The new normal of streaming platforms has provided me with the opportunity to binge on more authentic content. This content educated me on real world issues from the privacy of my home, and I was no longer limited to the easy, money-making blockbusters that flood theatres. So it was a great experience to head to cinemas to watch a film that brings much-needed authenticity and layered characterisation to the mainstream via the humble and inspiring sports drama/biopic “Jhund.”
The movie follows Vijay Borade (Amitabh Bachchan), who lives in the vicinity of a slum, and who one rainy day finds himself immersed in a game of makeshift football (or as it is termed in the movie, ‘Homeless Soccer’) between slum dwellers. With a resilient plan, Borade—who works as a sports teacher at an elite college and who is nearing retirement—sets out to provide new beginnings and open new doors for the youngsters. They are historically viewed as a public nuisance, and thus restricted to activities such as drugs, gambling, or drinking.
Examining Class Divides with Clever Imagery
What I found most refreshing about filmmaker Nagraj Manjule’s approach to delving into class divide and casteism here is his clever usage of metaphorical imagery. An example of this is the omnipresent wall that divides the slum from the rest of the city. The wall is an icon. Its inhabitants clamor for it; it’s respite from their life of manual labor, rag-picking, or criminal activities they resort to to survive the cards they’ve been dealt.
These same people face glares from the upper class, and brutal beatings from spoilt rich brats. There are opportunities galore beyond the wall, but no respite to speak of, nor a sense of belonging. The only genuine respite they feel from their daily burdens is celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti with pomp and grandeur. It’s a day when the lower caste celebrates a leader who strived to bring reform to the marginalized in India.
‘Jhund’ also puts to rest the stereotypes that pervades the minds of upper class society…”
Other such imagery and metaphorical motifs include Borade gesturing up to a plane flying over the slum; this later recurs in the final act of the movie (*spoilers*) as the proud coach and his team soar high above the walls that held them back as they travel to the U.S. for a tournament. And in yet another example, the most promising player on the team, Ankush/Don re-emerges as a new man from an airport body scanner. This is after ditching his switchblade and along with it, a criminal record that overshadows his merits.
Respect and Acceptance Knocking Down Status Divides
Another highlight for me was the imagery of Borade bowing to the portrait of Ambedkar during the Jayanti celebrations. This symbolises the equal status, respect, and acceptance he accords to his players; he embraces their culture regardless of differing castes and socioeconomic backgrounds. Director Manjule further portrays the issue of casteism with a bittersweet realism. He conveys the message that no matter how high marginalized individuals climb, ostracization and casteism will never disappear altogether. There will always be naysayers in whom such harmful mindsets will remain ingrained.
The film’s introduction of new characters with their own tragic backstories also kept me engrossed; it allows the characters to narrate their own stories and also lends an authentic feel to proceedings. It also highlighted the plight of many who remain in the backdrop due to a lack of privilege and opportunities. The movie also sheds light on the discrimination faced by people hailing from the Northeast states of India by drawing parallels between the slum dwellers and their new teammate, Khelchand, a watchman from one such state in the North East who joins their team. In a way, this feels like two downtrodden communities coming together to beat the odds.
From ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ to ‘Jhund;’ Bachchan Excels
The last time we saw Amitabh Bachchan providing inspiration to kids in a slum, it was as himself in “Slumdog Millionaire.” In “Jhund,” he takes the form of another inspirational figure, real-life coach/social reformer Vijay Bharse. “Jhund” writes Borade as a Ted Lasso-esque character, so it’s not hard to root for him. He teaches the youngsters about football basics, but also the importance in dreaming big to break society’s barriers.
The film doesn’t portray him as their saviour, nor an opportunist; rather he is the middle man for these kids who can provide them with resources to play. However, he is also sadly limited and prone to belittlement from corrupt authority figures, as well his own peers. Both ignorantly look down upon his close relationship with the slum dwelling ‘jhund’ (literal translation: Horde of wildlings/savages).
Barring Rinku Rajguru and Akash Thosar—who both debuted in Manjule’s previous outing (the National Award winning “Sairat,”)—the rest of the cast is built of non actors such as Ankush Gedam, Angel Anthony, and countless others who turn in compelling performances that feel raw and natural. The movie also benefits from cinematography and storytelling that reels you into the action—on and off the football pitch. Additionally, it provides a window into the daily routine of youngsters in the slum in a thoroughly engaging fashion.
Fitting Comedy, Music, and Dance Numbers
The film also sports an abundance of charm and comic relief seen throughout. However it tends to lose steam in the second half, which occasionally veers towards formulaic. I also felt some character’s issues resolve too abruptly or conveniently in the second half, despite a tense build-up. The music by composer duo Ajay-Atul consists of peppy dance numbers and inspiring anthems, and the lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya are zesty, with songs such as “Aaya Ye Jhund Hai” and “Laat Maar” also conveying a message of rising above obstacles.
A Welcome Feel-Good Piece of Cinema Among a Sea of Commercial Efforts
“Jhund” also puts to rest stereotypes that pervades upper class society, such as viewing the lower caste as uncivilised. It does this by including scenes that showcase their awareness of basic etiquette. For instance, we see them halting their roadside celebrations, allowing an ambulance to pass through the crowded street or cleaning up the football pitch post tournament out of sheer courtesy.
While I’m unsure whether “Jhund” will succeed at being a commercially viable project despite its star power (the presence of Amitabh Bachchan) or manage to hold its own for long in a sea of commercial content, it is definitely still a breath of fresh air. It gave me hope for the future of the mainstream; that there can occasionally be bright spots even beyond digital streaming platforms. Hopefully future filmmakers are provided with opportunities to strive for authenticity in projects like this, and bring awareness of real world problems to audiences via the big screen.
“Jhund” is currently only available to watch in theaters.
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