one of the greatest films of all time

Rating: 10/10 (10 April 2016)

If you were expecting this reviewer to simply say this is a great Indian film, you have come to the wrong review.
Whether acknowledged as such or not, one of the greatest films of all time:
* perfect script. At the same time a drama, a coming of age story, a story of personal triumph, and oh-wow a love story for the ages
* perfect casting and acting. Launched Patel (later seen on House, among others)
* direction to die for. After you see it, the strong emotional scenes (the beggar king who removes eyeballs to increase profits) will haunt you. Not to mention the outhouse scene. And the cell phone scene at the end.
* the lesser arcs fight for prominence. Even the whispered asides from the TV host have layers of meaning. The cop who goes from torture to philosophy and back again.
* restraint beyond belief. (Saved the dance scene for the credits. Imagine how hard that was!)
Have seen it several times. It is timeless. It is wonderful.