Priyanka Sekhar: Deewar--Indian Superhero?

The Indian Superhero?

            We once talked in class about how Bollywood has no super hero genre. However, I found it interesting to consider Deewar and similar films as the Indian equivalent. While only briefly mentioned in class, Vijay represents the independence and strength that many at the time wished they had. However, the film is also a cautionary tale of what may happen if someone relies too heavily on violence and illegal activities for support. As a result, Deewar both provides people with the satisfaction of living out fantasies of standing up to oppressive gangster while simultaneously affirming that moral behavior is ultimately the right course of action.

            Our readings note that Deewar promotes a “heighten masculinity,” and that Vijay fills a new role for the male protector (Fight Club, 65). This film came out around the same time Bruce Lee movies were shown in India, and it thus represents a shift regarding the role of men with violence. Masculinity was now no longer a peaceful affair, but instead, a man had to be able to protect his loved ones through his own physical prowess. While most coolies at the time could not beat up their tyrant bosses, Vijay could. He thus served as a symbol of non-state justice for the common man, much like Superman did in the US. When many issues of corruption were outside state control, the superhero stood for what was fair. Superheros in comics were extremely popular during times of national turmoil, such as World War II and the Cold War, and India saw a similar rise in noble gangsters through Sholay and Deewar during the chaotic seventies, when the government could not guarantee the common man’s protection. Thus, the initial parts of the film seem to portray Vijay as the Indian equivalent of the American superhero.

            However, this idealistic portrayal quickly changes once Vijay’s family deserts him. While the American superhero is a symbol of morality, the Indian gangster is not. Thus enters the idea of the “Angry Man” discussed in both readings (Fight Club, Psychotic Hero). Vijay no longer stands for the ideals of the nation as a whole. He now stands instead as a cautionary tale for resorting to anger, since even though he can provide for his family, his family disowns him until he discovers morality. Masculinity and happiness are therefore not guaranteed with independence, and this sad fact distinguishes Deewar from the traditional superhero genre.

            While I found the film style distinct from the superhero genre, I also found that the movie was not a traditional gangster movie either. The film appealed to people who struggled to get what they wanted by following the law in an era of unrest. However, it’s deep moral message seemed to indicate that violence was not the answer.