Some thoughts on Aarakshan, the movie.

First things first – In my opinion, “Aarakshan” does not hurt your sentiments, it actually lifts your spirits up. Yes, it is a must watch. I was eager to watch Aarakshan as soon as I got to know about it and the recent hullabaloo and controversies about the movie only added to my curiosity and left me even more intrigued. In fact, if I were to admit, I was saddened due to the movie being banned in a few sates and also because of the nature of the protests that had to do more with inhibitions rather than the facts. It apparently depicted a political fervor too. It would be disturbing to anybody who believed in “freedom of speech and expression” or in broader terms “right to freedom”. And it would be all the more alarming when there were other such instances such as forceful eviction of a peaceful gathering for a good cause, recent laathi-charge at a peace march etc. The latest edition to the list was the monitoring of the country’s citizens tweets and personal Facebook messages.

They are saying that the Big Brother’s watching us and I am reminded of George Orwell’s classic “1984”. Are we actually heading towards a society George Orwell had tried to project through his brilliant work of fiction? This could very well be the next big question.

As far as the movie is concerned, it has been very craft fully made by Prakash Jha and his team. What I liked was the way they have enlightened us with an issue like “reservation” while tactfully pointing towards the factors spoiling the great educational heritage of the country. All the debate behind the movie being ‘pro’ or ‘anti’ reservation would not hold that much importance after you have watched it. However, it does increase our awareness and understanding of the subject exposing the looters in the name of education at the same time. In the process it brilliantly portrays the character of an ideal man (played by Mr. Bachchan). If taken in the right spirit, it would prove to be an eye opener to the common people so that they do not fall prey to the dark side of the system. Not only that, it would also entice the responsible citizens to come forward and contribute as much they can towards building a healthy, robust and an effective education system.

So, it is a few good men vs. the hostile system and as one would have predicted good wins over evil and that too in style. The drama is power-packed with some intense moments, takes you on an emotional ride, makes you think, educates you, liberates you and makes you applaud the heartiest effort put in the making of the movie. It truly holds on to its script and turns out to be a movie that you would want to watch with your group of family and friends and would not even mind watching it twice for the sheer value it offers. I personally am very appreciative of such movies with no-nonsense stuff where the eventual winner is “the human spirit”. I admire Mr. Prakash Jha more now.

The movie had a lasting impression on me and I felt good in the end.

May the good sense prevail!