I finally got around to watching Dead Poets Society (1989), a film I had wanted to see for a long time. I found that it shares quite a few similarities with Mohabbatein (2000). It’s interesting to see how one film can inspire another, and I think it's completely okay. Many films take inspiration from others and create something unique from it.
Both movies start in a similar way. In Dead Poets Society, the film begins with students marching under banners that read "Tradition," "Honor," and "Discipline" at a large assembly full of new faces as a new semester is about to start. Similarly, Mohabbatein starts with a new semester at Gurukul, introducing "Parampara," "Pratishtha," and "Anushasan," which are Hindi for "Tradition," "Honor," and "Discipline." Both films use this setting to explore the clash between tradition and personal freedom.
The characters in both films also have similarities. Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society, played by Robin Williams, is a teacher who challenges strict school rules through his love of poetry and his unique teaching style. He encourages students to think independently and follow their passions, famously urging them to "Carpe Diem" or seize the day.
In Mohabbatein, Shahrukh Khan’s character, Raj Aryan Malhotra, similarly defies the strict rules of Gurukul to teach his students about the importance of love and personal freedom. His approach mirrors Mr. Keating's belief in breaking away from tradition to embrace one's true feelings.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s character in Mohabbatein seems inspired by Neil from Dead Poets Society. Both characters struggle against rigid parents to pursue their own will and end up taking their own lives. Additionally, the love story of Mr. Knox in Dead Poets Society can be compared to Samar’s romance in Mohabbatein, and Vikram's character in Mohabbatein resembles Charlie from Dead Poets Society.
However, while Mohabbatein draws inspiration from Dead Poets Society, it’s not a direct copy. Dead Poets Society focuses on the influence of a teacher and the struggles of students dealing with their parents' expectations. Mr. Keating experiences the tragic loss of Neil due to his strict father. In contrast, Raj Aryan Malhotra's loss involves his love, who is the daughter of the strict principal, making the situation more personal.
Dead Poets Society offers a broader view of life, emphasizing that while careers like engineering and medicine are important, poetry and love provide a deeper sense of fulfillment. It presents a wider perspective on personal expression and following one's passions.
We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race.
On the other hand, Mohabbatein focuses more on individual love stories and the conflict between personal desires and institutional constraints, narrowing down the theme. It centers on love and rebellion within a strict educational environment.
Is duniya mein, har kisi ko jeene ke liye ek wajah chahiye, aur pyaar sabse majboot wajah hai.
Both films explore the themes of tradition and personal freedom, but they do so in different ways. If you’ve only seen one of these films, I recommend watching both to see their different perspectives on tradition and freedom.
Yeah i saw it recently its amazing but as you say that many Indian films inspired by many holly wood films so there is also i think dil bechara movie which is much familiar to the fault in our starts i want you to write something about it
ReplyDeleteFirst of all thank you so much for commenting! 🪻
DeleteAnd yes you are right, although I haven't watched The Fault in Our Stars movie but I have read the novel and watched Dil Bechara. Unfortunately, I watched Dil Bechara first and then got my hands on novel, however while reading the novel it instantly hit me. I knew about the movie adaptation of The Fault in Our Stars, but I wasn't aware they had adapted it in Bollywood too. After that i stopped reading the novel midway and since it's been at least two years, I might not write about it as the details aren't fresh in my mind but a big thankyou for this comment.