Jawan is Shah Rukh Khan’s most political yet massy film till date
When was the last time you saw a Bollywood blockbuster headlined by a big star that courageously took a view contrary to the ruling establishment? Enter Jawan, a film that marks a significant departure from the norm, featuring none other than the Badshah of Bollywood himself, Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan, famous for his romantic roles and signature charm, takes a remarkable U-turn from his usual cinematic fare in this film.
Taking a stand
What sets Jawan apart from the typical Bollywood action-thriller is the underlying message. Shah Rukh plays the role of a vigilante, Vikram Rathore, leading a group of girls in ‘punishing’ corrupt politicians. They hijack a bustling Mumbai metro, holding innocent passengers hostage and demanding a staggering ransom of over Rs 40,000 crore. While their actions may seem criminal, the intent is altruistic. Vikram uses the hostage situation as a platform to draw attention to the stark contrast between how the government treats the wealthy elite and the struggling farmers. This message hits home as he highlights the astronomical bad loans written off for rich businessmen while farmers are driven to suicide over relatively small debts.
The reference to Dr Kafeel Khan
Dr Eeram (Sanya Malhotra) is a part of Vikram’s gang who was sentenced to prison after the death of 60 children due to medical negligence in her hospital. Turns out, Eeram tried her best to provide medical care to these children, but the corrupt bureaucracy refused to help her. And to save their skin, they made a scapegoat out of her. The episode bears uncanny resemblance to a similar ordeal Dr Kafeel Khan had to endure in Uttar Pradesh.
The electrifying monologue
In the climax of the movie, Shah Rukh Khan delivers a startling monologue that defies expectations. His speech about holding politicians accountable and voting based on real issues, not religious or caste considerations, resonates deeply with the audience. With Lok Sabha elections scheduled in less than a year, it couldn’t be more timely. The film challenges the audience to think critically about their choices during the democratic process. When was the last time a top Bollywood star directly addressed the audience, urging them to make informed decisions based on real issues like employment and healthcare? Shah Rukh Khan’s character in the film echoes this sentiment, calling for accountability and responsible voting.
Messaging packaged as Massy
What makes Jawan such an entertaining watch is that the political messaging never feels overbearing. The issues highlighted strike a chord without being preachy. And packaged with massy tadka, every bit of messaging lands on the perfect note, making you sit up and take note.
Personal and political merge
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jawan is how it seamlessly merges the personal and political. Shah Rukh Khan’s own identity as an actor, and his brand of patriotism, have always been about being unabashedly himself. He has often been accused of not speaking up on issues concerning common people. But with this film, he makes a strong statement about his personal convictions. This authenticity adds depth to the film’s political commentary.
It is also not coincidental that the dialogue “bete ko haath lagane se pehle baap se baat kar” garnered the maximum applause from the audience in the theatre I watched the film.
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25 years of Dil Se – A landmark Bollywood album
A.R. Rahman is a name that needs no introduction. With a career spanning more than three decades, Rahman has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical creativity and experimentation. Among his many masterpieces, the album Dil Se stands out as a true pathbreaker. Released in 1998, this soundtrack not only defined the era but also showcased Rahman’s unmatched ability to blend diverse genres and create a musical tapestry that resonates even today. Dil Se will forever be celebrated as a musical odyssey that reshaped the landscape of Indian music and left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.
Revolutionising Bollywood Music
Dil Se marked a turning point in Bollywood music by introducing an entirely new soundscape. The album brought a fresh perspective to the industry, setting new standards for musical innovation. Rahman’s fusion of traditional Indian melodies with contemporary global influences elevated the film’s narrative and created a sonic experience like no other.
Embracing Diversity
One of the most remarkable aspects of Dil Se is Rahman’s embrace of diversity. The album features a mesmerising array of musical genres, ranging from traditional Indian folk to electronic, qawwali, and even Middle Eastern influences. This eclectic blend of sounds showcased Rahman’s ability to seamlessly weave together different cultural threads, reflecting the film’s themes of love, conflict, and connection.
Breaking Language Barriers
A.R. Rahman’s genius lies not only in his composition but also in his knack for transcending linguistic barriers. The Dil Se soundtrack consists of songs in multiple languages, including Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu. This linguistic diversity resonated with audiences across India and beyond, making the album accessible to a wider global audience. The iconic Jiya Jale, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, remains a testament to Rahman’s ability to create a song that touches hearts regardless of the language spoken.
Redefining Lyricism
The lyrical beauty of Dil Se adds an extra layer of depth to the album. Gulzar’s poetic prowess shines through in every song, enhancing the emotional impact of the music. Whether it’s the soul-stirring Chaiyya Chaiyya that captures the spirit of joyous celebration on a moving train, or the hauntingly beautiful Ae Ajnabi, each song’s lyrics perfectly complement Rahman’s compositions, creating a harmonious synergy that transcends the boundaries of traditional Bollywood music.
Impact on Indian Music
Dil Se not only left an indelible mark on the world of Bollywood but also had a profound impact on the Indian music industry as a whole. The album’s experimental approach and innovative soundscapes inspired a new generation of musicians and composers to think beyond conventional norms. Rahman’s ability to seamlessly fuse classical Indian melodies with modern electronic beats showcased the potential of blending tradition with innovation.
Agnivo Niyogi
Aaganz World 