Laal Singh Chaddha , a recently released Hindi film is adaption of a 1994 Hollywood film Forrest Gump. Gulzar, an Indian poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director known for his works in Hindi drama and films made a film named Parichay (means Introduction) in 1972 which had taken some theme idea from the famous film “The Sound of Music”. In response to question from a film reporter he said: “I rather made a good adaption than poor original”,
Laal Singh Chaddha is an excellent adaption of Forrest Gump to
an Indian setting and waving the important historical events and cultural
adaptions . There is a huge difference between translation (भाषांतर) and
adaption( रूपांतर). Fortunate enough to bilingual
and well verse with both cultures , after loving film Forrest Gump in USA I liked Laal Singh Chaddha even more. There are many
thoughtful and creative Indian touches
like Laal recounts his life story to passengers on a train
(telling personal stories to train passengers unknown to you is fairly typical in India), In India there is
real challenge with growing nationalism, Populism, right wing Hindutva movement
there are calls an trolls by such group to boycott the film with the #BoycottLaalSinghChaddha
hashtag.
Journey of simple-minded innocent
man is recounted
against the events of India’s political history. From 1971 to present. From
Emergency to Operation Blue Star, Hindu-Sikh riots to Hindu-Muslim riots, Mandal
Commission and Babri Masjid demolition to Kargil War and Jan Lokpal Bill, 26/11
Attacks on Mumbai to Modi Sarkar's government forming aspirations. It also
covers India winning world cup in Cricket and Sushmita Sen's Miss Universe title
in 1994. However they skipped Gujarat 2002
communal riot. I understand the risk including personal safety in even mentioning
Gujarat 2002 communal riot. (Indian
magazines this week celebrating 75th
anniversary of independence do cover Gujarat 2002 ). Few
could blame Aamir Khan for playing safe in the face of renewed personal attacks and weaponised hashtags.
In his younger days, Laal's mother
keeps warning him not to venture out because desh vich malaria phaileya hua hai (the nation is in
the grip of malaria). Later in the film, somebody says mazhab
malaria phailata hai (religion spreads malaria). Laal sails through
the fractious times because he believes in humanity in a manner that more
cynical minds cannot.
Bubba's shrimp love in Forrest Gump
is adapted to the 'chaddi banian'=spewing Bala . The video technology touch
of de-aging, character appearing with
past historical character is also very impressive,.
Except for skipping Gujarat 2002 event the Director Advait Chandan finds a warmth and political honesty which Forrest Gump lags. The right wing
nationalist’s movement to boycott the great film is the most disappointing
of the contemporary India ( nd many
places in the world ). Right Wing Internet users have
been calling a ban on the film after Aamir Khan’s
controversial statement from 2015, about ‘growing intolerance in the country’
has resurfaced
The selection of the cast is great too,. Mona Singh as Laal Singh Chaddha's. mother Kareen Kapoor matching Aamir khan's innocence personified as Laal . bromance with Naga Chaitanya and Manav Vij as the enemy a nd Killer from Pakistan are great too! The scenic beauty of India and new monuments are well covered as well .
Tom Hanks stated that "the film is non-political and thus non-judgmental". The film was discussed at the shows like crossfire at CNN and argued as promotion of the conservative values in backdrop the "Republican revolution" by Newt Gingrich. Such narratives were not accepted. However that is not case in India. IN spite of all and extreme cautions taken by the film producers and team laal Singh Chaddha is politicized beyond in India beyond common sense and basic sense of fairness,
Laal Singh Chaddha is such a beautiful movie. We need more people in the world that have a bit of Laal in them; innocent, forgiving, loving and compassionate. I thank the sanghis and bhakts for pushing me to watch it. It will forever be in my comfort list.
Whatsapp, FB has been loaded with false and biased charges again Aamir Khan and the film, even false accusing that the film is tarnishing Sikh people, Indian army by hiring Moron, the actor has insulted Hindu Deities! The rejection of the film is so repulsive, I find it necessary to write this blog and make my contribution of 2 cents to correct it. Based on some trolls it appears Aamir Singh may have risk of attack by some Hindutva fanatic like Salman Rushdie on the day of the release of this film and hope another setback to the world of art and freedom of expression does not happen.
