Swades, India

Swades, a film about Indian traditions, cultures, and heritage in the face globalization revolves around the main character, Mohan’s, realization of his own history. In this film by Ashutosh Gowariker, Mohan, a NASA engineer, returns to India to locate his beloved Kaveriamma, who was his nanny and like a mother to him. In the process he meets an old childhood friend, Gita (jokingly referred to as Gitli), and an assortment of other characters from the remote village of Charanpur. As the film progresses, Mohan becomes more and more engaged in village life, helping to construct infrastructure as well as influence village politics, but still in continual communication with the West (often asking for more time off). By the end of the film, the happy ending the audience has been waiting for comes, and Mohan returns to India to become part of the culture he left behind.

The central theme in the film is that of returning to one’s heritage, since no matter where somebody moves, they are born with some notion of a cultural background. The film does not hide this theme behind vague symbolism or excessive special effects. Rather, the film tends to feature this film prominently by Mohan’s transformation as well as the behavior of all the characters’ around him, who are stubborn to Mohan’s suggestions. In the end, there is compromise as somewhat of a “melting pot” (ironic for a film that mildly criticizes America) between Mohan’s technology and progressivism and the slow, traditional life of the village combine.

Swades aptly presents its message without trying to hide it in vague cultural references or heavy literary techniques. Rather, the simplicity of the film makes it a more enjoyable viewing experience, and the message a universal one that people can adapt for their own lives.

Monsoon Wedding, India

Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding tells the story of an Indian family’s tribulations surrounding a marriage. The film feels like a Hollywood film, but has a distinct Indian flavor.

The premise of the story surrounds Aditi’s marriage to Hermant, who has returned from the U.S. to marry her. Aditi painfully breaks off her ties with her old boyfriend, tells Hermant she’s been cheating on him, and then the two get married. This main plot line is what contributes to the Hollywood feel of the film. The story seems very common, and as such it generates little interest on its own because it is easy for an audience to anticipate what will occur next in the plot line. What makes the film interesting, however, are the more tense subplots which, rather than sitting right within the audience’s expectations, explore the extremes of the audience’s tolerance for unconditional love and disturbing abuse.

Much of the tension in Monsoon Wedding comes from the juxtaposition of Dubey’s love for Alice against the abuse of young girls in the family. This contrast, however, is reverse of class status. The lower class working citizens, despite their societal status, are seemingly much happier than the upper class citizens. The upper class citizens appear in a much more negative light because of the drama surrounding the wedding as well as the abuse of young girls in the family. Through this difference, Monsoon Wedding critiques the system of classes in India and hints towards the global theme that money and status do not equal happiness and purity.

Although Monsoon Wedding appeals to a wide audience because of its Hollywood feel, it shows a distinct (yet still common) theme in a way somewhat unique to India.