In a single sentence – not so terrific yet so very important;
and important in so many ways. That’s the latest Mary Kom starring Priyanka
Chopra. Nothing goes past acute scrutiny and outright verdicts passed by a
million judges on smart phones. And perhaps this is one.
Its problematic, the production and the casting. It’s well
debated why not Lin Laishram (played the role of the boxer’s friend and
auditioned along with many other Manipuri actors) but PC for the MC biopic.
Why, PC, irrespective of her skills, or not, looks nowhere close to a legend
who’s story is being told? It’s troublesome because the movie is peppered with
the quintessential bollywood melodrama. While many from the region and beyond
would really not want a masala film
dished out on someone who’s made us proud. May be it is cultural imperialism,
may be sheer formula to mint money on a pressing story.
Nonetheless, it is an essential film. To start with the
business of films, it made news that Mary Kom could not be screened in her home
state. Something that should have been taken notice of a decade ago, it has
pushed the envelope, rather late though. Those oblivious would read up on why
it won’t be released in Manipur, shall be exposed to what grips the state and
its situations.
It is an important movie because nowhere in the past has the
north eastern culture, language and presence (however namesake and stereotyped
at worst) made for a full throttle bollywood flick consumed by millions of the ‘mainland’
Indians. We conveniently club it as North Eastern seven sisters.
An inspiring story for millions, even how not very
impressively scripted, reflects on few important themes - the sordid state of
sports and its politics in India, the dreams and the passion to realize them
among the youngsters, the woman who breaks the moulds thrust upon her – for her
to be an individual and not being bogged down to roles we otherwise justify
prescribing to her – a daughter, a wife, homemaker and a mother. It’s a
beautiful story of an ever so doting and supportive spouse – husband or wife.
It makes it an important story to be told.
It is sad to read that we need a big star for the movie to
be sellable. But if a Priyanka Chopra (or others of her ilk in the industry) draw
more people to experience a story then why not. It’s a debate of a movie being
fine art versus being a medium for mass communication. Discounting that very
few would actually be a piece of fine art communicating to the masses, for this
story of a heroine, our pride, I’d rather opt for the latter – a story to be
told to many.
The boxing star’s struggles against hurdles of all forms,
the distance at which the state and the region are need a voice. PC’s Mary Kom
might not be the most convincing voice but it’s good for starters.
