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this is the Story of "Dhanu" who killed Rajiv Gandhi. Mind of a suicide bomber is strange thing - we do not know if it has so many flash backs as shown in the movie or is it dark. Sometimes suicide bombers even take drugs before the operation. This was a golden opportunity to research the mind of a bomber ("Dhanu" was just a brainwashed agent of LTTE) but the director did an extremely poor job. The plot is a real life story but the acting is below par most of the time. Filmotography is quite crude (may be I am getting used to Karusawa) - the worst part is the music - same theme music again and again and again <
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>2 good things - they hardly ever show blood or the crudeness of destruction -we see enough violence so we don't want to see more - next - it shows a human face of the bomber - the reticent character which hides (or may be projects) the determination - <
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>While it should have emphasized that checkpoint rape on the part of Sri Lankan military in Tamil areas (e.g., on the east coast) has certainly mobilized female Tamils, encouraged abused women to join the organization that would provide safe haven, protection, and acceptance, and provides evidence of the government's cruelty, the movie fails to address it and ignores it completely <
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>If you see it you may like it but if you do not see it you will not miss a great deal

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Will having a child interfere with your day job?
With the current level of violence in the Middle East, one might forget that there were suicide bombers before 9/11, or that women also fill that role, or that there are suicidal zealots other than Arab Muslims. THE TERRORIST, a 1998 film from India, is a reminder of all three. <
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>Malli (Ayesha Dharker) is a young Indian woman fighting with anti-government separatists. Her hatred, amplified by the death of her brother, compels her to volunteer for a special mission - to assassinate a government VIP with plastic explosive strapped around her waist after placing a garland around his neck during a public welcoming ceremony. To arrive at the appointed time and place, it's arranged that Malli leave her jungle training camp and temporarily reside with a benevolent, old farmer, otherwise unconnected with the plot, and his bedridden, catatonic wife. During her stay with the couple, Malli becomes aware that she's pregnant, the father being a wounded comrade-in-arms that she'd previously rescued from the river after an assault by government forces, but who was later captured and brutally killed. Malli is constantly haunted by their too-brief time together. In any case, the old man is thrilled and offers himself as the mother and child's guardian. <
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>The reason one is apt to stick with this low-budget film to its conclusion is to witness Malli's decision. Pregnant with her lover's child, and offered a "normal" existence with the old farmer, does she have the commitment to the separatists' cause to push the red button? Will hatred negate maternal instinct? During a couple of dress rehearsals for the kill, it appears she does and it will. (Feminists are likely to be outraged at the callous manipulation of the young woman by her male co-conspirators, who, it must be said in all justice, never learn of her pregnancy.) <
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>THE TERRORIST, as a production, might have been helped - for the benefit of foreign viewers - with scenes of India more interesting to those who haven't been there. As it is, one mostly sees only anonymous jungle, the farmer's house and grounds, and frequent shots of a river spanned being crossed by trains on a long bridge. And the soundtrack becomes annoying with a repetitive, ominous dirge that plays every time Malli is shown considering the choice she must make. <
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>Although not as good as the recent PARADISE NOW (which takes place in Israel and the Occupied West Bank), THE TERRORIST is a worthwhile glimpse into the making of a suicide bomber.

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"I must sacrifice my future for the sake of my people."
Deep in the jungles of Sri Lanka are camps full of orphan children. Following the death of her brother, Malli (Ayesha Dharker) is raised in one of these terrorist training camps and trains with Tamil separatist forces (the Tamil Tigers) fighting against the Sri Lankan government. It is said that the Tamil Tigers were the first terrorist group to perfect the 'suicide bomber', and they also frequently use females as assassins. In one of the first scenes in the film, Malli is called forward to execute a traitor. She's a devoted fighter, and she doesn't hesitate--along with 100s of other children, she's waiting for a mission ... <
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>19-year-old Malli is chosen from dozens of girls to assassinate an unnamed VIP. The fact that she's chosen to become a suicide bomber--a "thinking bomb"--is regarded as an honour, and her friends are envious. After a meal and a pep talk with the faceless, nameless 'Leader', Malli is photographed and told that these photographs will be sent all over the world following the assassination. Then Malli is taken out of the jungle to complete her task. <
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>A small boy, Lotus (Vishwas) acts as Malli's guide through the jungle down to the river where she is to take a boat for the next part of her journey. They make an incongruous pair--Lotus is nimble, knows the jungle, and can identify the booby traps lining the riverbank. But in spite of his skills and independence, he's still a frightened little boy, and his attempts to bond with Malli are poignant--especially when they encounter difficulties, violence, and death on their journey. <
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>When Malli arrives at her destination, she's placed in a home of farmer Vasu (Parmeshwaran) who knows nothing about her mission--he think she's just a student. Meanwhile Malli prepares for her task by long exercise sessions, and she's measured for a suicide vest. During moments of indoctrination, Malli is reminded that her "sacrifice will inspire future generations." Her leaders manipulate her with patriotic speeches and a call to duty. <
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>Based on the real life events surrounding Rajiv Gandhi, this extraordinary film uses strong contrasts to make its point. Malli, for example, is on a mission of death, and we know from the very first scene, that she's fully capable of murdering without hesitation or remorse. Yet at the same time, Malli begins to experience the joy of life while accepting her own death. Malli is a stunningly beautiful girl--with the face of a doe-eyed angel, and yet she can chop a man to bits with a machete. In the farmer's home, she is accepted as a surrogate child, and she's receptive to the traditional role they offer. Malli is withdrawn--almost silent, but at the same time, she's too complex to be a completely sympathetic character. <
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>Indian director Santosh Sivan completed the film in 17 days on a shoestring budget. Sivan's cinematography is exquisite--vibrant colours fill the screen while the camera concentrates on a leaf sinking in water, or the steady fall of rain. Sivan's spectacular cinematography reminds me strongly of "Vertical Ray of the Sun"--another astonishingly beautiful film. "The Terrorist" is an amazing film--one that will not easily be forgotten by its fortunate viewers. In Tamil with English subtitles--displacedhuman