Understanding cultural relations through a movie

By Hadassah Mani Bandi
For the Telegu-speaking students at Bennett University, a special screening of the movie, ‘Sita Ramam’ was held. Nipun Rahul, a fourth-year B.Tech student, organized the showing of this romantic period movie. The movie’s cast include popular actors like Dulquer Salmaan and Mrunal Thakur and was directed by Hanu Raghavapudi. “I didn’t want to screen the dubbed version because I felt that the authenticity of the movie would be lost in translation,” said Nipun.
For him, the movie is close to his heart since it helped him understand the relationship between India and Pakistan. He wanted to use the powerful romantic storyline to help BU’s student audiences appreciate the connection between the two countries. “I really wanted them to feel the connection via the story. I found it very beautiful and that is why I organized this screening for others,” he said.
Not just for Telegu speakers
Around 30 students, mostly from the Telegu community, attended the movie screening. A few non-Telegu speaking students too were there, as the movies had English subtitles. “I loved the movie. It was emotional and heart-warming. My friend even cried. I am new to watching south Indian movies, but I found this experience fun and enlightening,” said Vaidehi Shah a second year BAJMC student.
“I have never seen a movie that captured the feeling between Indians and Pakistanis in such an authentic way. The enmity and strong emotions were just out there,” said Vanshika Srivastava, also a second year BAJMC student.
Understanding Indo-Pak relations
Nipun said that the movie helped him value his experiences in Pakistan. “I visited Pakistan a few weeks ago and could relate to and could relate to what is depicted in the movie. I really wanted everyone, especially the ones who haven’t watched the movie, to recognize the essence of Indo-Pak relations,” he said.
“I went to Pakistan as a tourist because I was curious about the country since my childhood. There is undeniably some bad blood between the two countries, so I wanted to know how they feel about Indians and that curiosity led me to visit Pakistan. After I got my visa, I went via the Wagah border and travelled from there by bus,” he added.
(The writer is a second-year student of BA JMC)