Hello readers, I'm writing this blog as an assignment given by the Department of English, MKBU. In this post, I will be exploring the idea of war poetry in comparison to the Bollywood movie "Shershaah." The art of war poetry has been around for centuries, and it has captured the emotions, experiences, and the brutal realities of war. It has allowed poets to express their feelings towards war in different ways, some through personal experiences or the experiences of others. On the other hand, war films have also become a popular medium to depict the horrors of war and the sacrifices of those who fought for their country. In this assignment, we will delve into the comparison of war poetry with bollywood movie "Shershaah," analyzing how both forms of art portray the human cost of war and the heroism of soldiers who risk their lives to defend their nation.
Plot Construction:
Shershaah is a Hindi-language biographical war film released in 2021, directed by Vishnuvardhan and produced by Karan Johar. The film tells the story of Captain Vikram Batra, a courageous Indian Army officer who sacrificed his life during the Kargil War in 1999.
The movie begins with Vikram Batra (played by Sidharth Malhotra), a young and ambitious man from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, who dreams of joining the Indian Army. He meets Dimple Cheema (played by Kiara Advani) during his college days, and they fall in love. However, Vikram is determined to serve his country and decides to join the army.
Vikram is commissioned as a lieutenant in the Indian Army and is later posted in Jammu and Kashmir. The region is under constant threat from Pakistan-backed militants, and Vikram's unit is deployed to fight against them. During his time in the army, Vikram earns a reputation for his bravery and is nicknamed "Shershaah," which means "Lion King."
In 1999, Pakistan-backed militants infiltrated the Indian side of the Line of Control in Kargil, and a war broke out between India and Pakistan. Vikram's unit is sent to recapture the strategic peak of Point 4875. During the operation, Vikram leads his men from the front and captures the peak, but he is seriously injured in the process.
While being evacuated from the battlefield, Vikram realizes that some of his fellow soldiers are still trapped on the peak. Despite his injuries, he insists on going back to rescue them. He is successful in rescuing his comrades, but he is fatally wounded in the process.
The film ends with a tribute to Vikram Batra and his sacrifice for the country. It is revealed that Dimple Cheema never married and continued to love Vikram even after his death.
Shershaah is a poignant and emotional tribute to a brave soldier who gave his life for the nation. The film highlights the importance of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism and has won critical acclaim for its portrayal of the Kargil War and the heroism of the Indian soldiers.
Analysis of the movie:
"Shershaah" is a Bollywood movie released in 2021, directed by Vishnuvardhan and produced by Karan Johar, based on the life of Captain Vikram Batra, an Indian Army officer who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor, for his actions during the Kargil War in 1999. The movie stars Sidharth Malhotra in the lead role as Captain Batra and Kiara Advani as his love interest, Dimple Cheema.
The movie is a biopic that tells the story of Captain Batra's life from his childhood in Himachal Pradesh to his entry into the Indian Military Academy, his training, and ultimately his deployment to the frontlines during the Kargil War. The movie also showcases the important role played by his family, friends, and colleagues in his life.
The movie is a tribute to the bravery and courage of Captain Batra and the soldiers who fought during the Kargil War. The film does justice to his life story and portrays him as a true patriot who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
The second part of the movie is where the action and drama truly begin. The movie shows the harsh realities of war, the danger, and the sacrifices that soldiers have to make. The film captures the essence of the Kargil War, the emotions, and the struggles of the soldiers fighting on the frontlines. The movie is full of heart-stopping moments, and the action scenes are well-executed, capturing the audience's attention and keeping them engaged throughout.
The performances of the actors are outstanding, with Sidharth Malhotra delivering one of the best performances of his career. He is convincing in his portrayal of Captain Batra, capturing his charm, bravery, and dedication to his country. Kiara Advani also gives a remarkable performance as Dimple, Captain Batra's love interest. She plays the role with sincerity and grace, capturing the emotions and the struggles of the character.
The movie's direction and screenplay are also commendable. The director, Vishnuvardhan, does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the story and bringing it to life on the big screen. The cinematography is outstanding, and the film's visuals are breathtaking. The music and background score by Sandeep Shirodkar are also noteworthy and add to the overall impact of the movie.
One of the significant strengths of the movie is that it humanizes the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. It shows their emotions, their struggles, and their sacrifices. It also portrays the Indian Army as a force to be reckoned with, full of brave soldiers who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
However, the movie does have a few drawbacks. The film's pacing is slow in the first half, and some of the scenes feel stretched out. Also, the movie does not explore the political aspect of the Kargil War in detail, which was a critical factor in the conflict.
The film's depiction of war and the bravery of soldiers resonates strongly with war poetry, and several key themes can be identified.
Thematic Study of the movie:
1) Sacrifice:
One of the most prominent themes in the film is the idea of sacrifice. Vikram Batra was known for his bravery and his willingness to put himself in harm's way to save his comrades. In the film, we see how he selflessly volunteers for dangerous missions, always putting the welfare of his men before his own safety. This is a common theme in war poetry, where soldiers are often praised for their selflessness and willingness to sacrifice themselves for their country and their fellow soldiers.
2)Sense of brotherhood:
Another theme in the film is the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among soldiers. In "Shershaah," we see how Batra forms strong bonds with his fellow soldiers, especially his brother Vishal, with whom he shares a deep connection. This idea of brotherhood is a recurring theme in war poetry, where soldiers are often depicted as being part of a larger family, united by a common goal and a shared sense of duty.
3) Patriotism:
The film also explores the idea of patriotism, as Vikram Batra and his comrades fight for their country's honor and dignity. In war poetry, patriotism is a common theme, with soldiers often being portrayed as fighting for their country's honor, and for the ideals and values that it represents.
4) Horror of War:
The film's depiction of the horrors of war also resonates with war poetry. We see how soldiers are affected by the violence and trauma of the battlefield, and how they struggle to cope with the loss of their comrades. This is a common theme in war poetry, which often portrays soldiers as being scarred by their experiences in battle, and struggling to make sense of the violence and destruction that they have witnessed.
In conclusion, "Shershaah" is a powerful and emotionally charged film that pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers like Vikram Batra. Its themes of sacrifice, brotherhood, patriotism, and the horrors of war are all central to war poetry, making the film a fitting tribute to those who have fought and died for their country.
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