It has been 40 years since this movie hit the theatres , yet this remain one of the most enchanting and critical depiction of socio political and economic issues of the modern day world. A cognoscenti in film making ,Ray’s incredible way of storytelling through his iconic films continue to fascinate generation after generation.
The evocative but realistic manner in which his films depict socio-economic turbulence has rendered his films timeless and enabled them to gain critical acclaim worldwide. “Heerak Rajar Deshe” (In The land Of The Diamond King), through its portrayal of class struggle and relentless fight against totalitarianism has left an indelible mark on the hearts of its audience.
It is a political allegory in the garb of children’s movie that satirically protests against the arbitrary emergency launched by the then then Government during 1970s. This film was made as a sequel to the well acclaimed anti war fantasy film “Goopi Gayen Bagha Bayen”.
The film “Heerak Rajar Deshe” portrays the thrilling journey of the musical duo Goopi and Bagha to the land of Heerak (a place replete with diamonds) who with their magical voices, bravery and sagacity of Udayan Pandit (a teacher) were able to turn the tables on Heerak Raja, the purveyor of tyranny.
Pic-Heerak Raja( featuring Utpal Dutta)
pic- The musical duo of Goopi-Bagha( featuring Tapen Chatterjee and Rabi Ghosh respectively)
Goopi and Bagha, being bored of their lives as crown princes of Shundi and Halla found the invitation to perform at the kingdom of Heerak’s Jubilee Celebration, a golden opportunity to escape the drudgery of their lives. They disguised themselves as commoners and embarked on their journey. On their way, they chanced upon Udayan Pandit, a teacher who rose in rebellion against Heerak Raja. He unveiled the evil character of Heerak Raja to them and explained how the king’s dissenters and destitute subjects were brainwashed using a machine created by his sycophantic scientist.
It would hypnotise people by framing sophistry in rhythmic way that would render them blind worshippers of the king. Even the impecunious peasants and mining workers were convinced at ease to pay hefty taxes under the influence of mastiska prakalak yantra. This hypnotising machine that indoctrinated masses to hail the king is analogous to Goebbels’ effort of propagandising people in Nazi Germany to hail Hitler and thus perfectly symbolises fascism.
Heerak’s guards incessantly surrounded the mining workers and left no stone unturned to whitewash the dystopian state of his kingdom in order to impress his guests. Heerak wasn’t late to realise that no matter how hard he tried, he would never be able to suppress the voices of a bard (who lives to sing), a teacher (who takes up the strenuous responsibility to educate the upcoming generation) and a child (who symbolises hope for a brighter future).
He was terrified at the audacity shown by Charandas, a bard who criticised him through his song. He sang “Look how the good at heart live in shacks, But the tyrant sits on the throne! The farmers who harvest the golden crop starve And the diamond miners go penniless in the land of the Diamond-king, Oh what a drama I see in this world!” which is true for today’s society as well.
Pic- Udayan Pandit( featuring Soumitra Chatterjee) with his students
Heerak knew that these people could be conquered physically but could not be subdued mentally and so he waged a war against them. He transcended all limits of atrocities and ordered to shut all schools. He feared “ora joto besi pore, toto besi jane, toto kom mane” which means “ the more they read, the more they know, the less they bow.”
The decision of closing schools faced vehement resistance from Udayan Pandit and his students. On hearing this, Goopi Bagha decided to team up with Udayan pandit and bring an end to the king’s tyrannical rule. Thus, at the end,through their collective effort, they were able to emerge victorious against totalitarianism.
The political aspects of this film still pertain to today’s world. People in power are reported to have exploited technology to mainipulate people and circumvent being dissented.They are known to spew falsehood and spread malicious propaganda against dissenters just like that hypnotising machine of Heerak raja.
The film also highlights class struggle, the tyranny of the bourgeoisie and misery of the proletariats, an imperishable issue that is deeply entrenched in contemporary society. Most political bigwigs at present also connive to sideline intellectuals and academicians from mainstream politics as they show perspicacity in socio economic issues and don’t hesitate to question the phlegmatic attitude of the leaders towards these problems.
Many leaders also adopt Heerak Raja’s strategy to bury all signs representing poverty and display false masquerade of prosperity to international guests.
The film puts emphasis on how educated masses and unified workforce can triumph over oppressors even when they are defenceless and cornered. The destruction of Heerak’s statue symbolises end to fascism. Thus, the essence of the film is meliorism or hope. This film doesn’t acknowledge the barriers posed by time and has transcended all boundaries to establish its eternal and universal significance. No wonder this film still remains so relevant, so modern and yet so classic!!