Sukanya’s reflection on Indian cinema, influenced by the Ganges Canal in Roorkee highlights the diverse landscapes and emotions captured by rivers. exclusively in Different Truths.
Following my recent journey to Roorkee, a city cradled by the waters of the Ganges Canal, I’ve reflected deeply on the profound connection between India’s rivers and its cinematic storytelling. It’s fascinating how these rivers, the veins of the nation, flow not just through the land but through the heart of Indian cinema, narrating tales that resonate with every ripple and wave.
The River of Stories
“Rivers are India’s storytelling canvas,” as beautifully put by a character in the timeless classic Pyaasa. In this film, water isn’t just a backdrop but a poignant metaphor for the protagonist’s thirst for love and recognition, mirroring the societal drought of empathy and understanding. It reminds me of the song from the movie, “Ye Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye Toh Kya Hai,” encapsulating the protagonist’s existential quest amidst the world’s indifference.
… Ganga Jamuna presents the saga of two brothers, their lives as intertwined as their names with the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna.
Moving on, Ganga Jamuna presents the saga of two brothers, their lives as intertwined as their names with the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna. The film’s essence is captured in the vibrancy of rural India, where rivers are the lifeline, a sentiment echoed in the melodious folk songs that pepper the film, singing praises to the rivers that nurture and define their existence.
A Contemporary Current
Fast forward to the contemporary era, and Mani Ratnam’s Raavan uses the tumultuous river as a frontier between the known and the unknown, the good and the evil. The river’s roar in the movie almost feels like a character in its own right, echoing the chaos and calm of human emotions. With its pulsating rhythms, the soundtrack carries the essence of the river’s flow, entwining the story’s emotions with the water’s ceaseless journey.
Set against the tragic backdrop of the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, Kedarnath showcases the Ganges in its most ferocious and divine form. The film intertwines a human story of love and faith with the river’s might, reflecting on the lyrics, “Namo Namo Ji Shankara, Bholenath Shankara,” a hymn that resonates with the reverence and fear the river commands.
The Documentary Wave
… Nadi Vahate opens a window to life… showcasing the symbiotic relationship between man and river.
Not to be overlooked, Nadi Vahate, opens a window to life around the Godavari River, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between man and river. This Marathi documentary, through its visual storytelling, sings an ode to the river, much like the folk songs sung by the riverside, celebrating the water that sustains life and culture.
The River’s Tale
Through the lens of Indian cinema, rivers are more than just bodies of water; they are narrators of time, witnesses to history, and keepers of secrets. As I wandered through Roorkee, the presence of the Ganges Canal whispered stories of old and new, reminding me of the countless films where rivers have been silent protagonists. Like the rivers that flow endlessly, the stories they inspire are timeless, each song and scene a droplet in the vast ocean of India’s cultural narrative.
Photos by the author
Sukanya Basu Mallik is a renowned Indian writer, known for her works in various publications and for winning Best Manuscript Awards for fiction & non-fiction categories (Mumbai Litofest, 2018). She is currently pursuing a PhD at IIT Madras, focusing on organisational behaviour and art-based therapies for enhancing teaching-learning effectiveness using immersive technologies. She was recognised for her short story ‘Healing of Wounds’ at NCLF, led by Ruskin Bond.
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