Masterful Movie

Absolutely brilliant

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

"Bombay" raised a lot of controversies and saw a commercial success during its release. The film sets an example of a technical brilliance and superb handling of a heart touching story for which it stands out as one of the best achievements of 90s, which got pretty forgotten in the usual buddy buddy movies like "Dilwale Dulhaniyan Le Jayenge" or "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." The harshness and the human sentiments found in this movie haven't been so far achieved to this date.The film is set under the Hindu Muslim riots enraged in 1992-1993 which engulfed many innocent people and families. One such family shown in the movie is that of Arvind Swamy, a Hindu, and Manisha Koirala, a Muslim who get married despite the fury of their families as they belong to different religions. They have moved to Bombay from a small village of south India, and have a twin sons. The riot shatters the family, kills the parents in laws, and the couple search the lost children under the horror of riots where the people are slain in the light of day, houses burned and goods looted. The film ends with the end of the riots and uniting of the family.The horrors of the riots that mutilated the innocents were the best realized parts of the film. The film just disgusts showing the inhumane activities done in the name of religions, and criticizes the leaders who are killing hundreds of innocents enraging such riots. The film nowhere becomes mild in showing this, for which the film deserves a full commendation. Besides, the film remains outstanding for the brilliant performances and technical aspects. Manisha Koirala looks pretty, innocent, and just gives a beautiful and touching performance. So is Arvind Swami. The acting of Master Harsha and Hriday is full of innocence and touches you. Either the depiction of the beautiful village near the sea beaches or the terror of the riots, or the choreography of the song numbers, the film is excellent in every aspect of techniques.Rating: 4 stars out of 4

First having heard the music and later having eyewitness information from the 1993 riots in Mumbai from my wife (who was in her early teens at the time), I sat and watched this movie in my home on what happened to be India's 60th Independence Day anniversary. I must admit I was stunned and baffled and all that, especially from the magnificent depiction of an impossible love story. The riot scenes in the second half of the film are also quite moving, but the end of the film lacks some of the momentum found elsewhere.Nevertheless, this is a movie worth watching, especially in the company of Indians, since it contains a lot of symbolism hardly understandable to "us" foreigners.

This one of the best effort took by Maniratnam who has highlighted the potential of the Tamil film makers.It's a movie reflected Hindu_Muslim conflict through a strong screenplay. Maniratnam's thought was supported by high technical assistance and the superb music by A.R.Rahman.This film shows how a tragedy arise from a single event made living in such a large city a risk full attempt.Aravinthswamy,Manisha and the two little kids expressed the feelings in a more realistic way. I think the director has been successful to leave the people who watched the movie with a feeling that everyone born just to enjoy every moment they live, not to waste it through horrible hatred feelings.It leaves a message that "HARMONY IS WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS".

A typical Mani ratnam movie with a warm beginning and after the interval has some good interesting storyline developing. The initial romance between Arvind and Manisha is sweet and the second half where they get embroiled in the dirty politics leading to bomb blasts leads to interesting things. Though there seems to be some bloodspill shown, its not very harsh tone. Hospital scenes where people are searching for their missing ones is heart warming. Its a good communal movie which showcases that violence does not give any win and that if people unite, its stronger than what anti-socials can do.Nazar gives a good performance, so do all the other people in the cast. A.R.Rahman's music is excellent and make a good collection.