Dance of the Wind

Meditative film set in Delhi. A singer trained by her mother is forced by her mother's death to consider her place in a tradition of music-making. For the most part it seems to explore the idea of this tradition with subtlety. Beautifully shot and acts as a sort of homage to the music which fills the soundtrack.

I found this movie through MUBI - India channel. Like most of the reviews mention, this is a movie of a purely spiritual journey. You can sum it up in what Pallavi (Kitu Gidwani's character) says after her mother's death, "I have been singing all this while in my mother's scale (sur). I haven't been able to find mine. Now who'll teach me?". It is also a homage to the tradition of music-making, and what it takes to keep it alive, the sacrifices.

A good creation is not just about great thought, but also capable execution. And execution is where DOTW falls short. There's no covering up of poor acting - which is what most of the support cast does. Kitu herself is quite limited, yet convincing. But her dilemma, her tribulations do not touch you the way they could have. A good contrast would be when compared to another film of same era about a musician - 'Saaz' with the thespian Shabana Azmi, DOTW doesn't immerse you in it.

Don't get me wrong. I am a music lover. And if I had to rate the soundtrack I'd rate it 9/10. In fact I heard the entire soundtrack before I saw the movie. I had read the gist of the movie and frankly the movie didn't like upto my imagination when I heard the soundtrack.

We bought this on VHS and loved it. It shows India in a way I've never seen it before, far from the traditional view usually portrayed and not remotely Bollywood. This film would be enjoyed by any nationality, it's a truly international film and doesn't depend on language; it's moody and magical. Miramax would be advised to snap it up before it's too late, this film will be discovered. It's spiritual, moving, modern and mysterious at the same time; with beautiful cinematography and a soundtrack to die for. Buy it and enjoy the experience. We did. Janis & Wilson. London.

I enjoyed wisdom and symbolic messages to watch this film. (I have seen it 4 times up to now) I am spiritual searcher and Baba's message at the end :"If you stop searching, Music will find You", it was message to me and my search.. Watching this movie you can taste this Indian non-hurry,calm sensitive way of living.. Pallavi expressed her feelings so wonderful.It was not much needed to read subtitles. I had German subtitles and it was little hard to understand all..

There are many symbolic scenes ..like Neem tree,as holy tree,little girl with Baba,(who is she?-Goddess Saraswati?somebody of my friends said.) It is needed to know little about Indian tradition and meaning of passing traditional teaching from Guru to disciple.Here I got message ..find your own way!