Movie business is known for being uncertain. Every once in a while something unexpected drive filmmakers to rethink and adjust their perceptions of limitless possibilities a film can offer.
The same happened in China with the release of film ‘Hindi Medium’. Irrfan Khan’s Hindi Medium has turned out to be yet another Bollywood success story in China, scoring bigger opening than Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ and Salman Khan’s ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’.
Directed by Saket Chadhury and released in India on 19 May, the story of Hindi Medium revolves around a couple who want to give their daughter the best education so that she becomes accepted by the elite. Like Dangal and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, this film too is an emotional story of ordinary humans entwined in the moral dilemma of life.
Let us take a look at some reasons for the film’s success:
Although Indian and Chinese cultures have developed on different lines; there is a similarity in the social system of both countries. Relationships and family hierarchy, parent’s dedication to their children’s success and the emphasis on education are issues showcased in the film that resonate equally among both cultures.
India and China both witness a culture clash. With English as a widely accepted language, both countries fear their indigenous languages in peril. Hindi Medium shows the elitism flowing from an education system based on English language and the inferiority that stems from Hindi language. This conjures up emotions and instills a sense of pride for their native language among audience.
Hindi Medium and similar films fill the vacuum in Chinese film industry. The space which is devoid of any quality content away from the poor quality Chinese films is sickening for the moviegoers. Every now and then Chinese citizens enjoy a lesson or two in filmmaking.
In Confucian China, where the first commandment states the importance of social relations, a film like Hindi Medium with its theme of parental love and sacrifice strikes the emotional chord of people.
Success of such films has opened a new audience for Indian filmmakers. Now that they know the taste of their Chinese counterparts, the serving shall be on a global platter.