Pitra, Putra Aur Dharamyuddha

Not may movies can accommodate an analysis and still remain movies. Anand Patwardhan's masterpiece, Father, Son, and the Holy War is an exception. >From the very first shot it start to tell us a story about ourselves. How male insecurities play an important role in developing communalism and how heightened communalism results in violence. The movie does not just give an opinion. It shows us that this is precisely what is happening, at least in one society, that is India. Unfortunately, no society can say it is any different.

The movie is a two hour long story. And since it is not easy for most of us to concentrate on something that actually criticizes us, it is divided into parts. Thus, one can watch the movie in parts. But I suggest one should watch the movie in one go.

The first time I watched this movie was in a documentary film festival that I had myself organized. I did not have the opportunity to preview any of the movies before I could show them to my audience. So, the first time I showed this movie to my friends (over 250 people were sitting in a small auditorium at the American Center), I was clearly as hypnotized by the detailed work done by the director as were my other movie buff friends. Being a movie director myself, the movie instantly resulted in a lot of awe and respect for the director. The first question that came to my mind was: How much footage the director must have collected (shot, too) to select this movie.

My hat off to Patwardhan. He, for sure, is a brilliant director.