Hey Ram (2000)
Kamal Haasan's sweeping historical epic about grief, religious hatred, and one man's journey from vengeance to redemption in Partition-era India.
Hey Ram - Movie Information
- Original Title: ஹே ராம்
- Release Year: 2000
- Directed by: Kamal Haasan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: History, Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 3h 19m
- Original Language: Tamil
- Spoken Languages: Hindi, Tamil
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 18, 2000 (India - A), February 18, 2000 (United States - PG-13), March 9, 2006 (Germany - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Hey Ram - Augenblicke der Zärtlichkeit (DE), Hey Ram (IN)
- Production Companies: Raajkamal Films International
- Production Countries: India
Hey Ram - Plot
Saketh Ram's wife is raped and killed during direct action day riots in Calcutta. He is convinced that Mahatma Gandhi is responsible for all the problems happening in the country. He sets out to kill him.
Hey Ram - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this landmark historical drama:
An Experiment With Truth
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Hey Ram - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kamal Haasan
Main Cast
- Kamal Haasan
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Vasundhara Das
- Rani Mukerji
- Atul Kulkarni
- Girish Karnad
- Om Puri
- Hema Malini
- Naseeruddin Shah
- Farida Jalal
Writers
- Kamal Haasan
Producers
- Kamal Haasan
- Bharat Shah
Hey Ram - FAQs
Is Hey Ram based on a true story?
Hey Ram is inspired by real historical events surrounding India's Partition in 1947 and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. While the protagonist Saket Ram is a fictional character, the film draws heavily on documented communal violence, the RSS, and the actual conspiracy that led to Gandhi's murder.
Who are the main actors in Hey Ram?
Hey Ram features an extraordinary ensemble. Kamal Haasan leads as Saket Ram, with Shah Rukh Khan playing his Muslim friend Amjad Ali Khan. Rani Mukerji and Vasundhara Das portray his two wives, while Naseeruddin Shah delivers a memorable turn as Mahatma Gandhi. Atul Kulkarni, Om Puri, and Hema Malini round out the cast.
What is Hey Ram about?
Hey Ram follows Saket Ram, a man shattered by the rape and murder of his wife during the 1947 Partition riots in Calcutta. Blaming Gandhi for the nation's chaos, he joins a Hindu nationalist group and plots to assassinate him. The film is a deeply personal meditation on grief, hatred, and the possibility of redemption.
What does the ending of Hey Ram mean?
The ending of Hey Ram is profoundly moving. Saket Ram ultimately cannot bring himself to kill Gandhi, having undergone a spiritual transformation. The film closes with an elderly Saket recounting his journey to his grandson, suggesting that love and humanity can overcome even the deepest hatred — a message that echoes Gandhi's own philosophy.
Why did Kamal Haasan make Hey Ram?
Kamal Haasan spent nearly a decade developing Hey Ram as a passion project. He wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film, driven by a desire to explore India's traumatic Partition history and the moral complexities of religious nationalism. The film is widely considered one of his most ambitious and personal creative achievements.
Where can you stream Hey Ram?
You can watch Hey Ram on Eros Now Select via Apple TV Channel. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube, giving you plenty of flexible options to catch this landmark Indian historical drama.
What is the age rating for Hey Ram?
Hey Ram is rated PG-13 in the United States. The film contains depictions of communal violence, sexual assault, and mature historical themes related to India's Partition and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, making it more suitable for teenage and adult audiences.
Did Hey Ram win any awards?
Hey Ram received significant recognition at the 2001 Filmfare Awards, earning nominations including Best Film and Best Director for Kamal Haasan. Atul Kulkarni won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film was also India's official submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film that year.
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