Indian films have changed in a big way. Though, the credit goes to Dil Chahta Hai, which was a sort of a pioneer in changing the viewers’ perception of Indian cinema. Now, Indian movies are travelling abroad for not being viewed by NRIs settled there but foreigners too are getting addicted to the magic of Indian cinema. Lagaan broke all boundaries by getting nominated in the best foreign film category for Oscars. Next, to map the chart were Devdas and of course the very recent, Paheli.Going back to Dil Chahta Hai, the film revolved around three guys with super cool attitudes. But, everything changes overnight. The twist was just not so obvious. It taught the youngsters to respect relationships. Secondly, thoughts changed, pub culture barged into our lives and relationships flourished. These relationships were mostly between elderly women and young guys. Some just got involved for fun and some seriously got married. If Dil Chahta Hai dealt with three guys coming to terms with their own lives, Yuva was a breakthrough in the politicisation of youth. It had an attitude of its own. Three guys, who had never met, come together face-to-face following a single incident. Abhishek was terrific, Ajay was kick ass and Vivek tried his best to regain his days of Company. The message it carried was terrific. It conveyed that only a government managed by youth could bring a sea change in India’s political system. Then arrived Swades. It showed how India is still divided with the barricades of caste, creed and sex. Only a scientist like Mohan Bhargava had the courage to change it all. Not because he was well read. But, he loved his country and wanted his country to match steps with the entire world.
I am very much fond of movies, but movies with a message work so well. I was very apprehensive about Rang De Basanti because Mangal Pandey despite being a well-made movie bombed at the box office. I was shocked to see the Aamir charisma fizzle out. Only this time, not only Aamir but also the entire team of Rang De Basanti left me mesmerised. At the end of the movie, I was spellbound. It was amazing to see the story of Bhagat Singh’s life being connected to today’s generation. If this is Generation Next then bravo! At least the director was honest to put forward a message, which is the most talked about today. Footloose youth, careless youth and cultureless youth are the tags to define the Indian youth. We are getting addicted to the western culture but we are only imbibing the bad qualities. The most important thing about western culture is time management and perfection. But in India there is neither time management nor perfection. We think, we say but we always fail to act. I am also a part of this entire matrix. I too sometimes stay idle without any work. In my spare time, I can utilise my skills and create what I love to. Being an Indian, I too seek pleasure in doing nothing.
My only concern is this revolution in Indian Cinema should not get suppressed. There are disturbing elements to pull the brakes on such real cinema. If Rang De Basanti is the beginning after Hazaron Khwaishein Aisein, then, Indian viewers should also learn to appreciate movies with a hard-hitting message. Perhaps, Mallika Sherawat should take note of such movies and improve herself. Don’t we know Tabu is respected for her author-backed roles like Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Konkana Sen Sharma and Chitrangada Singh?
Wake up viewers, to witness the revolution in Indian Cinema. This is new age cinema.
