Saw RDB this evening. Liked it but I must confess it was a bit of a let down mainly because of all the hype surrounding the film. Dont get me wrong its a good movie but its just not able to shrug off the "Bollywood movie" tag. Cinematography and the technical aspects of the film are pure brilliance but the screenplay was loose. Not compelling enough, felt something was amiss. Perhaps a bit elitist (pinkospeak). These bunch of kids had everything going for them and the sudden turn in their thought process was a bit far fetched. Also not sure if the film really represents today's youth, especially the once who dont live in big cities, dont have access to flashy cars and who have more worries in life than deciding where should they party next. I think there are few people still left in India who fall in that category, right ? Didnt see them in the movie at all.
Anyway the larger issue the film is trying to address is - How do you create a revolution in India ? Take over the Akashwani Bhawan and fill the air waves with revolutionary thoughts ...hmm ... is that what he said ? No. He said become a conscious citizen, join army, get into IAS and participate in the political process of the country. Cynic in me is screaming "BOOOOOOORRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNGGGGGG!" but thankfully I am not a cynic. I believe. This is the way forward for India and in a lot of ways its already happening. Everyone now I then I read incredible things common men and women of country are already doing to empower themselves and those around them. The problem here is institutionalizing this empowerment. For all its quirkiness, the current goverment did promulgate the "Right to Information" bill, which if implemented in letter and spirit has the power to bring accountability into the system like never before. Access to information and the right to use it to demand justice can institutionalize the kind of revolution the film talks about.
Bottomline -We have a long way to before this happens. Even the film had to be specially screened for clearance by guess whom ? Indian Defence Minister!
Sunday, February 12, 2006
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2 comments:
Firstly the film maker never claimed he wasnt making a "Bollywood" movie. What he made depicted was a different concept within that framework.
Secondly he was telling the story through the lives of a group of Delhi University students - so showing their lifestyle is not elitist. Also I think he attempted to show people from different backgrounds even within that small group.There was never any claim that it addressed problems of villages - when Swades was directed at problems in villages did u complain that it doesnt show city life and is only one aspect of India? I think you're missing the point of what was he was trying to convey overall.I think the way he has shown their transformation through their participating in the freedom fighters film in the first half is excellent. He attempts to link the freedom struggle of the past to contemporary issues which no one has really done in this manner and he deserves full credit for that.
Thirdly the revolution - I don't exactly agree with the method used - killing the minister etc - but more that this far fetched theory what really hit me was the frustration - the inability to make a difference and the helplessness. And yes the message that individual contributions can make a difference.
And now the cons - mainly in the second half - screenplay , editing.
But despite all this I think it was a fantastic movie - a brave attempt to show contemporary life through a novel concept. Something I could identify with at many levels and I think a lot of youth in India can too - which is why its got rave reviews and is a big hit ( inspite of not having any item numbers )
Initially I pondered on the negatives and then when I walked away from the theatre , I realised that there was something that remained with me , so to give due credit to the film maker, actor and film we have to look at the big picture and the possibility it seeks to create.
Tagline of the film is "A Generation Awakens". If you are talking about 5% of the generation then yes these kids represent the correct demography.
Chaging a nation is much harder than taking over Akashwani Bhavan. To its credit, the movie did start a debate though.
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