Not only Dabangg, but something more...

On first looks Dabangg is a routine action masala entertainer but scratch the surface a little deeper and you will see layers of brilliance. Technically there is a certain textural, audio visual consistency in the movie which shows the commitment of the production house and the talent and skill of the director and rest of the technical crew.

Leaving apart the technical front, the characterization of Chulbul Pandey is bang on and through him we experience the movie. He highlights many issues in the movie without being preachy at any point of time. Here is a list of a few of them, am assuming most of you have already seen the movie so am also assuming whatever I mention below won’t be a spoiler to you. 

• Channelizing Anger: As a child the hero has issues with his family and his anger is channelized into becoming a police officer instead of becoming a ruffian which would have been an easier thing to do.

• Familial bonding: Even though the brothers are not on talking terms, when Chulbul notices that his brother is mingling with anti social elements, he shows great concern leaving aside all differences, remember the cell phone scene after he notices Makhi with Cheddi Singh. Also the way Chulbul interacts with his mother and the way he finally reconciles with his stepfather shows that family is meant to be treasured and grudges are irrelevant and inconsequential.

• Drunkards: Heroine’s father is a useless alcoholic depending on his children for money, this is the most common scene one would witness in the lower strata of society. This issue is shown with great sensitivity through the eyes of the daughter and finally culminates with the scene near the lake.

• Procrastination: Early to bed and early to rise, Chulbul wakes up early and is shown to be fit whereas his brother is the anti thesis to this, in his introduction scene he is shown in deep slumber without a care in this world. Also in another classic scene Chulbul while chasing the goons says to his policemen “Mote vale ustaraf, Patle vale istaraf aur fit wale mere peche” only to notice that no one is left behind him. An extremely comic moment but look at the irony behind that, it’s every bit the truth in reality.

 

 

• Munni’s of society: Munni is probably the most popular name in India today, thanks to the famous Zandu Balm song. But if one notices, at the end of the song Chulbul says to Munni, “Munni ab tum apne Munne ke pass chele jaao”. Munni leaves with a concerned by thankful expression. Goes on to highlight that she isn’t doing all this song and dance for fun, but to feed her family. Another social ill of the society.

 

 

• Polio: We have seen countless campaigns on Polio but probably the most effective in times to come would be the one line uttered by Chulbul which he says to the heroine’s brother when he comes to know that he has polio. He simple asks “Do boond pilaya nahi kya”. He hits the nail on the head.

There are many more Bang On moments in the film, but I wish to end my list here, else I can keep on going with it. And for those who say that the movie is violent in providing solutions I would like to point this out.

To remove a tumor in our body we need to go under the surgeon’s knife, what are a few punches after all to weed out social ills.

And yes, I hear there is going to be a sequel to Dabangg, while most wonder what new stunts Salman would come up with I wonder what new messages he would highlight this time. It’s time we rediscovered our Superheroes and Dabangg sets a great precedent for many more socially relevant entertainers which cater to the people that really matter to our country.