Do movies give us a wrong perception about love?
When the Hindi movie Kuch Kuch Hota Hain was released in 1998, people flocked into the theatres to celebrate the love of Rahul and Anjali, making the film a trendsetter. But, seriously Anjali, you chose Rahul after all this!
This guy dumps you for your looks and goes after a chic who despite being an NRI keeps up with the traditional Indian values (by singing ‘Raghupathi Raghav..’) and yet you still chose him, that too after dumping Aman, the man who loved you for all that you were? Rahul, who had zero feelings for you during college days, tries to lure you now, and why? Because like Neena, you too have developed those ‘sanskari’ Indian values/appearance which is evident from your long hair and saree. It is not romantic but ignorant!
Indian cinema has been creating quite a mess on the perception of love. The majority of Hindi films have been cheating us on what love is. It’s not about “ Agar Woh Mujhe Pyaar Karti Hai Toh Palat Ke Zaroor Dekhegi..”(If she loves me, she will turn and look at me) or “…Ek Ladka or Ladki Kabhi Dost Nahi Ban Sakte Hain..”(A girl and a boy can never remain friends) Like seriously, are you kidding me? Why can’t a girl and a boy be just friends?
Remember Kundan from Raanjhanaa, he cuts his wrist, and boom, the girl said yes! How effortless and cool, right? Such people are not ‘aashik’ they are psychic. Nearly all the romantic movies from the 80s and 90s worshipped such lovers. It’s ridiculous. Several heroes from Indian movies have given a wrong impression about how an ideal lover should be. We grew up seeing them stalking women, commenting about them, and creating a drama (like threatening to jump off a building) to get the girl’s attention.
Ennu Ninde Moideen (2015, Malayalam) gives us a true heart-touching insight into the fact that love is about perseverance, taking a chance, and understanding. It brings to the younger generation not just a biography of the Moideen-Kanchanamala couple, but the whole essence of romance itself. With many so-called romantic movies, emphasis on looks-based love only got its core stronger. While a part of Bollywood still struggles to come out of this pre-conceived notion, many regional films have taken a diversion and reflected on what love is.
The couple disregarded all the odds that came their way, primarily religion, and never let their love die. The passing years only strengthened their relationship. And finally, when they were about to get a life together, things went downhill. But their love remains immortal.
In the present generation, where it doesn’t take even a second thought before breaking a relationship, Ennu Ninde Moideen speaks volumes.
However, there have been exceptions in Bollywood in this context, like the movie Barfi. Love just happened between Barfi and Jhilmil. Barfi is a dumb and mute boy while Jhilmil is autistic. Their disabilities never affected their love. They were not perfect for the world but they were perfect for each other. They enjoyed each other’s company and were comfortable around each other as well. Isn’t that what love is all about?
Image Courtesy: YouTube
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