Tahaan (2008)
A luminous Hindi drama from Kashmir, where one small boy's love for his donkey leads him into the heart of a conflict far beyond his years.
Tahaan - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Santosh Sivan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: Hindi
- Spoken Languages: Hindi
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 5, 2008 (India)
- Production Companies: iDream Productions, Santosh Sivan Productions
- Production Countries: India
Tahaan - Plot
A tender fable about childhood innocence amid the realities of war is set against the rugged landscape of Kashmir, so long a flash point for the territorial claims of neighboring India and Pakistan. The title character, an eight year old mountain boy, often hears distant gunfire. But it is not until he goes on a quest to reclaim his beloved donkey, which has been confiscated as payment of his poor family's debts, that he is drawn toward a violence he has no capacity to understand.
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Tahaan - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Santosh Sivan
Main Cast
- Purav Bhandare
- Victor Banerjee
- Rahul Bose
- Ankush Dubey
- Rasika Dugal
- Rahul Khanna
- Anupam Kher
- Sana Shaikh
- Dheirya Sonecha
- Sarika
Writers
- Santosh Sivan
Tahaan - FAQs
What is Tahaan about?
Tahaan is a deeply moving fable set in conflict-torn Kashmir, centered on an eight-year-old mountain boy whose beloved donkey is taken away to settle his family's debts. His determined quest to reclaim the animal pulls him into the harsh realities of war, offering a child's-eye view of violence and loss.
Who directed Tahaan?
Tahaan was directed by Santosh Sivan, one of India's most celebrated cinematographers and filmmakers. Sivan also served as the film's cinematographer and writer, bringing a visually lyrical and deeply personal touch to this intimate story set against the rugged beauty of Kashmir.
Who are the main actors in Tahaan?
The film stars Purav Bhandare in the title role as young Tahaan, alongside Victor Banerjee as his grandfather, Rahul Bose as Zafar, Anupam Kher as Subhan Daar, Rahul Khanna as Kuka Saab, Rasika Dugal, Sarika as Tahaan's mother, and several other talented performers.
Is Tahaan based on a true story?
Tahaan is not based on a specific true story. It is an original fictional narrative written by Santosh Sivan, though it draws deeply from the real and ongoing conflict in Kashmir. The film uses the authenticity of that setting to ground its universal themes of childhood innocence and the human cost of war.
When was Tahaan released?
Tahaan was released in India on September 5, 2008. The film premiered at international film festivals before reaching Indian audiences, earning recognition for its sensitive portrayal of childhood in a conflict zone and Santosh Sivan's breathtaking cinematography of the Kashmiri landscape.
How long is Tahaan?
Tahaan runs for 95 minutes, making it a compact and focused viewing experience. The film uses its runtime efficiently, allowing the story of young Tahaan's journey to unfold at a gentle, contemplative pace that mirrors the rhythm of life in the Kashmiri mountains.
Did Tahaan win any awards?
Tahaan received considerable acclaim on the international festival circuit. The film was India's official submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film for the 81st Oscars. It earned praise for Santosh Sivan's stunning cinematography and young Purav Bhandare's remarkably natural and affecting central performance.
What are some movies similar to Tahaan?
If Tahaan resonated with you, you might also enjoy Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) and The Burning Plain (2008) for their emotionally rich storytelling, or classic Indian dramas like Mother India (1957). Films such as A Beautiful Mind (2001) also share Tahaan's deeply humanist spirit.
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