RRR – Why Is This Epic Blockbuster Critical to India?

So, we all know how much money the movie RRR has made and many of us have watched and enjoyed it immensely. I am one of you. 

This is not a movie review nor is there need for a spoiler alert. What I want to bring to your attention is why this epic fictional drama is critical in today’s India and why it should be a part of the many discussions on the religious polarisation affecting the country.

RRR has been watched across India and across the world. It angers you from the start and stirs your soul and it has one core message - united we win, divided we fall. Where have we heard this before? Possibly when watching or reading the many heart wrenching stories of India’s fight for independence against the British? That is the story of RRR, two freedom fighters, two revolutionaries, who are fighting the British on their own terms. This is special enough.

If your heart bleeds at the current religious intolerance being experienced by minorities in India, this movie will make you emotional. It portrays the two major religions of India – Hinduism and Islam with equal dignity and respect (the Bhansali's of Bollywood, take notes). In the past, we overcame colonialism because everyone stood together to assert their human rights and dignities. Unfortunately, today the reality is the opposite. Those who stand-up for everyone are persecuted and those who persecute are rewarded. A change is required and soon, before our divisions and differences make us so weak that we remain helpless until the very end.

My hope is that RRR and its depiction of religious harmony is something that we all experience as normal and refreshing at the same time. My next big hope is that when you watch and discuss RRR, you include the fact that we need to stay united to overcome adversities as a Nation, just as we did against the British. My last hope is that you remember the violence of the British rule, of colonisation and the legacy of that experience, and use it to ensure that as a Nation of somewhat reasonable individuals, we don’t experience such violence and indignity again.

RRR has done its job. It has entertained, made you feel several emotions and given you a glorious example of what can be achieved when Indians are united. So, take some time to think about what it is that you want for India while you celebrate and observe Ram Navami, Ramzan and Easter. Let us stay united.