All audience reviews of Gandhigiri

Is Gandhi relevant in the present times? This is the poser in the movie under review.Om Puri ,the follower of Mahatma Gandhi's ideals- in letter and spirit-answers in the affirmative.
The movie begins with the Quit India Movement call by the Mahatma made in 1942.The voice over of Vijay Raaz narrates the backgrounder.The prince of Shivgarh is banished to Mauritius for siding with the movement.Om Puri ( as Rai Saheb,the son of the banished ) ,a true Gandhian ,professess his desire to visit India on the Pravasi Divas function ,to look for himself how far Indians also believe in Gandhism.
Being an NRI he's waylaid by four criminals in his visit.They are hauled up by the cops for their crime.The victim instead of proceeding with the case ,instead 'experiments' by getting them bailed out on his surety.
Does his experiment succeed to reform the waywards?Wait till the climax to know the end result?
The character of Om Puri is 'all white'.He believes that none is born as criminal.Circumstances make them so.Also,he extends a helpful hand to all those who are in need to overcome their worries.He's disappointed that policians continue to divide the society in the name of religion,caste and social status.His simple 'mantra' to imbibe Gandhism is to be good human beings( what he calls Insaangiri).
Taking an over all view ,the film doesn't rise above the ordinary to convey it's message.It's neither a Do Aankhen Baara Haath remake nor Lage Raho Munnabhai.
None of the actors has shone in performances.Too many characters side track the main theme of the movie.All songs are out of place .They only ensure that the running time of the movie extends up to two hours.
One thing is believable that Gandhi Jayanti celebrations are 'mere rituals' gone through year after year without the 'core'of Gandhism being practiced.
The movie could be given a skip.
Dev Raj Gulati. less