Innocent Thought which is Far Away from Cultural Pollution, noise etc.,
I appreciate Director for touching Father-Son relationship with beautiful blend of Music, Classical Dance & Culture. He has succeeded to create a good movie with limited resources. I like to watch with No Cut edition for sure...
14 Reviews
Live theater on the screen
rsaghar15 August 2019
As the headline sums it up , it is like you are watching theater on the screen , the stories i grew up with, on Classical characters from Indian History and Arts have been portrayed through dance form and minimalist acting which is how acting should be . I think karthik and Ashwini along with the crew done a great job in bringing together music , arts , story telling very nicely in the film. Not to forget the mind blowing paintings from Ashwini .
But i give special credit to Karthik for a bold experiment , i use the word experiment for lack of better term at the time of writing this comment. Hats off to him , it is really not easy to put together a story and screen play of this genre.
Not for Bollywood lovers, This is pure art form , please do not categorize this art film , as there is nothing called an art film . Film making itself is an art . To me this is film and it is about story telling. with so much polarization in our society and hatred it is talking about love , i think this is refresher with all the films around you , its like you have coffee beans to smell in a perfume shop , Thank you karthik and Ashwini.
Not for Bollywood lovers, This is pure art form , please do not categorize this art film , as there is nothing called an art film . Film making itself is an art . To me this is film and it is about story telling. with so much polarization in our society and hatred it is talking about love , i think this is refresher with all the films around you , its like you have coffee beans to smell in a perfume shop , Thank you karthik and Ashwini.
A great story told well
gallai36520 April 2020
so annoyingly poorly made that it's unwatchable
massacor2 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The acting is so amateurish that it feels like the actors were just random people chosen from the streets to read lines off a script, which, just like the acting, is so amateurish that it sounds like a child wrote it. In the first five minutes, we see the main character Skanda returning to his childhood home looking like he's feeling bitersweet and nostalgic - understandable. After (only) 3 seconds of happily greeting the women he grew up with (Valli and Parvatha), he is suddenly angrily demanding to see his dad and acting as if either he doesn't remember who the women are (impossible - they were like his sister and mother) or he doesn't care about them (then why the joyful, if brief, greeting?!) ("I'm looking for my father, Jon." "Skanda, you don't recognize me?" "Where is my father." "You've grown so much..." "Please. Will you tell me where my father is!").
Bad acting might be tolerable if not for the fact that all of the characters are, for god knows what reason, wearing cartoonish fake smiles in ridiculously everything they do just like people in commercials. WHAT is the point of that?
apart from the acting and the script, another annoying element is that there's explicit exposition throughout, which, again, might be tolerable if not for the fact that the exposition is pointng out the obvious, things that even a child would have picked up. Two examples off the top of my head are, again, in the first ~20mins (at which point I simply stopped watching). After we have quite a clear idea that Skanda is this boy who grew up in India with his father Jon whom Skanda is now looking for (implying Jon has left him) Valli starts telling "Skanda" (aka the audience) the tale of Rama and how he went searching for his father who he had not seen for 12 years. As if the parallel was not obvious, Skanda remarks "wow, this is starting to sound a lot like my own story". It's just so painstakingly obvious. Now, the second example of this exposition is what made me stop watching. Skanda's father Jon is a tall white man with long blond hair, living in India among brown Indians with black hair. When Valli is showing Skanda around his own childhood home and where Jon currently lives they come across a painting of a tall white man with blond hair against a black sky, dressed the same way that we see Jon is usually dressed - and Valli points out to Skanda (aka the audience), "that's Jon.". IS IT REALLY? Even Skanda has to respond to that with, "I know.". Yes, Skanda knows, and so does the audience which the writers believe have two brain cells.
For some reason this movie (or at least the first 20 minutes that I managed to get through) irked me so much that I not only had to turn it off, but I felt the need to go online and leave this review. I've watched hundreds of movies - I'm a bit of a movie addict - but this is the first ever movie I've typed up a "review" for (I get that this is moreso an immature bashing than a civilized critique, but like I said, I'm irked).
And I think the reason I am so bothered is that this movie could have had SO much potential if the simplest of details were paid attention to. If the writer had gone over the script at least once, or the director could have grabbed at least more than just one take of the scenes, etc. The music and dancing are beautiful, there are artful shots throughout, and the story is not only intriguing and relatable but spiritually/mythologically relavent, but the people ruin it. Shame. If you're going to make such a beautiful movie, why not go over the end product at least just once? It doesn't take a keen, discerning hawk-eye to notice these easily fixable details.
Bad acting might be tolerable if not for the fact that all of the characters are, for god knows what reason, wearing cartoonish fake smiles in ridiculously everything they do just like people in commercials. WHAT is the point of that?
apart from the acting and the script, another annoying element is that there's explicit exposition throughout, which, again, might be tolerable if not for the fact that the exposition is pointng out the obvious, things that even a child would have picked up. Two examples off the top of my head are, again, in the first ~20mins (at which point I simply stopped watching). After we have quite a clear idea that Skanda is this boy who grew up in India with his father Jon whom Skanda is now looking for (implying Jon has left him) Valli starts telling "Skanda" (aka the audience) the tale of Rama and how he went searching for his father who he had not seen for 12 years. As if the parallel was not obvious, Skanda remarks "wow, this is starting to sound a lot like my own story". It's just so painstakingly obvious. Now, the second example of this exposition is what made me stop watching. Skanda's father Jon is a tall white man with long blond hair, living in India among brown Indians with black hair. When Valli is showing Skanda around his own childhood home and where Jon currently lives they come across a painting of a tall white man with blond hair against a black sky, dressed the same way that we see Jon is usually dressed - and Valli points out to Skanda (aka the audience), "that's Jon.". IS IT REALLY? Even Skanda has to respond to that with, "I know.". Yes, Skanda knows, and so does the audience which the writers believe have two brain cells.
For some reason this movie (or at least the first 20 minutes that I managed to get through) irked me so much that I not only had to turn it off, but I felt the need to go online and leave this review. I've watched hundreds of movies - I'm a bit of a movie addict - but this is the first ever movie I've typed up a "review" for (I get that this is moreso an immature bashing than a civilized critique, but like I said, I'm irked).
And I think the reason I am so bothered is that this movie could have had SO much potential if the simplest of details were paid attention to. If the writer had gone over the script at least once, or the director could have grabbed at least more than just one take of the scenes, etc. The music and dancing are beautiful, there are artful shots throughout, and the story is not only intriguing and relatable but spiritually/mythologically relavent, but the people ruin it. Shame. If you're going to make such a beautiful movie, why not go over the end product at least just once? It doesn't take a keen, discerning hawk-eye to notice these easily fixable details.
Beautiful story with great acting
deedowns11 May 2019
Dance your way through
rbtayade13 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Attended the 'Pune Premier' of 'His Father's Voice' last Sunday at National Film Archives after it's exhibition in Hollywood.
Drawing parallel to Ramyana's mythological epic and the character of Ram, Sita and Lav, the film paints similar situation of separation in contemporary India. Enthralled by Indian classical music John, a foreign national, settles alonwith his wife and son, Kris in a 'Gurukul' in Tamil Nadu. Kris, now 12 yr. old, gets obsessed with 'Bharatnatyam' under the guidance of, his Guru, Parvathi and in the company of her daughter, Valli, of his age. Later, getting suspicious about the relations between her husband and Parvati, the wife leaves for foreign country taking Kris along with her. Nostalgia of the old days at 'Gurukul' and his yearning for 'Bharatnatyam' compels Kris, now a handsome young man, to returns after twelve years only to find that his father isn't there. The film portrays the story of his meeting with Valli, Parvati, his distress over the absence of father and the climax when he finally happens to meet him.
More than the script, acting and character development, I was greatly impressed by the melodious music, songs, lyrics, cinematography and Hindu traditions and culture depicted in the movie. And number of Bharatnatyam dances indeed were an icing on the cake ...absolutely mesmerizing!
Importantly, Ashwini Pratap Pawar, a painter & Bharatnatyam dancer originally from Pune, had brilliantly played the role of Parvti in the movie. Maybe because of that a 'Marathi Song' finds place in otherwise English movie. Besides, her paintings form an integral part of the movie and attract attention time and again.
To sum up, it's an entertaing and eye pleasing movie that needs to be watched.
My rating: 7 out of 10
Ram Tayade (Deshmukh)
Drawing parallel to Ramyana's mythological epic and the character of Ram, Sita and Lav, the film paints similar situation of separation in contemporary India. Enthralled by Indian classical music John, a foreign national, settles alonwith his wife and son, Kris in a 'Gurukul' in Tamil Nadu. Kris, now 12 yr. old, gets obsessed with 'Bharatnatyam' under the guidance of, his Guru, Parvathi and in the company of her daughter, Valli, of his age. Later, getting suspicious about the relations between her husband and Parvati, the wife leaves for foreign country taking Kris along with her. Nostalgia of the old days at 'Gurukul' and his yearning for 'Bharatnatyam' compels Kris, now a handsome young man, to returns after twelve years only to find that his father isn't there. The film portrays the story of his meeting with Valli, Parvati, his distress over the absence of father and the climax when he finally happens to meet him.
More than the script, acting and character development, I was greatly impressed by the melodious music, songs, lyrics, cinematography and Hindu traditions and culture depicted in the movie. And number of Bharatnatyam dances indeed were an icing on the cake ...absolutely mesmerizing!
Importantly, Ashwini Pratap Pawar, a painter & Bharatnatyam dancer originally from Pune, had brilliantly played the role of Parvti in the movie. Maybe because of that a 'Marathi Song' finds place in otherwise English movie. Besides, her paintings form an integral part of the movie and attract attention time and again.
To sum up, it's an entertaing and eye pleasing movie that needs to be watched.
My rating: 7 out of 10
Ram Tayade (Deshmukh)
Excellent Emotional Film
jonathanakonni29 August 2019
His Father's Voice made me cry, it made me want to get up and dance and made me want to embrace my family.
There were magical scenes that reminded me of an epic fairy tale story.
We follow the characters through different phases of life. The playfulness of childhood, the innocence of music and dance mirrors our own experiences. The take on sensuality and passion is pure and graceful. We can love for the sake of beauty.
It is refreshing to see the actors grow through the film. As it is almost all a new cast without much prior experience, they pulled it off and pulled me in.
We should finish the film and be inspired to pursue life fully.
I am looking forward to the next film from Kaarthikeyan and Ashwini.
Thank you!
We follow the characters through different phases of life. The playfulness of childhood, the innocence of music and dance mirrors our own experiences. The take on sensuality and passion is pure and graceful. We can love for the sake of beauty.
It is refreshing to see the actors grow through the film. As it is almost all a new cast without much prior experience, they pulled it off and pulled me in.
We should finish the film and be inspired to pursue life fully.
I am looking forward to the next film from Kaarthikeyan and Ashwini.
Thank you!
Touching story with beautiful cultural expression
Andre2669293 April 2020
I enjoyed this movie immensely. It's a finely-produced film with a touching story about the struggles with human imperfection, and the cultural elements intrigued me. I'm a musician and a dancer, so watching the unique and intricate coordination of the dances and musical interludes in the movie was educating and fascinating. Fantastic work!
A Remarkable Showcase of Indian Classical Music, Dance, Art & Drama
roycegeorge20 April 2020
The movie is a beautiful amalgamation of art and drama. The aspect which makes it easier for the movie to gain the viewer's attention is the literal isolation of the story and its characters from the conventional crowd and the usual hustle-bustle of life. Most of the movie has been shot in a serene environment which helps the story to permeate quite well with the viewer however it does require a bit of patience to understand the core emotions and essence of the storyline. This movie has an enigmatic and indescribable uniqueness and is not meant for the typical movie-goer. The characters are quite well defined and each of them have individualities which reflect their purpose in the story with prevailing ardour. Whether it's Parvathi, Valli, Kris, Jon, Nagarajan or Clara... every persona has a distinct quality which adds to the substance of the movie. It is also quite a treat for viewers who are avid followers of Indian classical dance however it should be noted that it also generates desirable amount of interest in those viewers who are new to this Indian art form. The music is quite noteworthy and contemporary in nature as it encompasses a fusion of Indian Folk and Indie Pop songs. In between, the viewer can also experience a vivid, diverse and graceful display of the Indian culture, tradition and heritage. The cinematography is beguiling and enticing as the technical elements capture the essential components of the scenes along with a range of vibrant colors, lighting and aesthetic concerns. Some of the best scenes in the movie come from the characters Parvathi, Kris and Valli.
In its entirety, the movie is a remarkable showcase of Indian classical music, dance, art and drama however the ending could have been more engrossing and not so predictable.
In its entirety, the movie is a remarkable showcase of Indian classical music, dance, art and drama however the ending could have been more engrossing and not so predictable.
Great film! Great filmmaking!
DavidJaure31 March 2020
It is an overall great film. Great filmmaking and beautiful cinematography. It is very interesting watching films from other countries and regions to learn more about the different cultures. Really enjoyed this movie!
Indian Cultural Immersion
gregwolk19 April 2020
During this shelter-in-place time, coming upon "His Father's Voice" was a welcome respite. I felt as though I were transported to India and got to experience the culture without fear of the dang coronavirus. Music and dance are the heart of this film, but they alone wouldn't have worked without a captivating story. The film had a very good-looking cast... which while not necessary, let's face it, who doesn't like to look a pretty women and men. More importantly, we liked and connected with the characters. An excellent film throughout.
Perfect combination of art and entertainment
onlymandar15 February 2020
Excellent Acting and a Compelling Story
greggreenfilm3 April 2020
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