Trying to dig the Vettayyan, with a reflection on social services and political irony.
Vettayyan, like several recent movies, shines a light on the commercialization of essential social services, particularly education. The film critiques how the education system is being burdened with unnecessary apps and information overload, creating chaos for students. This chaos leads to a range of social problems, from brain drain and overwhelming competition to student loans, suicides, and a marginalization of those already struggling with social inequality. As a result, crime increases, and ironically, the system appears to protect the criminals rather than the victims.
The casting of legendary actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth in the lead roles adds an ironic twist. Despite playing heroes on screen, these actors have, at times, aligned with real-life political figures linked to the very issues their films seek to criticize. This blurring of the line between reel and real life raises questions about the sincerity of their portrayals and the messages conveyed in such films.
The movie also touches on the troubling trend of encounter killings in India, where criminals are sometimes eliminated under the guise of justice. This form of violence, along with the rise of vigilante groups, has been seen in incidents like the Gujarat and Muzaffarnagar riots, as well as in states ruled by the BJP. In these cases, police often remain silent, and those responsible for heinous crimes like rape and murder are celebrated. It reflects a growing culture where criminals are garlanded and terrorists find seats in parliament, while the core issues of Hindutva and its divisive propaganda are left unchallenged.
The film argues that Hindutva’s agenda of hatred and defamation has distracted the public from more pressing concerns. Movies, even those that attempt to address these issues, often fall short of delivering real justice. A rare exception is Jana Gana Mana, which dared to portray the true face of Hindutva-inspired terror.
In conclusion, Vettayyan suggests that if India could move beyond the divisive politics of Hindutva, there would be room for true progress and growth. Without the communal and polarized backdrop, the public might finally hold political leaders accountable for corruption and i
njustice.
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