'Gully Boy' Breaks The Bollywood Mold To Tackle Indian Classism Through Rap | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Film

'Gully Boy' Breaks The Bollywood Mold To Tackle Indian Classism Through Rap

Ranveer Singh in his new film "Gully Boy" tells the timeless story of struggle and youth fighting the system, while rapping flawlessly in Hindi.

52
'Gully Boy' Breaks The Bollywood Mold To Tackle Indian Classism Through Rap

While the film does have amazing musical numbers, "Gully Boy" is not your average Bollywood film. Based on a true story, a young college student from a poor district in Mumbai aspires to become a rapper. In the midst of his journey, he struggles to deal with disapproval from his family who depends on the security of a future income.

What makes the film so great is its coverage of taboo topics in Indian society, one of them being domestic abuse. The main character, Murad (played by Ranveer Singh), is pushed to confront his abusive father when he starts attacking Murad's mother in front of their neighbors. Domestic abuse is rarely discussed in India, and is brushed away as a part of marriage, so much so that even women feel silly for making "complaints" to other women.

When Murad restrains his father and orders him to stop, his paternal grandmother points at his mother and tells her she didn't raise her son well. When Murad, his mother, and younger brother leave their home, his grandmother exclaims "what about me? Who is going to take care of me?" His response speaks for all children of such households: "Your son will take care of you. You raised him so well, right?"

Indian society teaches children to not get involved in their parents' discussions and arguments, but as Murad becomes more of the person he aspires to be, he is confident in standing up for himself and his mother. No longer trapped by the guilt of being someone he's not, Murad is able to break the strict rules of Indian society, just as he broke them to rap.

An overarching theme that drove this movie, and most movies about "the struggle," was the extremely classist society keeping him from pursuing his dreams. His father insists that their destiny is laid out for them, and it's obvious that his aggression comes from being scared and jealous of his son's success. Being a Muslim minority of a lower economic status makes Murad's success so great, showing that his humility and belief in his talent led him to abandon the so-called "destiny" society served him.

Mixed with heart-warming, hype, old-fashioned rap, the film is revolutionary as a Bollywood film. It tackles modern, relevant topics that youth can relate to. They can see themselves as any of the several young characters, each facing problems of today.

For all the youth waiting for their own moment of success, of freedom from your predestined so-called fate, all I can say is: "Apna time ayega."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

191389
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15530
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458329
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26862
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments