India's Embrace: Accepting and Loving Differences

When one thinks of Indian cinema, images of elaborate song-and-dance numbers likely come to mind. Indeed, many of the Indian films I've seen so far have featured such sequences. However, it would be a great pity if this perception deters anyone from exploring Indian cinema further, as its charm and characteristics are by no means confined to these elements.

The country's unique appeal lies in its vastly diverse values, far more so than in Japan. There are 22 officially recognized languages alone. Different languages bring different cultures. While the use of many spices is a common thread, ingredients and cooking methods vary by region and ethnicity. Religion forms the bedrock of India's diverse cultures, and it plays a crucial role in this film's narrative.
　
Pawan, a good-natured Indian youth, is a fervent devotee of Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity. One day, he encounters a lost girl in the city who cannot speak. Believing it to be divine intervention, he decides to take her in until her parents can be found.

Her name is Shahida, and she hails from a small village in neighboring Pakistan. She is Muslim, and her mother brought her to an Indian temple to pray for her to regain her voice. On their way home, they became separated. Shahida, captivated by Pawan's dancing at a festival, followed him.


Pawan, unable to learn her name, origin, or where she lives, assumes Shahida is a Hindu Indian girl based on where and when he met her. He soon embarks on a 700-kilometer journey to return her home.

The first half of the film humorously depicts Shahida's gradual revelation as a Muslim through her actions. The two, Hindu and Muslim, pray in different temples. They also eat different foods. Even when faced with these differences, Pawan rationalizes them as a child's innocent actions or a simple mistake. However, a pivotal moment arrives, leading him to decide to hand her over to the police.

In Japan, we rarely feel conscious of taboos. India, however, is a country where you can experience significant differences in values firsthand. The film portrays these with lightheartedness, yet with utmost sincerity.

The latter half focuses on how Pawan and Shahida overcome the differences revealed in the first half. Here, the situation between India and Pakistan is depicted with a touch of social commentary, and the audience begins to realize that the film carries a powerful message beyond mere entertainment.

Initially bewildered by the differences as Shahida's identity slowly came to light, Pawan's interactions with the girl lead him to realize the futility of clinging to distinctions of nationality, language, race, religion, culture, and customs.


Pawan's transformation is depicted with meticulous psychological insight, clearly conveying to devout Hindu followers what it means to join hands with a Pakistani Muslim. Considering the history between the two nations, it's not hard to imagine the challenges involved. Nevertheless, Pawan's choice to help the girl is imbued with a powerful message.

The journey to Pakistan is arduous and long, involving pursuits by border guards and capture by Pakistani police on suspicion of espionage. While effortlessly transcending genre boundaries—encompassing comedy, musical, adventure, action, social commentary, and human drama—the story progresses towards a singular destination that humanity should aspire to.

This 159-minute film, packed with various elements, guides us towards a universally desired conclusion without a moment's boredom. For the audience who has journeyed with Pawan and Shahida, sharing laughter and tears, the final scene offers a vision akin to paradise. It is a masterpiece that embodies the unique character of India, a nation that embraces diverse values. From bustling metropolises to the grand natural landscapes of its mountains, we invite you to experience the vastness of India through this film.



★★★★★
A 159-minute journey of laughter and tears with the heartwarming Pawan, reminiscent of a Showa-era drama protagonist, and the resilient Shahida.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Starring: Salman Khan, Harshaali Malhotra, Kareena Kapoor, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and others
Directed by: Kabir Khan
Distribution: SPACEBOX Promotion: CineBridge
Original Title: Bajrangi Bhaijaan / 2015 / Hindi / CinemaScope / 5.1ch / 159 min / Eirin G
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Official Website: Bajrangi.jpOfficial Twitter: @Bajrangi_movieOfficial Facebook: Bajrangi.jp
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