It is seldom when a film comes along with the power to change one’s life. But “Amal” is just such a film. With its message of hope and the power of generosity, this special film has stayed with me for the past month, ever since I was lucky enough to view it at the Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council Film Festival in NYC. There, it received the Best Film Award, not an easy task considering its grand competition in that category.

A modern-day fairy tale about a kind and unselfish autorickshaw driver in New Delhi, India, who chances upon an old man with the power to change his entire life and that of the people around him, “Amal” delivers faith in humankind and a feeling of contentment with our own existence to all who are lucky enough to watch the film.

“Amal” is not a mushy love story – though there is so much love in the film that my heart almost burst open. It is not a thriller – but I was on the edge of my seat until the very end, watching this gripping story unfold. “Amal” is definitely not a documentary – though it is one of the best filmed depictions of New Delhi; of the real Delhi that is, the one often unnoticed by tourists. It is also not a standard film with a cookie-cutter ending. So what is “Amal”? It is an enlightening story about one man’s courage to be happy, despite all the regrettable cards life has dealt him. It is a heartfelt tale about Amal’s choice to be righteous, despite temptations and life’s turmoils creeping at him from every corner.

The film was directed by Richie Mehta and written by Mehta himself, along with his brother Shaun. It stars Rupinder Nagra, in the role of Amal, Indian cinema’s master actor Naseeruddin Shah – known for his roles in “Monsoon Wedding” and “Maqbool” – the attractive Koel Purie and the complex and elegant Roshan Seth of “A Passage to India” and “Mississippi Masala”. After a long, successful run in Canada, “Amal” will be featured this Saturday, December 6th, at the River to River Indian Film Festival, in Florence, Italy. Director Richie Mehta will participate in a Q & A following the film.

During the MIAAC Festival, I had a chance to catch up with Rupinder Nagra, who is every bit as charismatic as the character he plays in the film. His insightful answers will give you a glimpse at a man who was born to play the role of Amal. But also born to play the part of many, many more dashing leading men, of course!

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