I recently re-watched the 2007 Hindi film : Eklavya. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, it boasts a stellar cast : Amitabh Bachchan (in the title role), Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Sanjay Dutt, Jimmy Shergill, Parikshit Sahani, Raima Sen and Sharmila Tagore.
The cinematography, the performances, and the aesthetics, are mind-blowing! Though shot in the dark mostly, the plot is quite novel, the narration is tight, and the director has shown remarkable restraint by not succumbing to needless songs or melodrama. AB is the royal guard protecting the king of his empire - Boman Irani. He is also the surrogate father of the prince - SAK, who is informed of the same by his queen-mother, Ms. Tagore, through a letter handed to him through her nurse maid - VB, after her death. The mother cautions her son of his biological father's fanatical adherance to his "duty" (dharma) based on the character from Mahabharata - 'Eklavya', after whom he was named. This character basically cuts off his thumb as gurudakshina for his 'shadow' guru - the gifted archer, Dronacharya. Eklavya is rendered handicapped and unable to pursue archery from then on - a rather inhuman fee demanded by his teacher. But duty being what it is, he does not think twice about this sacrifice.
On learning of the true circumstances of his mother's death through his dim-witted twin sister - RS, SAK puts in motion a plan that throws the righteous Eklavya into an ethical dilemma. The plot is about Eklavya's awakening to the true meaning of dharma.
While the movie is superb, this post is not just a tribute for the same. On reflection, I concluded that, since childhood, we are taught about good vs evil, right vs wrong, truth vs untruth, through mythological stories, engaging fables, as well as religious sermons. However, real life is not black and white; there are many gray shades in life's spectrum. One needs to accept these gray shades, and consciously decide which shade is acceptable. There is no formula for the 'right' decision or action in any situation. All religion, education, and experiences of life basically train us to slowly discern these gray shades as we grow mature, and decide our own course of action. Wisdom lies in knowing that sometimes white lies can be life-giving while the truth can kill. Fiction may be required to prove facts at times, and seemingly dishonest folks may have had reason for their questionable actions. What seemed selfish may infact have been the most selfless deed, and harsh words sometimes cloak the noblest of intention.
It is better to suspend judgement, wait for clarity with patience, or ask for it explicitly, before responding in any situation. This is not easy at all, and requires diligent practice. Keeping the emotion out of the equation is a rigorous exercise in restraint and moderation. Adulting is in equanimity, balance, forgiveness and healing. 20-20 vision is not what one can see clearly without spectacles; it is what one can read between the lines, or perceive beneath the surface. It requires humility, empathy, curiosity and perseverance. Not easy at all.
1 comment:
Remember the movie. Was a tour de force with its cast n story line. Gripping n engaging. VVC is a good director and always cones thru with meaningful cinema. Thanks for reviewing this movie n bringing back some great memories
Post a Comment