The youth of our country are still stuck behind social barriers restricting them to live a life of their dreams. This crisis has often served as the plot for many Indian movies.
Cinema has a wide reach. Many times, Indian cinema has made an attempt, mostly successful, in speaking up against the odds. These odds can be summarized as an Indian citizen’s uncanny obsession with other people’s judgement, in simple words – “Log Kya Kahenge (what will people say)”. For years, “Log Kya Kahenge” has been shoved down every young Indian’s throat. Dress, education, gender or even sexuality, when a choice regarding these is to be made the patients of LKK syndrome (Log Kya Kahenge syndrome) place the opinions of others over their own personal interest.
Let’s have a look at some selected films that spoke against India’s obsession with LKK syndrome, and inspired young minds.
1. 3 Idiots (2009, Hindi)
The first film that pops up while thinking of LKK syndrome is “3 Idiots”. Even though the movie deals with various educational dilemma in our country, the part where Farhan Qureshi (played by R.Madhavan) confronts his parents to choose a profession he likes, fits right into our discussion on the LKK Syndrome. A truly inspiring and touching scene, it persuades us to do what we love rather than love what we do no matter what others say.
The first Indian film ever to cross 300 crores, “3 Idiots” received a deserved victory and is still cited as a movie that every Indian should watch.
2. Godha (2017 Malayalam)
The knot of log kya kahenge is tied even more tightly around the necks of Indian girls when compared to boys. Hence, they are victimized and subjected more to other people’s judgement. “Godha” is one such Malayalam movie that explores the life and struggle of a Punjabi wrestler (played by Wamiqa Gabbi) who elopes to Kerala to pursue her dream of making a mark in the male dominant sports industry.
In India, harassing sportswomen based on the outfit they wear is something really to be ashamed of. “Godha” explores that horizon of the LKK syndrome too. A funny, romantic, sports drama, this film is worth a watch and inspires every young girl to follow her dreams.
3. Dear Zindagi (2017, Hindi)
Millions of people don’t open up about depression in a country like India because if they do, they’ll be declared ‘mad’. The same LKK Syndrome forces young Indians to live silently with their worries, anxieties and depression leading to a more stressful life.
Beautifully directed by director Gauri Shinde, this film opens up about mental health taboos prevailing in our country and convinces us that it is no sin to speak up about your worries. Above all, it’s a film that encourages us to love our life. Alia Bhatt was successful in representing a perplexed young woman dealing with anxiety issues. The one thing we all want after watching this movie is a Dr. Jag!
4. Aligarh (2015, Hindi)
Based on the life of Professor Ramachandra Siras (played by Manoj Bajpayee) who was expelled from his workplace for being homosexual, “Aligarh” throws light on how society sees and treats a person who identifies with a non-heterosexual, non-binary identity. There are still many in our country who do not disclose their sexuality fearing what others may say or think. They are often exploited in many ways and there have been incidents when they’ve been thrown out of their homes.
“Aligarh” is a man’s struggle to earn back both his lost job and respect in the society and Manoj Bajpayee was the perfect choice as Professor Ramachandra Siras.
5. Arekti Premer Golpo (2010, Bengali)
The LGBT community is one of the most vulnerable in our country. How the LKK syndrome has exploited the lives of every transgender person needs no explanation. This Bengali movie is one of a kind starring late Rituparno Ghosh that shows how trans people in India are exploited by men. The plight, the suffering – everything is just so heart touching.
The best part is, in spite of all the struggle faced by transgender people in India, they are emerging successfully into professions they were once prohibited to pursue. In your face LKK!
