Such a Long Journey

Such a Long Journey, filmed in 1998, is a well-executed adaptation of Rohinton Mistry’s critically acclaimed novel bearing the same name. Directed by Sturla Gunnarsson, the movie delivers a compelling narrative interweaving family drama, political unrest, and emotional turmoil into a moving canvas of life in 1970s Bombay, India.

The movie is centered on Gustad Noble, convincingly portrayed by Roshan Seth, who is a Parsi bank clerk and a devoted family man. The story traces Gustad's journey through life and the multiple upheavals he encounters. The film does a remarkable job of portraying the everyday life of Gustad, wherein lies the gist of such a long and eventful journey.

Roshan Seth offers a layered portrayal of Gustad, making the character both incredibly relatable and emblematic of the greater societal changes occurring around him. Seth embodies Gustad's often-conflicting emotions – stubbornness, love for his family, desire for stability, and struggle against the tense political climate, allowing viewers to empathize with his personal trials and tribulations.

Soni Razdan plays the role of Gustad's wife, Dilnavaz, with immense grace. Her portrayal reflects the goodwill and strength that binds the family together amidst numerous disputes and disagreements. Gustad's relationships, particularly with his family and old college friend, mentor, and now secret intelligence agent Major Jimmy Bilimoria (Om Puri), take center stage in the narrative.

As the story progresses, Gustad's world subtly changes when he finds out that his old friend Billimoria has been covertly helping the government gather information on pro-independence activists in neighboring Bangladesh. He gets unwittingly entangled in Bilimoria's assignments, thus introducing a new and unexpected avenue in his life.

The narrative deepens when Gustad's son Sohrab, portrayed impressively by Vrajesh Hirjee, defies his father's wishes, creating an internal rift within the family while the chaos of the outside world continues to swell. Gustad's nuanced bond with Tehmul (Ranjit Chowdhry), a mentally challenged man, provides a touching subplot, offering glimpses of the era's attitudes towards mental health.

One intriguing aspect of Such a Long Journey lies in its effective translation of the socioeconomic and political scenario of the 1970s. The film offers a balanced mixture of humor and drama, which enriches the narrative and enables a more profound understanding of the period.

Scenes that capture the vibrancy of Bombay's bustling streets, the ruination brought by corruption, and the precarity of the time of the Indo-Pakistan War and the Bangladesh Liberation War all come alive in Gunnarsson’s direction. The director masterfully displays his aptitude for historical accuracy and rich detail in his narration, subtly building tension and drawing the audience into Gustad's world.

The film's setting is almost a character in itself – the chawl or low-income housing where Gustad's family and neighbors live shines with authenticity, evoking a nostalgic flavor for viewers acquainted with Bombay's cityscape. Truly, Such a Long Journey is as much about the temporal and spatial journey of the city of Bombay as it is about Gustad’s personal voyage.

Despite dealing with deep political undercurrents, the film never loses its core: the human story. Various interactions throughout the film outline everyday struggles, dreams and despairs, human resilience, and a deep sense of empathy.

Marc Beeson’s original musical score is a marvel, augmenting the storytelling with its tonal shifts symbolizing the gamut of human emotions and states, from peaceful to suspenseful, joyous to tragic. His music plays a significant role in setting the mood of the film.

Such a Long Journey offers more than just a cinematic experience; it is a plunge into the complexities of human existence and a tribute to the resilience and strength of its main character, Gustad Noble. Roshan Seth’s masterful portrayal paired with Gunnarsson’s sensitive direction results in a masterpiece that continues to resonate for its poignant storytelling and deeply human themes. Viewers are taken on an unforgettable journey, showcasing the extraordinary within the ordinary, the heroism within everyday life.