Gandhi goes to movies

Tanu Talwar

Peace, Ahimsa, non-cooperation, Swadesi, honesty and integrity, these ideologies were mere words for Gen X before the Indian cinema resolved to revive the icon of the nation`s freedom struggle - Gandhi. The principles followed by the father of the nation have for long been looked upon and typecast as stereotypical and dull by young India. But thanks to new age directors such as Rajukumar Hirani (Lage Raho Maunna Bhai) and Feroz Abbas Khan (Gandhi My Father), generation x has literally had a good look at the effectual results that come out of the implementation of these ideologies in today`s fast paced world. So what`s the reason behind this sudden craze over Gandhi? The answer is "simple" and that is exactly the answer. It is the simplicity followed in dealing with the subject that has made these movies take over the nation, and how! Unlike the earlier movies made about the legend, movies such as Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Gandhi My Father come as a breather. Though, both the stories have no common ground besides the obvious protagonist, the handling of the subject and the smooth-subtle narration of the story have made them an instant hit among the no-nonsence audience. While earlier movies glorified Gandhi and made him seem as much as he deserves to be `larger than life", they failed to establish the connection with the audience. Movies like Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Gandhi My Father have done just that and won over the nation, unknowingly waiting to follow the path paved by the man who scripted the history of the country towards the road to freedom. Lage Raho Munna Bhai portrays Gandhi in an all new light. Unlike the movies in the past that were overtly serious patriotic films which the common man could hardly identify with on a personal level, Lage Raho runs on a different track all together. It does not aim at showcasing the imminent role played by Gandhi in the national movement but looks at bringing forth the global nature and undying relevance of his beliefs in today`s world where our priorities seem all wrong. In other words, it states that the rules, rather the philosophy followed by the front runner of our national movement are as effectual and result oriented as they were years ago. The gripping effect of the movie can be well judged from the popularity of the term `Gandhigiri` coined in the film. To say that the term has become popular would be an understatement. It`s the term `in vogue` and its implication is considered `chic` and `stylish` by the younger generation, Unlike the stale old Gandhism, the term is so up to the minute that it won`t be surprising to find it in the latest version of the oxford dictionary. But what exactly is Gandhigiri?It is the latest rage that teaches the path of tolerance and ahimsa against today`s fast moving highly volatile lifestyles forced upon the people living across the cities. The very nature of our extremely combustible form of lives has made us increasingly erratic, intolerant and insensitive to the plight of others. We all seem to be in a rush to achieve some shallow goal or the other. The movie takes a closer look at the common problems faced by citizens on an everyday basis. Though these problems appear to be different from a distance, they all have the same solution i.e. Gandhigiri. In other words Gandhigiri is the practice of developing patience for a dreadful neighbour, a nagging spouse, and other unruly people in one`s life. It is to send flowers to an awful boss out to make his employee`s life hell. It`s to follow rules even when no ones watching. It`s not indulging in unnecessary and petty arguments when you smash someone`s vehicle but politely accepting your fault and paying for the damage done. Most importantly it`s not just about big talk by putting up his posters but it`s about walk the talk by truly believing in the morals behind the man`s principles. Lage Raho Munna Bhai has introduced Gandhi to the ignorant/ uneducated masses of India and has revived an all new image of the Mahatma for the well-read population as well. One of the key elements in the movie that caused the successful familiarization of Gandhi among the common masses was the slang connection whereby Munnabhai expresses the Gandhian philosophy in typical tapori jargons. This lighthearted element and frothy approach struck a chord with the audience making them envisage his ideas in the real sense. Where Lage Raho Munna Bhai was a subtle yet comical patriotic flick, Gandhi my Father took a grave look into Gandhi - the father. The movie revealed the tumultuous relationship shared by the father of the nation with his first born, Hari Lal Gandhi. The film showcased the man behind the saint, a father against the father of the nation. Again, like before this side of the Mahatma had been completely left untouched. Gandhi, the family man. The film reveals Gandhi`s take on his children. His unbiased and fair play even where his own blood was concerned. While on the one hand the picture depicts a son`s struggle and pain from the constant failure of being unable to stand up to the unmatchable charisma and character of his illustrious father, and on the other hand, it reflects a father`s emotions to uplift his son from the gloom of unhappiness and realise his true potential. Both Gandhi My Father and Lage Raho Munna Bhai come across as a refreshing change against the stereotypical portrayals of the legend adopted by filmmakers in the past. The modern day Gandhi films are done depicting the freedom struggle and now aim at focusing at the unexplored aspects of the Mahatma’s personality. After all there is much more to Gandhi than India’s independence.