i was not able to see the movie because the VCD was not good at all.. better try with DVD

That the movie is worth a watch - is indisputable. Deepa Mehta is a director of calibre. But I thought both Lisa Ray and John Abraham were hopelessly miscast. John is a decent actor - but it is way beyond him to carry off the role of the idealist Gandhian youth who quotes in Sanskrit from Kalidas!!! (In fact it is unintentionally howlarious!!) Lisa Ray is too westernised in looks. A Nandita Das or a Konkona Sen would have been more credible. Of course - part of the reason this happened is not Deepa's fault. The movie ran into trouble with VHP and the right wing Hindu Nazis.

Also - the 70mm VCD quality is awful - in fact I couldn't watch the second disc at all.

This is one of the best films' i've ever watched. the screenplay, script, direction and performance are all superb. but the one thing that stands out is Deepa Mehta's genius in bringing out an important and much neglected issue: the widows of India.

now don't think this is a boring film, because of it's 1938 setting, and the issue of widows. This film will blow your mind away like nothing else! esp, the last scene with statistics.

The film has influenced and inspired thousands to meaningful action in our country. i know of a freind who couldn't sleep after she watched the movie! today she wants to start an organization for widows in India, thanks to this oscar nominated film.

Do watch it, it's worth every bit!