Global Baba

Global Baba is a 2016 Hindi language Indian film directed by Manoj Tewari and stars Pankaj Tripathi, Abhimanyu Singh, and Ravi Kishan. A commentary on spirituality, corruption, and the exploitation of faith and beliefs in contemporary Indian society, the film underlines the sharp contrast between the hallowed and profane by narrating the tale of a criminal-turned-godman.

The multi-faceted Pankaj Tripathi, one of the known names in Bollywood, delivers an exceptional performance in the lead role, playing the character of 'Global Baba'; a criminal turned spiritual leader. Abhimanyu Singh plays the role of 'Bhola', an ardent follower of Global Baba, with equal commendation. Ravi Kishan, who portrays the character of a corrupt yet pragmatic politician, adds weight and depth to the film's narrative.

The storyline of Global Baba revolves around the transformation of a hardened criminal into a spiritual guru and the resulting ramifications. The narrative deftly explores the deep-seated roots of corruption, and the way spirituality is misused as a tool of manipulation in our society.

The movie begins by depicting the protagonist's life as a ruthless, feared criminal, a life filled with violence, lawlessness, and chaos. One unforeseen happening leads to a drastic change in his trajectory, transforming him from a dreaded criminal into a self-styled godman, Global Baba.

Having successfully woven the cloak of spirituality around him, Global Baba quickly earns blind faith from innocent people, who are drawn towards him in the hope of finding solace, peace, and solutions to their problems. The crux of the film deals with how religion and faith can be manipulated to serve personal interests and how individuals can get victimized by the unhealthy nexus of religion, politics, and crime.

The movie also incorporates an interesting sub-plot featuring an honest journalist who's determined to expose the grim truth behind the spiritual façade of Global Baba, facing many obstacles in her journey. How she unveils the truth forms the thrilling second half.

Global Baba is not a typical Bollywood movie; it chooses to tread on an offbeat path by tackling a serious issue with an unusual backdrop. The movie’s storytelling, albeit serious, is engaging and relatable. Subtle humour is expertly sprinkled in, adding levity to an otherwise grim storyline.

The backdrop of the film is well chosen, with the rural settings and cityscapes presenting a vivid contrast and giving the film a realistic touch. The direction of Manoj Tewari is commendable as he successfully portrays the dichotomies of Indian society.

The music, composed by Ripul Sharma and Agnel Roman, plays a critical role in setting the film's tone. The music and background score are in sync with the narrative, intensifying the film's overall impact.

Aside from the excellent performances from the lead actors, the supporting cast, featuring Sanjay Mishra, Akhilendra Mishra, and Ravi Kishan, also make a mark in the film. Their performances add to the characters' depth and further enhance the film's narrative.

Global Baba is not just another crime thriller or suspense film. It is an unflinching commentary on the precarious balance between blind faith and manipulation in Indian society. It raises important questions about the intertwining of faith, crime, and politics, and the potential dangers that result from this dangerous mix.

The film explores social issues rarely discussed in mainstream cinema and aims to provoke conversations about faith and spirituality, revealing the malpractices and deception carried out in the garb of religion. It urges audiences to think critically and discern the truth from the façade.

If you are looking for a film that goes beyond the staple Bollywood offerings and delves into societal issues, Global Baba is worth watching. It presents a complex portrait of contemporary India - a country caught between faith and rationalism, tradition and modernity, corruption, and justice. This movie is indeed a thoughtful piece that prompts a dialogue on sensitive topics.