Birthday Special: Films that prove Ashutosh Gowariker is the champion of progressive nationalism!

As the veteran filmmaker turns 61, we take a look at some of his iconic works that celebrate a progressive idea of nationalism! 

Over the years, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the definition of the word ‘nationalism’. For some, nationalism is something that needs to be worn on your sleeves, expressed through sloganeering, grand gestures, or claims. But for others, the word represents a larger responsibility: protecting the values that laid the foundation of their country or doing your bit for the betterment of your motherland and your people. 

Cinema is a reflection of society, and more than often, it caters to popular sentiments and understanding of concepts. Bollywood, for example, is currently riding high on the nationalism wave. It is churning out back-to-back action or war films with a strong flavour of nationalism. Nationalism is expressed through chest-thumping dialogues, high-octane action sequences and soldiers punching the throats of enemies.   

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However, in this blizzard of jingoist films, there is also a cinema that takes the road less traveled. It undertakes the task of kindling the flame of patriotism, which lights one's mind with ideas of unity, fraternity, and a strong urge to improve things. 

The first name that comes to your mind when you think of such films is that of Ashutosh Gowariker. His films largely advocate the idea of progressive nationalism, not the shallow, jingoistic kind, but a nuanced and thoughtful one that dares one to self-reflect and try and bring about a social change. 

These films are proof!

Swades

Swades is a prime example of Gowariker's liberal and progressive ideas of nationalism. It isn’t about blowing your own trumpet or taking shallow pride in your past. Instead, it focuses on the present-day problems of India. The protagonist, Mohan Bhargav, an NRI, who works as a scientist at NASA returns to India to take Kaveri Amma home. During his stay in the Charanpur village he experiences a whirlwind of emotions as he encounters the issues that plague the development of the village- Illiteracy, poverty and caste discrimination. However, he doesn't turn a blind eye towards these problems and dedicates himself to serving the village, confronting his own biases, and working towards finding practical solutions. The essence of the film's nationalism lies in its emphasis on taking responsibility, social reform, and the idea that true patriotism is all about contributing to the betterment of one's country and her people. 

Lagaan

Set in the era of the British Raj, Lagaan could have conveniently been a jingoistic and anti- imperialistic account of India vs The United Kingdom. However, Gowariker used this film as a medium to highlight what the spirit of unity and resilience can achieve even in the most adverse circumstances. The film explores the lives of poor farmer in the village of Champaner who are oppressed by the racist British officers, and are forced to pay the land tax (lagaan) despite the irregular harvest caused by drought. The regiment's captain proposes a cricket match as a solution where he promises to reward the villagers an exemption from lagaan for three years if they win. The protagonist, a young farmer named Bhuvan accepts Russell's challenge and goes about to win the game by inspiring and uniting people of his village. The film showed a nuanced nationalism which conveyed the importance of fighting for our rights and dignity. 

Jodhaa Akbar

This Aushutosh Gowariker magnum opus despite largely being a story about love and marriage also stressed on the importance of religious tolerance. Set in the 16th century, the film explored the life and political marriage of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and a Rajput Hindu Princess Jodhaa. The film showcased Akbar as a liberal and just ruler who sought to unify Hindus and Muslims of the country. The film also promoted the ideas of national integration and the significance of respecting different cultures and faiths.The values of religious harmony and inclusivity weaved into this historical drama served as another proof of the celebrated filmmaker’s idea of nationalism!

Which is your favourite Aushutosh Gowariker film? Tell us in the comments below!

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