Banaras (2006): cast, story & where to watch
2006 · Film · ★ 6.3

Released in 2006, Banaras is a drama film directed by Pankaj Parashar. “The truth that will change your life forever” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Banaras: A Mystic Love Story is the name of an Indian Bollywood film directed by Pankaj Parashar released in 2006. The film takes place in the Hindu holy city of Varanasi (the city, once known as Banaras, serves as a destination for the pilgrimage of millions of Hindu worshippers annually) and is centered around the relationship of a young woman with her parents and her lover. The storyline also has a strong religious dimension. Most of the film was shot in Varanasi, with some scenes shot in Mauritius.
Who’s in it. Banaras stars Urmila Matondkar as Shwetambari, Dimple Kapadia as Gayatri, Naseeruddin Shah as Babaji and Ashmit Patel as Soham, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, Banaras has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Banaras page.
If you liked it. Fans of Banaras tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Banaras (2006)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Banaras change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Banaras worth watching?
- Banaras holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Banaras?
- Banaras stars Urmila Matondkar, Dimple Kapadia, Naseeruddin Shah, Ashmit Patel and Raj Babbar.
- When was Banaras released?
- Banaras was released in 2006.