Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
A movie with so many positives, and layers that can be unpeeled and explored, Gully Boy gives hope to every underdog, and reminds them that "Apna Time Aayega"!
A movie with so many positives, and layers that can be unpeeled and explored, Gully Boy gives hope to every underdog, and reminds them that “Apna Time Aayega”!
When I saw the trailers the of Gully Boy about a month ago, there was a mixed feeling. The excitement of seeing the next Zoya Akhtar movie was high, but at the same time the thought of watching a movie were Rap and Hip Hop were the major ingredients was worrisome.
My exposure to Rap is what is belted out by the likes of Badshah and Honey Singh, thanks to which I have come to associate this form of music with everything negative. Though the songs of this movie presented rap in a sensible Avtar to me, I was still sceptical. But I must say after watching this movie I have a drastic change in my perspective.
Before I come to the nuanced portrayals, strong acting or relatable presentation I would first and foremost like to thank the whole team of Gully Boy for showing the country what rapping actually is and making normal mortals like me realise it is another form of poetic expression.
Now coming to the movie, this is one of Bollywood’s strongest portrayal of the underdog. While the underdog’s story in most cases is portrayed as a rag to riches story, often with an element of over-night success thrown in, here we have a movie which stays realistic in its portrayal.
You see Murad go through the low phases, bouts of being unsure, and even when he goes on to achieve his goal, he does not become a star overnight. Yes, he manages to make many littler Murads dream of following in his footsteps, but the message comes across clearly that his journey has just started. The big win does not propel him to the heights of stardom instantly and that is what makes this movie relatable to the audience.
The movie explores the world inside the bylanes of Dharavi in all its rawness. The struggles and desperation of pulling through everyday life while making all the efforts to keep your dreams alive, is what motivates Murad’s poetry. Here, you have a couple who are romantically involved who don’t burst into sugary sweet duets at the drop of a hat or speak in mushy tones with each other; what a relief! But again, this isn’t the most ideal of relations portrayed.
Over the years watching Zoya Akhtar’s movies, I have realised the women in her movies are as close to reality as they get. They don’t come in shades of black and white, but they grey. Them come with their share of follies, insecurities while being gritty and standing up to the storm in their own way. Finally, we have a new age 21st century Bollywood heroine, who is not a mere rebel without cause wasting her life away.
Safina has her ambition in place, and while she is in love with her man, she is equally sure of her career plans. All she longs for is to be accepted for who she is. While this aspect of her character made her resonate with loads of girls in the audience, the strength which she provides to Murad, standing by him through thick and thin, was lovely to watch. But at the same time, she comes across as very possessive woman. The portrayal of this side of her personality came across as funny the first time, but when you give it a serious thought it is a very disturbing trait. If the genders were reversed, would it not be termed as an abusive relationship immediately?
As for the older women in the movie, they seem to be reflections of scores of women you see around you every day. Women who put with bad marriages, women who raise their children constricted with restrictions, because freedom and choices are concepts alien to them. These women are neither celebrated nor chastised, but still form essential part of the narrative.
The bromance portrayed in this movie is a refreshing.
While Shrikant and Murad both come from disturbed homes, Shrikanth transforms himself to MC Sher with panache. He channels his struggles, disappointments and setbacks in life into his passion. He proudly owns his identity. He is everything that Murad aspires to be and he ensures Murad reaches there. No, he gives him no false hopes or flattering talks, just pushes him to move forward and face the crowd. Isn’t that what friendship is about, just being there for the other? Here we have a Bollywood bromance where the main agenda of the friends isn’t about planning on how to get the girl or who gets the girl; the biggest surprise is these guys don’t talk in double entendres. Yes, male bonding in Bollywood is possible without that!
Coming to the performances, the casting is just perfect. Ranveer Singh slips into the character with élan, the enthusiasm he has towards his craft comes a little more to the fore with each performance. Alia Bhatt like always is a natural, I wonder if the lady ever goes wrong where her professional choices are concerned. But the real revelation and scene stealer here is Siddhant Chaturvedi. He slips into the skin of his character with such natural ease, you would easily confuse him to be a professional rap artist.
This story of the underdog serves as a definite inspiration for all those, who are despondent with life and questioning the unfairness of it all and contemplating to trace their steps back. For it gives you the hope that, success does come even if its after heaps of struggles.
Maybe it was the conscious effort of the director or the real-life inspirations behind the story are exactly like this, but you have two men from very ordinary backgrounds who possess the strength to call out misogynistic behaviour, and the strength to not fall into the trap of gender stereotyping. Maybe that’s all we require – a little strength.
The only disappointment was that there wasn’t a glimpse of the real gully boys Naezy and Divine; maybe an appearance in the end titles at least was expected. But no denying that this movie is a definite watch, just to prep up your soul and make it believe “Apna Time Aayega.”
A dreamer by passion and an Advocate by profession. Mother to an ever energetic and curious little princess. I long to see the day when Gender equality is a reality in the world. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
Please enter your email address