Shahrukh Khan’s latest movie, “Jawan,” has taken the film industry by storm, breaking records and receiving immense love from the public. However, what many viewers may not realize is that a significant portion of the incidents portrayed in the film is inspired by real-life events.
In this article, we’ll delve into the uncanny connections between “Jawan” and the harsh realities of our world.
Setting the Stage
Before we begin, rest assured that we won’t be revealing any major plot spoilers from the film. Even if you haven’t seen it yet, you can read this article without hesitation, and in fact, you might become more intrigued to watch the movie after learning about the real issues it touches upon.
The Government Hospital Tragedy
One of the poignant scenes in the first half of “Jawan” is set in a government hospital, where young children tragically succumb to encephalitis due to a lack of oxygen supply. The film depicts a dedicated doctor, Iram, who tries her best to save the children. However, when the incident becomes public, the government unfairly accuses her and sends her to jail. Shockingly, this mirrors a real-life incident that occurred in Gorakhpur in August 2017.
In the BRD Medical College government hospital, 63 children died in just three days when the hospital’s oxygen supply ran out. Dr. Kafeel Khan, a pediatrician, attempted to alert the authorities and even procured oxygen at his own expense. However, he was wrongly blamed, suspended, and imprisoned for nine months. It’s worth noting that he was eventually acquitted, with an inquiry panel confirming his innocence.
The Sorry State of Government Hospitals
“Jawan” shines a spotlight on the deplorable conditions of government hospitals in India and suggests that with determination, these institutions could be improved within hours.
While the film’s portrayal might be somewhat dramatic, in reality, significant improvements in government hospitals could be achieved in just a few weeks. AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance efficiency and speed in various sectors, including healthcare.
Faulty Weapons and Military Preparedness
The movie highlights a grave issue within the Indian armed forces—the use of subpar weapons manufactured by unscrupulous capitalists. This is a stark reality that has plagued the nation for years. Reports reveal that critical ammunition shortages have plagued the Indian Army, leading to concerns about soldiers’ safety.
The film draws attention to a problem where soldiers often face more risk from malfunctioning weapons than from enemy bullets.
Corporate Funding of Political Parties
“Jawan” delves into the clandestine use of corporate funds to support political parties, a theme that aligns with real-life developments. In 2017, the Modi government passed the Finance Bill, allowing secret donations to political parties through Electoral Bonds and removing donation limits.
Recent reports suggest that the BJP received a staggering ₹52.70 billion in secret funding from 2018 to 2022, with Congress and Trinamool Congress also benefitting. This revelation raises concerns about transparency and accountability in political financing.
Environmental Degradation
The film also addresses environmental issues, drawing a reference to the Bhopal gas tragedy of 1984. However, this tragedy is just one example of widespread environmental degradation in India. Numerous reports highlight the pollution of rivers, reckless industrial practices, and the detrimental impact on public health. “Jawan” underscores the lax regulations that favor large corporations over environmental protection.
The Plight of Farmers
One of the film’s powerful scenes tackles the distressing issue of farmer suicides—a topic uncomfortably close to reality. In 2021, over 10,000 people in the farming sector took their own lives, mirroring the film’s portrayal of this tragic phenomenon.
The article emphasizes the urgent need for educating farmers about sustainable farming practices and financial stability.
Conclusion
“Jawan” may be a work of fiction, but its portrayal of real-life issues affecting India is strikingly accurate. From healthcare woes and military readiness to political funding, environmental degradation, and farmer distress, the film holds up a mirror to society. It reminds us that meaningful change can only come when we confront these issues head-on and work collectively to address them.