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Salman Khan’s Tubelight deserves applause for addressing these two ‘nationalism’ issues
Kabir Khan's Tubelight starring Salman Khan deserves a 5 star rating! Here's why!
Salman Khan’s much awaited film Tubelight has finally hit screens today! The reviews are already out and the superstar is being hailed for his endearing and enchanting performance. The film in itself doesn’t leave a mark on you, but it is Salman’s convincing act as the gullible Laxman that will touch your heart. He will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with him.
But while reviews – both media and public – pour in. There is one aspect, rather two, of the film that deserve applause. During the narrative of the film, director Kabir Khan subtly highlights two contemporary issues that have been issues of national debate in recent times. ALSO READ: Tubelight movie review: Salman Khan as Laxman will make you laugh, cry and fall in love with him
While the filmmaker steers clear of making any controversial statement, he pulls our attention to two ‘nationalism’ issues in the best way possible. Here they are…
Salman’s character in Tubelight, Laxman Singh Bisht is from Jagatpur, Kumaon. His brother Bharat (Sohail) has gone to war at the border when India is fighting China. Back home, Salman comes across Guao (Matin Rey Tangu) and his mother Liling (Zhu Zhu). He hates them first, since he thinks they are Chinese, the reason why he had to be separated from his brother. ALSO READ: Salman Khan reveals why his Tubelight costar Matin Rey Tangu is so special! Exclusive
He later realizes that while they are of Chinese origin, they have been born and brought up in India, with their previous generations having migrated to the country. Laxman is not the only one with this mental block. The initial scenes between them hint towards the prejudice the rest of India has against those from North East India.
While it is now established that Guao and his mother are Indians, Laxman is still not convinced about their love for India. In another scene between Salman and Matin, the actor asks him to say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ to prove his love for the country. Guao in turn, asks him to say it first and he obliges. Guao then says the slogan out loud adding, “I have said it louder than you, so I am more Indian than you.”
I couldn’t help but get reminded of the whole debate around Vande Mataram in our country where some social groups were hell bent on getting followers of a particular religion to say the slogan to prove their ‘Indianness’ and love for the motherland. ALSO READ: Salman Khan reveals how Sohail Khan had once said ‘no’ to a film with him! Exclusive
There has been so much talk about how films can change a society. In fact, a recent study by Michelle C. Pautz, an associate professor of political science at the University of Dayton, US, suggests that films can act as an influence in shaping opinions and opening minds to newer perspectives. For nailing this particular aspect, Kabir Khan’s directorial Tubelight deserves a 5 star rating.
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