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Twelve centuries ago, the Persian Empire was conquered by Arabs. When forced to choose between Islam and death, a small group of Persians fled to India, taking with them their ancient religion of the prophet Zarathustra. These Parsis peoples prospered and became leaders in Bombay under British rule.
This film, set in 1971 when India and Pakistan continued their conflict and Bangladesh became a focal point, follows the story of one devout Parsi –- Gustad Noble (Roshan Seth).
Gustad joyously sings his way through life as he deals with the day to day living and supporting his family as a bank clerk. He is asked by a dear friend (Naseeruddin Shah), a freedom fighter, to help transfer a parcel needed to battle the Pakistanis.
Also appearing are Soni Razda as Gustad’s wife Dilnavaz; Vrajesh Hirjee as his son Sohrab; Sam Dastor as Gustad’s office mate; Ranjit Chowdhry as the pavement artist; and Kurush Deboo as the mentally challenged neighbor Tehmul.
Based on the novel by Rohinton Mistry. Directed by Sturla Gunnarsson.
Run time: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.
My personal rating: B
Twelve centuries ago, the Persian Empire was conquered by Arabs. When forced to choose between Islam and death, a small group of Persians fled to India, taking with them their ancient religion of the prophet Zarathustra. These Parsis peoples prospered and became leaders in Bombay under British rule.
This film, set in 1971 when India and Pakistan continued their conflict and Bangladesh became a focal point, follows the story of one devout Parsi –- Gustad Noble (Roshan Seth).
Gustad joyously sings his way through life as he deals with the day to day living and supporting his family as a bank clerk. He is asked by a dear friend (Naseeruddin Shah), a freedom fighter, to help transfer a parcel needed to battle the Pakistanis.
Also appearing are Soni Razda as Gustad’s wife Dilnavaz; Vrajesh Hirjee as his son Sohrab; Sam Dastor as Gustad’s office mate; Ranjit Chowdhry as the pavement artist; and Kurush Deboo as the mentally challenged neighbor Tehmul.
Based on the novel by Rohinton Mistry. Directed by Sturla Gunnarsson.
Run time: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.
My personal rating: B
