Munna Bhai brings Gandhi back for us |
In the centenary year of Gandhi’s Satyagraha, Lage Raho Munna Bhai has come as a bonanza. While the Government is still scratching its head, pondering on various projects and schemes to commemorate the event and a host of committees and groups have been formed, Munna Bhai is spreading the message of Bapu throughout the country in its inimitable style. |
The film that is drawing huge crowds. Very rarely has a film captured the imagination of people in such a manner and has managed editorials and articles written exclusively on its content and appeal. Lage Raho delivers a powerful message in a very simplistic manner. As the heroine tells Munna Bhai that she has seen many people preaching Gandhi-ism but very few practicing Gandhi-ism, called Gandhigiri in the film. |
Munna Bhai‘s repeated appeals to Gandhi to appear in person and help him out in times of crisis comes so naturally to the viewers who are themselves seeking solutions to the grim realities confronting them. There are poignant moments in the film when Munna Bhai substituting as a radio jockey advises the callers in distress, how to seek solutions by speaking the truth. |
Munna Bhai is obsessed with Gandhi for a reason, because he has to get to his girlfriend through a quiz on Gandhi. The library he visits to cram up on Gandhi lies desolate, where no one has entered for a long time – a fitting description of the present day reality. While the intellectuals deliver so many complicated theories on Gandhi’s principles, the poor man’s Gandhi is described so beautifully – bande mein tha dum. Munna Bhai with his aide Circuit, through his punch lines delivered with a straight face carries a powerful message on corruption, superstition and indifference in our society. |
The film teaches a lesson to one and all. While Gandhi’s role is clearly understood in the freedom struggle, he was always considered more of an icon for the past generation than the present. His relevance seemed to be lost in the archives and wisdom of a few old men. For the common man who battles with day-to-day problems, Gandhi’s relevance disappeared. The film has brought back the relevance of Gandhi. |
Bollywood has helped in promoting national integration, harmony. This film has brought Bapu closer to the younger generation. The Government may well emulate the formula applied by the film in spreading the message of Bapu – “Keep It Simple”.
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