Ram

Return of ‘Ram Mandir’ Mixology in Celluloid Dileep.M.M ‘Mixology’ is a term which describes the art of blending cocktails. Both the tinsel world and cocktails can have more dalliance than in holding ‘premiere parties’. One thing is evident from the history of cinema that the people behind the tinsel world are also fascinated by the above mentioned art of mixology, not just in the act of consuming alcoholic cocktails, but in the very action of creating or making or mixing up cinema! For, when we go through film history, one can see numerous examples of blending popular beliefs, myths, history with underlying political slogans. Hitler used Leni Riefenstahl’s powerful documentaries such as ‘Triumph of the Will’ that depicted German victories in Olympics and science research to telling effect. These films are intentionally synonymous with their propagandist nature. Our political parties have also used these entertainment tools from time to time. But unlike their western compatriots, our leaders are adopting the tool in tune with the mainstream tone. If one looks at recent history, it can be seen that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and their leaders are in the forefront of using the celluloid mixology .In the time of harsh criticism from the part of Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS) for retreating from hard core Hindutva ideals, BJP is now pouring its old wine in a new ‘celluloid’ bottle. In political terms, this effort is to show the RSS and other die hard Hindutva bhakths that they are still with Hindutva but at the same time it also aims to try and consolidate larger number of secular votes. A major factor contributing to this could be that Lok Sabha elections are coming on the shore. A new ‘Sri Ram Mandir’ not from Ayodhya but from Bhadrachalam is ready for them to serve their goal. The film ‘Sri Ram Mandir’, a Hindi version of the Telugu film ‘Sri Ramadasu’, with all its masalas is a classic example for blending popular lore and political slogans. The film is directed by Raghvendra Rao, one of the most successful commercial directors from Tollywood. He is also ‘familiar’ with the taste of north Indian viewers through his Bollywood ventures from early eighties. The film is noteworthy for its perfect dalliance with the so called ‘moderate’ Hindutva slogans of BJP. In Keeping with the BJP Hindutvasecular mixology the film includes the message of constructing Ram Mandir with the support of Muslim minorities. The film’s premiere and audio releasing function was held in Siri Fort Auditorium on 18th June Wednesday. With all their blessings, the function was green signaled by senior BJP leaders L.K.Advani and Venkayya Naidu. Advani wanted to see the full version of the film before agreeing to release it. Of late, he has been silent on issues like Ram Mandir. But after the issue of Ram Setu, ‘Ram’ mantras are coming again on their lips, but in a somber tune. The film is based on a popular lore behind the construction of the famous Bhadrachalam Ram Mandir in Andhra Pradesh. But its motif was juxtaposed with contemporary opportunistic Hindutva slogans of the BJP. Branded as a movie that speaks about Hindu-Muslim unity, it also depicts the story of the 400year-old Mandir that is closely connected with the life of saint-composer Bhakta Ramadas, known as Gopanna. How Gopalanna latter became known as Sri Ramdas and how he constructed the Ram Mandir with the support of Muslim communities is the central theme of the film. Gopanna was the Tehsildar of Bhadrachalam who was accused of utilizing money from the treasury to build this temple and was imprisoned in a dungeon by Sultan Tanisha at Golconda. Lord Ram is said to have miraculously given the Sultan the money spent by Gopanna in a dream sequence. After the incident Sultan repents and Gopanna was released. Gopanna then became Bhadrachala Ramadasa, and went on to compose innumerable songs in Telugu in praise of Ram. The film includes some interesting dialogues. For example hero argues, “Constructing Ram Mandir, not only in Bhadrachalam but also in every nook and corner of the country, is an emotion not consent for us”.

Some speakers took the opportunity to even compare the hero Ramadas with Advani and the heroine (identically named as Kamala!) with his wife Kamla Advani, who was also present in that function. He was even portrayed as Ramadas of this century! Advani with his mastery of twisting and turning of popular myths and events reminded and compared the hardships of his ‘Rath Yatra’ as with the hero’s. Advani took that occasion for a bugle call for constructing Ram Mandir in Ayodhya with prime importance with greater minority support. Like of his filmi ‘counter part’ Ramadas, Advani also said that Ram Mandir in every village is an ‘emotion’ for the overwhelming majority of the people .He concluded his speech with the slogan ‘Jai Sri Ram’. To every one’s surprise even some journalists too echoed his sentiments! In short the leadership of the party calculates that the film with its political message can speak volumes, than mere words. It is indeed a new political mixology that contains Hindutva and pretensions about a broader secular politics in some good measure. Whether this ‘whim and fancy’ called ‘Sri Ram Mandir’ can attract one billion hearts, that the BJP needs to romp home to the Red Fort is a moot question that has no real answers right now. ENDS