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8 Bollywood Movies That Made A Huge Social Impact
Geeta was living in Pakistan, separated from her Indian home for over a decade, until the fame of the Bollywood movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan gave her story a public platform and she found her family again.
Geeta's impending relocation exemplifies the power of cinema to work as a social catalyst and bring change. We note eight contemporary Bollywood movies that effectively tackled socially significant issues and left a lasting impact on us.
1. Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Bajrangi Bhaijaan is the story of an ordinary Indian man who takes extraordinary measures to help a speech-impaired, stranded Pakistani girl find her home. Munni's innocence and Bajrangi's magnanimity are endearing in light of the conflict between the neighbouring countries. The moral is simple: humanity trumps racialized boundaries of nation and religion. Geeta's story resembles the film's — only with a reversal of the countries, she being of Indian origin and living in Pakistan under the care of well-known humanitarian organization the Edhi Foundation.
Photo Credit: www.ibtimes.co.in
2. Pk
A science fiction comedy, Pk brings home the idea of human equality unfettered by religion. An alien lost on Earth, Pk (Aamir Khan) is repeatedly told that invocation of God is the only way for him to return home. On his quest to find God, he challenges the very existence of deities, questions the meaning of religious rituals and, most importantly, exposes the commercial motives behind organized religion. In a society torn by religious prejudices and violence, Pk's mesage of oneness is crucial and profound.
Photo Credit: www.indiatvnews.com
3. Swades
Mohan (Shah Rukh Khan), a non-resident Indian, dedicates his time and prowess to helping a North Indian village develop a hydro-electric power plant and solve its electricity problems. In contrast to those who are concerned only with their own material growth, he embodies noble values of compassion and kindness, geared at bridging gaps between economic classes. Swades reminds us of educating and helping those who are less privileged. It shows that with a true conviction, you can find creative ways to alleviate other people's problems.
Photo Credit: www.mouthshut.com
4. Black
Inspired by Helen Keller's life, this movie shows the journey of a deaf and blind girl who, with support from her teacher, earns a bachelor's degree. Black reshapes the way people understand people with special needs and shows their ability to achieve greatness despite their limitations. The film underscores the role of love and belonging in shaping one's destiny. Mr. Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan) commits himself wholeheartedly to teaching Michelle (Rani Mukherji), allowing her to tap into her full potential. The kindness comes full-circle when Michelle comes to rescue an older Sahai suffering from Alzheimer's.
Photo Credit: www.redish.com
5. 3 Idiots
Rancho (Aamir Khan) doesn't follow the conventional route to success. He believes in following his passions — regardless of the outcome. With his example, the movie emphasizes individual dreams and paths to achieving them — no matter how different they may be from the usual. 3 Idiots critiques education systems and parenting styles that impart dogmatic patterns to young people instead of free horizons. It also encourages people to have faith in their own uniqueness.
Photo Credit: www.santabanta.com
6. English Vinglish
Our society often undervalues the role of homemaker. Shashi (Sri Devi) has the same experience. She is belittled by her husband and children for her English language skills. The movie shuns common attitudes in our society that mock others merely on their command of the English language. In Shashi, who demonstrates her competence by improving her English, the movie forges a role model for many Indian women with the message that they must not feel defeated and that they must be proactive in the pursuit of their dreams. English Vinglish emphasizes the worth of stay-at-home wives and mothers and the respect they deserve.
Photo Credit: www.kayfil.wordpress.com
7. Chak De India
After being humiliated for losing a game to Pakistan, the former captain of the Indian men's field hockey team, Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), turns to coaching the women's hockey team and uniting them for a common goal. The film explores themes of religious bigotry, sexism and regional prejudices. Chak De India had a pivotal influence on society, with the slogan displayed and the title song played at sports events. The Indian Hockey Federation acknowledged the film's influence in winning the Asia Cup in 2007.
Photo Credit: www.successyeti.com
8. Rang De Basanti
A group of students protests against the government after one of their friends dies in a jet crash, the responsibility for which lies with a corrupt defence minister. The film speaks of Indian freedom fighters of the past in order to motivate and inspire the today's youth. The film had a powerful impact in terms of fostering youth activism. Shortly after the film's release, street protests were organized for the Jessica Lal murder case, for Priyadarshini Mattoo's rape case and against the Indian reservation system.
Photo Credit: www.santabanta.com
Main Image Photo Credits L–R: www.scroll.in and www.missmalini.com
Sonia Malik
Author
Sonia writes on current affairs and pop culture. An English graduate from the University of Toronto, she identifies as a global citizen, feminist and nature lover. She will be ready to shake a leg to a peppy Bollywood beat any day.
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