BOLLYWOOD‘S AROMA OF PATRIOTISM

In victory, defeats, celebrations, mourning, cheerfulness, coronations etc. At all times the one emotion that has bound all the citizens together is the love for our nation is “Patriotism”. But with every passing Independence Day, the definition of being patriotic has undergone curious sea- changes. The youngistanis of this era have a totally different outlook and perspective & who could better display such emotions of youth than our planet Bollywood itself!! Below is the glance at must watch all time patriotic movies of B-Town, which have made a few differences in our lives in a way or two.

MILAN SAXENA
milan@dakhalandazi.co.in

Mother India

The foremost spot is inevitably secured by the legendary “Mother India”. It was the most important film of the times and portrayed the rural life as the true essence of India. The movie was nominated in the “Best foreign films” in the Oscars. Released in 1957 by the director Mehboob Khan, the movie spelled out the country’s strive towards technical advances and maintaining moral values with cultural declines.

Mr. India

“Mr. India” spots the next. Directed by Shekhar Kapoor and being released in 1987, the movie had all the traces of true patriotism. Though a science fiction, the story revolves around Arun (Anil Kapoor) a common Indian man; striving for survival-who in the meanwhile becomes “Mr. India” by wearing a gadget on his wrist, making himself invisible. How he fights for the savior of his country’s against “khush” Mogambo being the rest half of the cinema and pours down a candid unrevived spirit of true patriotism.

Roja

“Roja” is another and a genuine blend of heroism and love for one’s own nation. Directed by Mani Ratnam and acted upon by Madhu & Swami –the film bagged 3 national awards, including the best film for national integration. What if your motherland’s enemy burned your country’s flag in front of you; what can you do??? One may find many answers but Roza finds the absolute one; where the actor dives through the air & extinguishes the burning Tiranga with his body. This was the sole deed of heroism and patriotism when one is at the stake of his life.

Gandhi

My Father: Released in 2007 and directed by Feroz Abbas , “Gandhi – My Father !!” comes the next. It explores the troubled relationship between Harilal Gandhi (Akshaye Khanna) and Mahatma Gandhi (Darshan Jariwala). There have been many fims on the life of Mahatma Gandhi but Gandhi-my father!! is odd one out. The movie shows true conflict of “Gandhi vs. Mahatma” and revolves around relationship between Gandhiji and his son. The film portrays many such incidences when Gandhiji puts society ahead his family. The dialogue of Akshaye Khanna;”You are truly the country’s father but you failed to be my father.” Ranks best in the movie.

A Wednesday

“A Wednesday” is a clear example of “a common man patriotism” . How a simple man – or in the language of the movie-“the stupid common man” clears the terrorists of the city is in reality the true spirit of a patriot. The movie marks its excellence with mature acting of Anupam Kher and Naseeruddeen Shah . It is a perfect mix of dialogues, superb acting, and spirit of a patriot that rests in a “stupid common man!!”

Chak De India

SRK’s “Chak-De India” was an honest eye –opener for our identity as an Indian, lost somewhere in our daily malicious activities. Chak –De brought together the players of all states to fight together for one common goal. It’s not an outright patriotic movie but it has a strong inbuilt of pride for the country. Just like the present generation; we do not show patriotism but all of us swear by it. Chak-De became the fourth top grossing movie of 2007 and won 8 awards for the best film.

Rang de Basanti

Aamir Khan’s “Rang de Basanti” brought patriotism so close to the youth as never before. After RDB, being” patriotic was the fashion”. How the careless studs of Delhi university fight against corruption and on-raging barbarism forms the text of the story. Their battle against Defence Minister provoked the youth to demand changes in the political structure of the nation. The film was the clear signal that if youth unites for a cause then everyone better watch it out. The candle light march shown in the movie saw parallels in the real life.

Lagaan

This historic film was set in the Victorian periods of the British rule and took Aamir Khan all the way to Oscars. “Lagaan” was liked by the masses and critics alike. It is clear message of courage and sheer strives to protect the state. It attempts to eradicate the caste system as well as passes the saying “unity is strength”. The British oppression with the cricket proved to be perfect recipe of the movie.

Lakshya

Hrithik Roshan starrer “Lakshya” set in the amidst. Set in the midst of Kargil War , Lakshya solved the dilemma and indecisiveness of the Indian youth .Lakshya drives home the idea that India’s responsibility is all in one.

Swades

The planet Bollywood did not refrain from calling out the conscience of Indians through “Swades”. Inspired by the patriotism, Swedes sets in a plot of an NRI who returns India & develops a pedal driven generator to light remote and an unspotted village. The movie shows how higher education can lead the country on the path of success.


Apart from the above cinemas ; the era of 70s and 80s had witnessed the soul of patriotism with “Saat Hindustani”, “Mera Gaon Mera Desh”, “Kranti”, “Krantiveer”, “Karma”, “Tiranga”, “Sarfarosh” etc. Now is the time to step back and think not just these movies but who among us can write new scene of patriotism around us….