Baghban

Baghban is an emotionally sweeping drama film from India that was released in 2003. Directed by Ravi Chopra, the film is a poignant narrative that explores the dynamics of families and relationships in contemporary Indian society. The movie stars Bollywood veterans Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, with notable presence from the popular actor Salman Khan.

Baghban presents the journey of two elderly parents, Raj and Pooja Malhotra, played by Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, who have given their all to raise their four sons into respectable adults, handholding them through the ups and downs of life. The parents have weaved countless dreams about their golden years, presuming they would be surrounded with love, care and respect by their children. This is the age where they long for the warmth of their children’s companionship and support, just as they had provided them when they were young.

However, in the harsh reality that the movie uncovers, the parents find themselves facing the cruelty of being neglected by their own progeny. Their four sons, who are now well-settled and successful individuals, seem to have forgotten the sacrifices made by their parents. The old couple now face the possibility of having to live separately due to their sons' unwillingness to take care of them together. The movie draws out the agony, disappointment and despair faced by the aged parents as they deal with this twist to their sunset years.

Amidst this emotional flurry, the character of Alok Raj, played by Salman Khan, shines as a beacon of hope. Alok, who is not a biological son but a man whom Raj and Pooja had adopted and nurtured, turns out to be more devoted and caring towards them. His role offers a thought-provoking comparison between the attitude of the biological and adopted sons.

Baghban celebrates the timeless institution of marriage and emphasizes the importance of familial relationships. The movie projects how love is an evolving and resilient force that enables two individuals to experience life together with respect. Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini deliver stellar performances, making their characters relatable and evoking empathy from the audience. Their romantic sequences bring forth a youthful charm and romance that is seldom depicted for characters of their age in Indian cinema.

The film also brings out an enlightening perspective on the treatment of elders in society, and how the earlier generation often bears the brunt of societal changes and erosion of traditional values. The movie repeatedly emphasizes the cultural importance of respecting and caring for parents in their old age, a trait widely revered in traditional Indian ethos.

The emotional depth of the film is accentuated with a soulful soundtrack, an important element of Indian films. Notable tracks include the title song 'Baghban' which has since become symbolic of the film's heartrending narrative. Making use of reflective lyrics and melodious tunes, the music of Baghban adds a layer of artistic expression to its touching storyline.

Baghban's storyline resounds across cultures, cutting across geographical boundaries, appealing to viewers of all demographics. The themes of love, sacrifice, pits of materialistic thinking, and family relationships make Baghban a movie that must be watched for its broader message. Through the movie, the film-makers have tried to raise questions about the values we as a society are imbibing, and how disconnected we are becoming from the essence of our roots.

Delving deep into the sentiments of the elderly who have been cast aside, Baghban is a powerful indictment of the increasingly self-centered society, where the traditional systems of familial harmony and caring for the elderly are slowly dissipating. Yet, it also reminds us of the importance of believing in family bonds, love, respect for one’s elders, and above all, the true essence of being a dependable 'Baghban' – the caretaker.