At first impression, the local priest in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994) seems to be part of the background and an occasional comedic complement to our protagonist, Sunil (Shah Rukh Khan).
We are first introduced to Father Braganza (Naseeruddin Shah) as Sunil passes him on his motorbike. The priest flags him down and forces Sunil to give him a lift to the church. When Sunil points out that the church is out of his way, Father Braganza responds, "Whether you go one way or the other, all paths lead to God." This is a standard response we hear several times as Father Braganza often asks for rides to and from his destinations.
As a peace-loving priest, Father Braganza often steps in when people have disagreements. When Sunil's father complains about his son, Father Braganza says, "Sunil is a very good boy. Let him live his own way."
By the end of the film you are struck by the value that Father Braganza (Naseeruddin Shah) brings to the story. He is an important confidant and guide who helps Sunil through major events and decisions in his life.
Wikipedia describes a confidant as:
The confidant provides the writer of the story with a plausible device for communicating to the audience the mind and intention of their principal character (protagonist). The protagonist may reveal their secrets, personal problems and character flaws to the audience through their conversations and interactions with the confidant character, often entrusting them with important information about themselves (as well as information critical to the plot) that they would not entrust to other characters. The type of character used as a confidant is most commonly the protagonist's closest friend, but may also be a family member such as a spouse, sibling or parental figure, co-worker, trainer or a health professional such as their psychiatrist.
Confidants may not only be used for conveying information about the plot to the audience, but may also be used to share information about the protagonist (such as their feelings about certain subjects or personal fears). In this way, the audience can get to know the protagonist and their goals, as well as their personality and role in the story. Therefore, the confidant is likely to be the only character in the story to know the protagonist's secrets or hidden agendas (and even if they are not the only ones to know, they would at least be the very first ones to know other than the protagonist themselves).
Sunil doesn't always accept the way his life is playing out. Rather than do the hard work to change his life, he finds it easier to tell lies. Father Braganza serves as confidant who offers a moral compass to Sunil - whether or not he asks for it. Sunil knows that whatever Father Braganza says to him will be honest and sincere.
When Sunil finds that one of his lies has blossomed into something beyond his control, the only one he can turn to for proper guidance is Father Braganza. But the advice given is a bitter pill to swallow for Sunil.
Father Braganza: Sunil, Sunil, Sunil ... Why on earth did you do it? Your family is so happy ... Have you thought of their state if they know this? Silly boy!
Sunil: I'm very sorry, Father. I've done something very wrong. Father, please forgive me. Please tell them the truth.
Father Braganza: No, no no ... I'm very sorry, Sunil. I won't tell them. You did it and you must tell them the truth.
Sunil: I can't, Father.
Father Braganza: You told the lie, so you must tell the truth, too.
Sunil: Father ...
Father Braganza: No. I'm not listening to anything else. Go now! This very instant!
When Sunil's world crashes down around him, Father Braganza steps in to help repair the damage. Because he is Sunil's confidante, he can speak opening and honestly about him. Because he is compassionate, he speaks with love. Father Braganza tell's Sunil's father:
I've known Sunil for so long. I know what's good and what's bad in him. Don't judge him by standards of passing and failing. Look, there are some people in the world who want to live life their own way. It's no use forcing them. Such souls are worried about finding goals in life. Life's journey is everything to them. That's Sunil's greatest asset. To live such a life needs great courage.
In the end, when Sunil confides in Father Braganza and follows his advice, he experiences a real love and freedom that he may not have otherwise discovered.