them to a trail leading them to the people they never suspected.
An ex-militant Aatil (Kunal Kapoor) who has realized the futility of guns and bullets now desires to take part in the election process.
Lamha has some realistic moments showcasing glimpses into the plights of Kashmiri women waiting for their husbands and loved ones who were arrested by the police and never returned home again.
It has a strong storyline, eye pleasing scenery of Kashmir – the heaven on earth and excellent performances from the dashing and handsome Sanjay Dutt who has delivered a rock solid and restrained performance. Anupam Kher as the shrewd spiritual leader is convincing, and the young duo Bipasha and Kunal are typically represent the voice of the young Kashmiri who are longing and yearning for a semblance of normalcy in Kashmir.
Lamhaa is a recommended film for those who would appreciate such a serious and sensible film based on real lives and issues of the people of Kashmir.
Cast of Lamhaa:
Sanjay Dutt – Vikram
Bipasha Basu – Aziza
Kunal Kapoor – Aatif
Shernaz Patel – Parveena
Anupam Kher – Haji
Vipin Sharma – Colonel Kapoor
Yashpal Sharma – Rauff
Yuri Suri – Pasha
Vishwajeet Pradhan – Daljeet
Rajesh Khera – Parvez
Murli Sharma – Dhruv Raina
Jyoti Dogra – Badi Bi
Denzil Smith – Brigadier Sharma
Ehsaan Khan – S P Khan
Mahesh Manjrekar – Peer Baba
Aman Verma
Asif Basra
Credits & Crew of Lamhaa:
Producer: Bunty Walia, Jaspreet Singh Walia
Director: Rahul Dholakia
Written by: Rahul Dholakia , Raghav Dhar , Ashwath Bhatt
Music Director: Mithoon
Lyricist: Sayeed Qadri
Cinematography: Jamie Fowlds
Editor: Ashmith Kunder
Distributed by: G S Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.
Lamhaa, movie review