Taal

Title: Taal “Rhythm”
Director: Subhash Ghai
Release Date: August 13, 1999 (India)
Cast:
Anil Kapoor as Vikrant Kapoor
Akshaye Khanna as Manav Mehta
Aishwarya Rai as Mansi
Alok Nath as Tara Babu
Amrish Puri as Jagmohan Mehta
Summary:
This movie masters every element a typical Bollywood film is known for. If you want rich-poor romance, familial drama, exceptional dance sequences, elaborate costumes, amazing soundtracks, and breath-taking sceneries, this is the movie to watch.
The two main protagonists, who end up becoming lovers within thirty minutes of the film, are Manav Mehta (played by Akshaye Khanna) and Mansi (played by Aishwarya Rai). Manav originally being from the UK and never having been to India decides to take a sight-seeing road trip of India by himself. During this trip, he coincidentally sees Mansi and falls instantly in love with her. The two becomes lovers knowing that their union will not be easily allowed from both of their families because of the tremendous gap between their family statuses. Mansi is a normal, everyday village girl who lives for her father while Manav is the son of a prestigious family who happens to be extremely wealthy. As characters misunderstand one another throughout the film, Mansi at one point leaves every hope for their union behind and becomes a dancing-modeling star. Vikrant, her producer falls in love with Mansi and is determined to make her his wife. Ultimately Vikrant and Manav fight for Mansi’s love. The film beautifully unfolds as the elements of familial love and wealth and status differences play within the film. -Esther Yi

Gandhi, My Father

DIR. FEROZ ABBAS KHAN
"Gandhi My Father" is a true story about one of the most revered figures in contemporary history and his failed relationship with his own son. Somewhere in the shadows of the Great Man lived his son, roaming the streets of India like a beggar, converting to Islam as a rebellion, reconverting to Hinduism as penance and finally drinking himself to death.
Starting out as a die-hard worker for Gandhi's ideals, Harilal aspired to be a beloved son and a Barrister like his father. Seed of tragedy was sown when Gandhi denied him the opportunity of British Law education in favor of his ideals and generosity toward others. Harilal's wife and innocent kids were other shareholders in this tragedy.
Set against one of politically most turbulent times in India, the film tells an intensely personal story of a father struggling to resolve the destinies of his county and that of his son. Caught between her loyalty towards her husband and love for her son, is the poignantly emotional predicament of a mother.
Mahatma Gandhi could transform the soul of a nation but could not save the soul of his own son. -Dmitriy Lisitsyn