Being the change

Over the years, filmmakers have used cinema as a means to tackle some of the many social issues Sneha Mahale reports.

The Indian film industry is much more than just songs and dances. Films have reflected the social change taking place and some filmmakers used cinema as the medium to create awareness among people and used them to tackle some serious social issues.

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Boot Polish:

Abandoned by their father, a family survives in an Indian squatters’ camp, aided by a friendly cripple, by learning to shine shoes instead of begging.

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Naya Daur:

The fight between traditionalism and modernity unfolds on the big screen.

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Purab Aur Paschim:

When East meets West, a new kind of patriotism towards one’s homeland unravels.

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Mother India:

Farmer suicide, exploitation and women empowerment,

this film took a stand against it all.

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Roti, Kapda Aur Makaan:

A man unable to deal with life and afford the basic needs of roti (food), kapada (clothing) and makaan (shelter), must now decide between carry on living honestly, or giving into corruption.

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Arth:

A woman finds new meaning to life after divorce.

Lagaan:

To avoid tax, a young villager accepts the challenge of a cricket match. He builds his team comprising villagers for the showdown with their colonial rulers.

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Taare Zameen Par:

It explores the impact of India’s cultural and educational bias against nonconformity, creativity, and imagination.

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Swades:

Set in the modern day, it exposes the need to develop India right from the grassroot level.

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Rang De Basanti:

The film highlights the materialistic aspirations of India’s youth and their latent potential to take a stand against corruption and hatred.

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Munnabhai series:

A good-natured gangster takes on the system by dishing out his unique brand of justice with a little help from friends, and even Mahatma Gandhi.