'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.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2016
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16698
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3552
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments