Rubaru Roshni — One of the most important films you will ever watch

Source: Arre

At 11 AM on India’s 70th Republic Day, Aamir Khan Productions broadcasted ‘Rubaru Roshni’ on Star Plus. It is also available on Hotstar. I just finished watching it and at the risk of getting swayed by my current state of heart, I want to say that this is amongst the most moving, soul-stirring pieces of programming that has ever been broadcasted on Indian Television.

‘Rubaru Roshni’, a 2 hour documentary directed by Svati Chakravarty, starts with Aamir Khan telling us that this is the best film he has ever been associated with. The documentary covers three stories. That of a daughter whose parents were shot dead by a Sikh as revenge for the 1984 riots. Another one of a Christian Nun who was killed by a poor farmer after being incited by predatory money-lenders whose business had been hampered as a result of her work with the poor. And the last about an American lady whose daughter and husband were killed at the Oberoi during the terror attacks of 26/11.

Astonishingly, the film explores forgiveness as its overarching theme despite having one’s life destroyed by political/religious hatred. In one of the most powerful scenes of the film, the American lady Kia Scherr says: “If you don’t forgive, it’s like you swallow poison and hope that it will kill the person you’re angry at”. Watch as you cry yet feel inspired when you see Avantika Maken inviting her parents’ killer for a meal at her home. Watch as you weep seeing Nun Rani Maria’s sister tie a rakhi each year to her killer. Watch in awe as you witness Scherr visiting Bombay each year to run Peace events with underprivileged kids. You can’t help but salute these heroes and admire the gigantic bounds of their hearts!

Stalin had said “The death of one man is a tragedy, the death of millions a statistic”. At a time when we view everyone through decades of proganda and hatred, this film throws light on the humanity of each individual who suffers as a result of hate.

This is one bold, provocative, soul-stirring watch and I cannot commend Svati Chakravarty Bhatkal and Aamir Khan enough for making this! Do your humanity a favour, watch this one!