(FILM REVIEW)
Bangalore: The situation has hardly changed in the last 100 years. That is what you feel while you which Balak Ambedkar — a cinemascope movie made in Kannada and Hindi (duration two hours). The film deals with the childhood of Babasaheb at Mhow (near Indore MP) from his birth up to the age of 20 (from 1891 to 1912) when he leaves for USA for further studies. The film is glossy but does not miss the inhuman treatment meted to Dr. Ambedkar in the school, in his village and even in Bombay city where he studied at the prestigious Elphinstone High School and later Elphinstone College. Twice or thrice the impact of the beastly treatment given by the Brahmin teachers and fellow students is so very effective, that we could hardly resist tears. The photography is good and the actors are not shown as impoverished. Though the music is bit loud and the acting not so lifelike, the purpose of the film is not lost. Because the sincerity of the makers of the film (who are totally new to the tinsel world of film) is evident in every frame. Cr. Ambedkar is shown as a chubby child but surprisingly docile. This film is a must for every Ambedkarite because many of the followers of Babasaheb are not aware of the background in which the Father of India had grown up. Babasaheb’s father, Subedar Ramji, was the guiding spirit behind this explosive’s personality. Hard work, perseverance coupled with the timely financial support of the Maharaja of Baroda ultimately blossomed and burst the Brahminical social order. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s determination and hard work is worth emulating by the millions of young Dalits who are still discriminated at every step in this heartless Hindu society.
Brain behind the film: The brain behind the film is the dynamic Dalit IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh, S. Swatantra Rao, who is on the Karnataka cadre as Secretary to Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Karnataka, Bangalore.
A final word though a bit unconnected with the film review. Dalits often make the complaint that because of their village background and poverty they are not able to come up and compete with the upper castes. The film shows that the “Balak” Babasaheb reading under a kerosine lamp, sleeping with sheep in a mosquito-infested single room in a dirty Bombay Chawl. If such a “Balak” could catapults the greatest Indian of the “independent’ India, dwarfing the many mahatmas, threatening to convert the 21st century into an “Ambedkar Era”, today’s Dalits — a thousandfold better than this — cannot put forward I any more such excuses. Where there is will there is a way. Each person is his or her own architect. The “Balak” Babasaheb film proves this. Dalit organization s in India and abroad should make their members see this movie — not once but at least thrice. More they see, more inspiration they will get to become another Babasaheb. We want more such angry youngsters.
Those interested in the film (cost Rs. 30,000 per print), may write to the maker at 410, 12th main, 5th Cross, RMV Extn., Bombay – 400 080.
