By
Aditi Dasgupta
in
Bollywood
Tags:
Youth, Rang de basanti, haasil, socha na tha, Bollywood, young india, Yuva, Swades, Wake Up Sid, Arjun, 3 Idiots, Dil, Dosti, etc
This week it is about thematising youth in films the Bollywood way. The youth as
represented in Bollywood scream out to say that “Maturity isn't measured by the
number of candles on your cake”. We bring you some of the most critically acclaimed
films on youth in India. Now, pop a popcorn and go nuts with YOUTH INDIA!
RANG DE BASANTI (2006)
A provocative view of the tenacious lifestyle of four men who find themselves stumbling
upon nationalism in the most unfamiliar situations. The turbulent historical past
of the nation is brilliantly juxtaposed against a dawning realization of the characters
that almost become synonymous with REFORM while trying to save the nation from mindless
corruption.
SWADES (2004)
Mohan is one of the most typical cases of brain drain who leaves the nation and
his Kaveri Amma for a better life in America. The American stereotype is brilliantly
illustrated in the film where the disillusioned hopes of being an Indian and inheriting
citizenship in America are questioned with gravity. Watch this most disturbing scene
of the film, when Mohan gives a Re 1 coin to a child for a small glass of water.
YUVA (2004)
Hot-blooded youth, Howrah Bridge and politics, this film was made to encourage Gen-X
to enter politics and clean the grit of the nation. The lives of three men are brilliantly
tied into one fateful event that creates a furor for “change”. Abhishek’s kick-butt
acting and Rehman's music are the drool-points of the film.
WAKE UP SID (2009)
An ordinary story of a purposeless rich guy who has just graduated from college
and lacks some real opportunities in life until Konkona Sen (Remember her editorial
“A New Girl in the City”?) helps him find precious ways to achieve a better life!
Why do we love it? Coz it is our story and we all relate to it. We know transitional
phases suck!
SARFAROSH (1999)
A rich and a complex portrayal of cross border terrorism, this was a release when
the Kargil conflict was at its peak! Aamir’s inspiring acting in the film still
leaves us with a lingering taste of patriotism and youth.
ARJUN (1985)
Way back in 1985, Arjun’s TRP is Sunny Deol who is poor and gets misused by people
in politics until he finds a way to avenge and settle scores with evil times. Hindi
cinema cannot survive without Sunny Deol’s films and this is a classic punch that
celebrates the fervor of the youth blood.
3 IDIOTS (2009)
Youngsters laugh, youngsters cry, youngsters are impulsive but they have their own
ways of solving problems at hand. Rancho and Sahastrabuddhe are the pivot of the
film who question certain educational values present in the social order. Why do
we love this? It reminds the youth of their sacred duty: gaining knowledge
anywhere and being innovative.
SOCHA NA THA (2005)
The film highlights the frivolous nature of youth who do stray in love at times
but yes, happy endings are inevitable! Why do we love this? Abhay’s transformation
mirrors almost every other love-struck Romeo today. Infatuation versus love is something
that most of us are still not clear about and Socha Na Tha gives a picture of it
brilliantly in Abhay’s character. Love is and will always be experimental and unanticipated!
DIL, DOSTI, ETC (2007)
Politicization of education in the current times, has made unthinkable difference
to approaches that the youth takes. It is not simply about textbooks and knowledge.
A film where the “etc” becomes the take-off point! Dark, gory, sexual and political-
The Shreyas and Imaad duo sure left a thinking spot for youth in India.Why we love
this? The film is extremely volatile in nature… just like us YOUTH!
HAASIL (2003)
Paan Singh Tomar famed director Tigmanshu Dhulia’s initial film on love and relationships
weaved well into it, the most intricate insights on love, sex, relationships, rival
political gangs and jealousy! Why do we love this? For Irfaan Khan’s power-packed,
Allahabadi performance(that also fetched him the filmfare for being the best villain)."Gorilla
waar kiya jaega, dekhen jo hota hai so"
LAKSHYA (2004)
Passion lost and found, this Hrithik Roshan starrer film voices its dilemma of hundreds
of teenagers who grapple to find focus in life. No plans, no goals, Karan is not
keen on joining his father’s business and also drops out of the army. The turning
point comes when his girl friend, our bubbly Priety Zinta ditches him seeing his
aimlessness and the lack of zeal to make it big in life.
DIL CHAHTA HAI (2001)
Akash, Sameer and Sid- they are colorful, witty and so-not-prepared-to-face-the-world
until they find the practical world knocking at their doors. It is about the rise,
the spark and the possibilities that the world of youth entails. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy’s
music emanates freshness even today! The theme still remains crisp and is a perfect
cocktail of emotions, fragility, love and life!
