Shikhar

Watch Shikhar

"Take it, or leave it..."
  • NR
  • 2005
  • 2 hr 36 min
  • 5.1  (1,179)

Shikhar is a 2005 Indian drama film directed by John Matthew Matthan and starring Ajay Devgn, Shahid Kapoor, and Bipasha Basu. The movie is set in a small village in Uttarakhand, India, where a proud and successful businessman, Gaurav Gupta (Ajay Devgn), returns after studying in the United States. Gaurav is ambitious and has big plans for his hometown, which is riddled with corruption and poverty.

Gaurav's plan is to launch an educational software that will revolutionize the way children in the village learn, making education accessible and affordable to all. However, his plans are disrupted when he meets and falls in love with the beautiful village girl, Madhuri (Bipasha Basu). Madhuri is an ambitious girl herself, and she dreams of moving to the city and making a life for herself. Gaurav and Madhuri's paths cross, and they immediately fall in love, but their love is faced with many challenges.

As Gaurav tries to implement his plan, he is met with resistance from the corrupt local politicians, who are more interested in lining their pockets than uplifting the village's residents. He finds a friend in Jaidev Rajvansh (Shahid Kapoor), a young lawyer who is equally passionate about justice and improving his community's lives. Jaidev is constantly at loggerheads with his father, a corrupt lawyer who is in league with the politicians, who want to thwart Gaurav's credible aspirations.

Gaurav's software is a massive success, and he builds a school with the help of his childhood friend, Jaya (Amrita Rao). However, as time goes by, Gaurav realizes that his success is causing more harm than good. He sees the villagers becoming increasingly dependent on the software, which is siphoning off their traditional knowledge and culture.

The film raises questions about the changing face of education in India and how technology has the potential to both empower and marginalize communities. The story is a poignant commentary on the intersection of globalization, technology, and traditional values. The complex interplay of these issues is expertly explored by Matthan in a deeply involving and impactful fashion by weaving all of them into the personal lives of the characters.

The cinematography by Yusuf Khan is noteworthy, as he captures the picturesque beauty of the village beautifully. The soundtrack of the film is composed by the legendary composer, Viju Shah, and the songs are soulful and memorable.

The movie's performances are excellent across the board. Ajay Devgn delivers a powerful performance as Gaurav Gupta, who is torn between his ambition and his love for Madhuri. Shahid Kapoor is brilliant as Jaidev Rajvansh, who is committed to fighting for the rights of the underprivileged but is constantly at odds with his father. Bipasha Basu brings a refreshing innocence and charm to her character of Madhuri, who serves as the emotional anchor of the film. Supporting cast members like Mita Vasisht, Darshan Jariwala, and Amrita Rao deliver fine performances as well.

In conclusion, Shikhar is a thought-provoking film that seamlessly blends romance, drama, and social commentary. It is a movie that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer, and the story's messaging is relevant not only to India but to communities worldwide. The film offers a poignant reminder that development must be sustainable, and the preservation of cultural heritage and knowledge is also vital. Overall, Shikhar is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates world-class filmmaking.

Shikhar
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Description
  • Release Date
    2005
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    2 hr 36 min
  • Language
    Hindi
  • IMDB Rating
    5.1  (1,179)