Any great work of art must comprise an immersive experience, a stirring of the soul, something that uplifts the spirits. Cinema is the ultimate form of artistic expression, with its multi-dimensional ability to move the viewer.
The Indian, in particular, the Hindi film industry is one of the oldest ones in the world, one that has contributed gems that have stood the test of time. While the classics have been much discussed and feted at festivals and the like, mainstream (read commercial) films are usually given a miss, due to the sentimental overkill, blatant romanticism and chest thumping jingoism.
However, there are exceptions. This is a listicle of ten recent Hindi films (released in the past twenty years) that tread the fine line between art and commerce, delivering moving experiences that linger long after leaving the cinema hall. And yes, usher in change too!
Films that Evoke Love for our Land
Rang De Basanti (2006) is a wake-up call to all Indians. A group of youngsters begin filming a rebellious historic incident of the Indian freedom struggle. These happy-go-lucky kids are as far away from patriotic ideas as anyone can be, idling away time on the campus and in pubs.
A Wednesday (2008) portrayed the man on the street reacting to the continuous threat of terrorism in modern life. When things go beyond tolerance level, the beleaguered, neglected, nondescript common man is shown to be capable of retaliating and paying back in the same coin. Without resorting to any melodrama or sentimental tropes, the film is deeply touching and topical. What’s remarkable about this film is that it shows us the doughty patriotism of the common man, and the dormant volcano of his outraged sense of national pride.
Films that Highlight Social Malaises
Pink (2016) is a clutter-breaker Indian film of sorts, a film that almost ushered in a social change, a revolution in the thinking of ordinary people.
With its emphasis on “No means no”, the film vocalized every woman’s thoughts. Enough was enough. No more patriarchal nonsense under the garb of “she asked for it”. The onus of sexual abuse lay with the perpetrator alone, not the victim.
Taare Zameen Par (2007) is a sensitive exploration of the unique mind of a 8-year old kid struggling with Dyslexia. The way society treats a “differently-abled” child, the pitfalls of the conventional methods of teaching, the therapeutic value of artistic expression in children, the right of each child to be treated with respect and empathy, we learnt all this and more from this sensitively made film.
Hichki (2018) is a brilliant film about a teacher afflicted with Tourette Syndrome, her struggle for acceptance, and the pitfalls of the public education system. The inherent bias against socially and economically disadvantaged people is spotlighted too. At one point, the struggle of the teacher and the pupils become one - a struggle to prove that they are worthy of acceptance, even admiration and respect in a seemingly “normal” society.
Films dealing with Self-love
Queen (2013) proves that we are the masters of our life, and that self-love is the ultimate love. As the girl rejected at the outset of the movie for not being "modern" enough, the initially demure, always-sheltered protagonist stuns her detractors and family alike with her transformation. This film shows us that life is much more than one small incident or setback. Life needs to be lived, not just endured. With a smile on your face, and acceptance in your heart, and a non-judgmental stance, one can win the world literally.
Highway
The ruffian goon bonds with the sheltered girl who herself was victim of sexual abuse in childhood. They create their own Utopia, a lovely fragile reality away from the harsh truths of life. Even the brutal culmination of events doesn’t shake the girl’s resolve to carve out her own path, away from the society’s self-proclaimed guardians.
English Vinglish (2012), a delightful slice-of-life film about a woman's journey towards self discovery, saw the powerful comeback of popular Bollywood actress Sridevi.
Dear Zindagi (2016) is all about acknowledging your emotions and seeking mental help/therapy when required. Mental wellness is integral to a person’s happiness and there is no shame in seeking intervention. Following the failure of several relationships, the prickly, confused, brash young protagonist reluctantly goes to a therapist for help. She realizes we all are humans, and humans make mistakes. Forgiveness, acceptance and moving on are the only way forward. The film is about confronting one’s demons, discovering one’s true calling and finding peace and happiness.
It's no coincidence that all four movies about self acceptance are focused on women. Long neglected by commercial Hindi cinema, women finally get their due in terms of leading a film's subject!
And now for another marginalized section of Indian society- the LGBTQ.
Badhai Do (2022) is a mainstream Hindi film that makes a strong case for inclusion and acceptance, in a manner that is both entertaining as well as touching. Dealing with the touchy subject of same-sex romance in a highly conservative society, the refreshing approach of this film wowed every viewer. Why should we treat people differently only for their sexual orientation, is what the film questions. Each person has the right to choose their own happiness, and our society needs to understand and embrace that.
My Takeaway
I am no cine-expert, yet I can say with conviction that these Hindi films must be watched at least once in your life. You may not be an Indian or living in India, but the universality of the truths depicted hits you hard.
Watch them, you won’t be disappointed!
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