What does Farah Khan achieve alluding to the Ramayana? Posted by Abie Troen
Posted: AB Troen
Main Hoon Na draws upon various elements of the ancient Hindu text – The Ramayana. Khan names her protagonists Ram, and his brother, Laxman. They fight the villainous Raghavan and the names resonate with the Ramayana’s main characters: Rama, Laxmana and the evil Rava. These names establish a mythical dichotomy of good and evil, and further emphasize the film’s message of reunion. The main conflict of Main Hoon Na is driven by Raghavan’s plan of abducting Sanjana and Raj’s mission to protect her. This echoes the Ramayana’s story of Ram’s journey to save his wife who was abducted by Rava. And it is the reuniting of families that resolves the conflicts, bringing both text and film to a happy conclusion.
NOW – HERE’S THE QUESTION
What does Farah Khan achieve by making such strong references to a Hindu text?
This question is specifically important since Main Hoon Na confronts Hindu nationalism. The protagonist, Raghavan, sees himself as a protector of Indian values and tries to fight off non-Hindu factors from India. It could be argued that this clear allusion to a Hindu text is at cross-purposes with the film’s message, a warning about the dangers of nationalism.
However I believe incorporating elements of the Ramayana do not contradict the film’s message but ultimately strengthens it.
By alluding to traditional elements, Khan shows her respect for mainstream Hinduism and positions her critique of Hindu nationalism within the Indian camp. In other words – she is making her critique from within, as a member of the family. However using mythology to comment on the present has an additional effect. It allows Khan to transcend the immediate to make a universal human statement relevant to members of all faiths.
Filed by abtroen at May 9th, 2013 under Uncategorized