Bollywood redefines patriotism

From "Border", "LOC Kargil" to "The Legend of Bhagat Singh" and "The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey" in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Hindi film industry saw a barrage of films delving on war and freedom fighters in an effort to promote patriotism. Such films were shown to the masses ahead of Republic Day and Independence Day.

But for contemporary filmmakers, patriotism is in highlighting social concerns like terrorism, sex trafficking, religious superstition and political corruption. Industry experts believe this reflects the change that the viewers wish to see in their social surroundings.

Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt says the change in portrayal in patriotism is inevitable.

"Patriotism of that kind (in films like 'Border') was displayed when Pakistan was our arch rival and in terms of reference of those days, such films were made. Now things have changed because of a different kind of patriotism that you need to demonstrate," Bhatt points out. "When you spotlight your own social evil, that is patriotism," he added.

Filmmaker J.P. Dutta's 1997 hit film "Border" was based on the India-Pakistan war of 1971; and his 2003 film "LOC Kargil" depicted the Kargil War fought between India and Pakistan.

"The Legend of Bhagat Singh" was a 2002 Indian historical biographical film about freedom fighter Bhagat Singh. And not to miss -- the early 2000s was a period when films on Bhagat Singh were numerous, including "Shaheed-E-Azam" and "23rd March 1931: Shaheed". Then came Mangal Pandey in 2005.

The hint of patriotism and struggle for independence remained in focus for a few years with films like "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey".

"I think patriotism is also a kind of narrative space, where filmmakers have made films and have found success," opines Mahesh Bhatt.

Bollywood has tried different concepts, especially via scripts dealing with issues like terrorism and political corruption. "Fanaa", "New York", "My Name Is Khan", "A Wednesday!", "Special 26" and "Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty" and the very recent release "Baby" are a case in point.

Actor Anupam Kher, who plays a pivotal role in Neeraj Pandey's directorial "Baby", says "every film doesn't need to be about patriotism Baby talks about all topics like terrorism that is affecting entire country."

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who plays an undercover agent in the film, says the taste of today's audiences has changed and that's why filmmakers are experimenting with scripts.

"We have to work as per viewers' taste. If we make films of our choice, then it would not make any sense," Akshay, who has been a part of many films based on terrorism, explains.

Not only terrorism but films like "Mardaani" that dealt with human trafficking and a tough female police officer, along with "OMG - Oh My God!" and the very recent "PK" showcasing and questioning the people's blind faith in godmen, grabbed eyeballs of moviegoers.

Also, freedom fighters as subjects have been replaced by sports personalities like "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and "Mary Kom".

By: Nivedita