In this award-winning drama, Annie (Manisha Koirala) is the hearing daughter of a deaf couple, and finds herself divided between two worlds. When Raj (Salman Khan) arrives bringing romance and music, her life takes a new direction, and she is torn between her new love for Raj and her duty towards her parents.This is poignant and heartwarming film, with a strong message of faith and family. Some of the songs are particularly lovely. While both Koirala and Khan were good in their roles, the supporting cast of Helen, Nana Patekar, and Seema Biswas were fantastic. I highly recommend this lovely movie

90s was the time when most filmmakers made loud commercial films with song and dance, at that time Sanjay Leela Bhansali debutted with Khamoshi The Musical in 1996 when the film in the next theatre was perhaps Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi or some other masala film. The film starred Salman Khan,Manisha Koirala,Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas The film was based on SLB's visit to Helen Keller Institute similar to his later BLACK(2005). Khamoshi's songs became popular but the film didn't work. The film starts well though some scenes are far fetched like Sam's death, he falls while ringing the bell in a church(very unrealistic) but yet the emotions are well captured, even the romance isn't too larger then life and very simple, again certain scenes do tend to look weird like the confession scene in the church but then films rarely protect catholics or Goa in a true manner, though thankfully in this film we don't have goan stereotypes, no drunkards, no partying.etc The emotional scenes are simply awesome, the best part being it's simplicity, especially the scene when Manisha breaks down after Nana throws her out of the house, even the scene when Salman's parents visit Manisha's family, it's really superb Nana's scene in the church which was repeated in Black(2005) too is fab Direction by SLB is fantastic, and he showed his capabilities Music by Jatin Lalit is awesome, many songs became popular The best song is Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai, it's marvellous, sung by Kavita K, Jaana Suno is also fab though a copy, Aaj Main Upar is again fantastic while Baho Ke Dharmiyan is another wonderful song, one problem is the placement of the songs though One background music in the film is perhaps the original source of Pyaar Koi Khel Nahin title song. The film is shot in Goa and the locales are superb Amongst performances Nana Patekar is simply terrific, he conveys a lot through his gestures, expressions and though he is known for his dialogue delivery in the film he has no dialogues yet he is brilliant Seema Biswas gives him great support, she is terrific Salman Khan is likable, rarely known as a great actor yet he helds his own, those days Salman Khan was very energetic and seemed natural Manisha Koirala is simply fab, proving why she was the best then she is simply outstanding In the same year she and Nana played husband and wife in Agnisakshi Amongst rest, Raghuvir Yadav is fab, while rest are okay Helen has a small role

Definitely Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first and finest, Khamoshi relates the story of a deaf couple and their relationship with their caring and loving daughter, Annie who is not deaf and whose greatest love is music. The film involves many conflicts resulting from this difference between Annie and her parents and her relationship with a young musician. The film's strength lies in the marvelous script, the exceptional performances, and the paradox of deaf parents whose daughter aspires to become a singer. Bhansali's direction is outstanding and evidently perfectionist; he pays attention to the smallest of details, he knows how and when to excite. This is one of the greatest first-time works by a director. The dialogues are brilliant, the proceedings are unexpected and serious, the depiction is simple and realistic, and the narrative style is very good as well. Bhansali's way of portraying relationships is very impressive, whether it's Annie's relationship with her parents or her beloved Raj, whether it's her dad Joseph's relationship with her mom Flavy, or her family's relationships with close friends and neighbours like Marry and Willie. The film is filled with many great moments, many heart-breaking and many heart-warming sequences. It has romance, drama and even comedy, and most importantly, it has music. And what a music it is. Every song is pure magic and is effectively pictured on-screen. "Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai" is beautiful and touching, "Aaj Main Upar" is energetic and is wonderfully sung by Kavita Krishnamurthy, and other songs, including the melancholic "Bahon Ke Darmiyan", are equally memorable. The background score is another integral aspect of the film's mood.Bhansali extracts some of the best performances from each and every actor of the unit. The film belongs to Manisha who is astonishing and intense in one of the finest performances we've seen in mainstream Hindi cinema. She carries every scene brilliantly and acts with great conviction. Striking a balance between restraint and temperamental emotion, she delicately lets us sense the struggle, the confusion, the pain and the suffering of a girl who is torn between her love for her parents and her love for music. One must note her breakdown when she is thrown off home by her father and starts a long monologue behind the door, screaming and using sign language, while her father can neither see nor hear her. I could really feel her pain and anger. It was sincere, heart-breaking and powerful. Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas offer a credible chemistry. They really look like a loving married couple who go through the bad and the good just as it comes. Patekar is, once again, simply astounding as the proud, decisive, happy, kind-hearted and loving Joseph. Damn what a performance, so natural and real, and so well infused with sensibility, honesty and humour. Biswas is nothing short of spectacular in this role. Her acting is superb, and she gives an excellently balanced, compelling and moving portrayal of a woman who suffers from her handicaps but still loves life. Salman Khan plays his relatively small yet significant part with sincerity and spontaneity and lends some comic relief with his feel-good character and strong screen presence. Helen is splendid as the lovely and frank Marry, admirably managing to make a remarkable impact with only a few brief scenes. Raghuvir Yadav provides great support as Willie. The girl who plays the young Annie is adorable, and boy does she resemble Manisha (another proof to Bhansali's exemplary craft).All in all, Khamoshi: The Musical is a must-watch. Made with simplicity, graciousness and artistry, it does not go overboard and does not try to overdo or misuse its sensitive subject, and that's the reason it is so touching, powerful and poignant. The film flows very well though it may not appeal to everyone as it's a bit dark and too cruel in some portions, but it will definitely be appreciated for its brilliance and remarkable emotions even by those who perceive it to be overly serious. I personally find it beautiful, crafted, optimistic, entertaining and unforgettable. A real gem.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, previously associate director to the talented Vinod Chopra, makes his directorial debut with a sensationaly complex piece of work. The film faired moderately at the box office and one wonders why?? This is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of commercial entertainment merging with what is referred to in India as "Art Cinema." Yes, the film is an out and out musical, but never do the songs hamper the narrative even once. Bhansali's ability to weave the songs in order to progress the narrative was also wonderfully displayed in his film "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam."One would wonder how it is possible to leave two characters who are both deaf and unable to speak, to develop themselves on their own. But Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas (Bandit Queen) have given their most impressive and sincere performances yet. Manisha as the girl stuck between her love for music and her love for her parents portrays the multiple complexities of the character very effectively. Salman Khan does his usual satisfactory job as the lover boy. However, the real winner of the film is the script also written by Bhansali himself.The story is simply wonderful, and as is characteristic of Bhansali, instead of making the story complex, he makes his characters complex. To watch Patekar and Biswas play their roles is simply a lesson in acting. The cinematography by Anil Mehta is simply brilliant, effectively creating the carnival like atmosphere of GOA along with a noir-ish feel that compliments the dark complexity of the characters.And alas - the music. Jatin and Lalit who have tended to focus on very Indian sounds in their previous works have somehow managed to fuse in the feel of Portuguese folk sounds into their very Indian tunes - characteristic of the entire feel of Goa. The lyrics are well thought out and simple to progress the narrative. Bhansali's grip over his subject is impeccable and he displays his mastery in the art of mainstream Indian filmmaking to the fullest. This is a man to watch out for in the future.Overall, this movie is simply not to be missed. Sure, it has its minor flaws here and there but when one looks at the wonderful feel it creates for the viewer, all flaws can be overlooked. What sets this film apart from the usual churns is that the film actually has a STORY. It actually has CHARACTERS rather than just STARS and celebrities in it. It packs in a lot of meat. This is how entertainment and art should be blended. It is good to see yet another filmmaker joining the band of contemporary directors like Mani Ratnam, Shekar Kapur, Ramgopal Varma and Mahesh Bhatt who have succeeded in their quest to erase that line separating commerical and "Art" cinema.