Themes: Unlikely Criminals, Crisis of Conscience, Work Ethics
Main Cast: Roshan Seth, Soni Razdan, Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Ranjit Chowdhry
Release Year: 1998
Country: UK/CA
Run Time: 113 minutes
Plot
Based on Robinton Mistry's biting epic novel of the same name, this drama recounts the spiritual and physical consequences that result when a decent man allows himself to be convinced to perform an illegal act in the name of patriotism. The story takes place in India, 1971, a time when the country was fighting Pakistan for control of Bangladesh. Middle-aged Parsee Gustad Noble (Roshan Seth) has spent most of his adult life caring for his wife and children. With a sickly daughter and an estranged grown son, Noble feels dissatisfied and bored with his life until he reunites with his estranged friend Jimmy Bilimoria (Naseeruddin Shah), who asks Gustad in a letter to launder money for his cause. Though normally known for his impeccable morals, Gustad agrees to do so, employing the assistance of his dimwitted co-worker Dinshawji (Sam Dastor). This film was shown in the "Special Presentation" category at the 1998 Toronto Film Festival. It also received numerous "Genie" awards in its native Canada. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Gustad Noble (Roshan Seth) is a bank clerk who lives with his family in Mumbai at the time of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He argues with his son Sohrab (Vrajesh Hirjee) over his future and has to contend with his childhood friend Jimmy Bilimoria (Naseeruddin Shah). In addition, he copes with the illness of his daughter, a mentally ill neighbor, and the general complexities of day to day life in Mumbai.
