The Big Picture: Films -- A new medium to connect nations

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The global perception of India is changing, that much is reflected in the popularity of Bollywood movies like Slumdog Millionaire, Lion and, most recently, Dangal.

Dangal, of course, took this to the next level by making indelible marks in the hearts of audiences across the globe.

The simple but touching narrative of how a father coaches and trains his daughters to compete as professional wrestlers has touched the hearts of many Chinese people.

The film has been the highest grossing Indian film in China. In just four months, the film has made 23 Million US dollars and has been screened in 9,000 locations in China.

"Films are the best medium to communicate with audiences," says Shubra, a film critic, "Dangal is not just doing well in China but Australia as well. The film clicked with the Chinese audience because of the cultural similarities of India and China."

Experts agree that the film is promoting traditional culture as a means of building India’s soft power on the world stage and has helped build a new appreciation for cultural nuances of India and its filmmaking as well.

The movie Dangal enjoys high popularity in China/CGTN photo‍

"Cinema is really the way in which any country can capitalize on its soft power," said film critic Shubra, "This is the first time a film has done so well in China and I am really not surprised as films are the way to break cultural barriers and showcase the insides of the culture of a country."

It’s not just the story but even the songs and music that have stayed with the people. Soon after the film was released a group of Chinese youths paid homage by releasing a dance video that went viral. The fans of the actor Aamir Khan called this video the best gift that could ever be given to the lead actor.

"Chinese films don’t have songs and music in them but we love the song and dance in Bollywood films," says Ivy Zhou, an avid follower of Aamir Khan’s work, "We find it quite entertaining."

But the film is not all about entertainment; it has also managed to challenge social perceptions.

"I get at least a few calls a day asking if I train girls in wrestling," shares national wrestling coach Maha Singh Rao, "Earlier this sport was considered a man’s game but now the perceptions are changing. The film has managed to change the perception of the sport in India."

In India itself parents are now encouraging their daughters to venture into the field of wrestling as the film has managed to break down gender barriers. The nature of the barriers between the two genders is something that is common between India and China and in both countries the challenge to the gender barrier is drawing more and more female audiences.

Wrestling in India/ CGTN photo

Moreover wrestlers over the world, and specifically those from China, have been able to connect with the story on a personal level.

Zulpikar Maimaitiali, a rising star in the world of Chinese wrestling, has been rather outspoken about his fondness for the film Dangal, as the protagonist reminded him of his own father and the training relationship between the father and daughters reminded him of his own relationship with his father who is also his coach.

During a trip to India for a match he remarked at the similarities between the India he saw on screen and in real life.

"It is the same," Zulpikar said when speaking of India, "The India we see on screens and that I am seeing here is not very different. When we were kids we watched translations of Bollywood movies and I am seeing the cultural connection here.

Zulpikar Maimaitiali, a Chinese wrestler/CGTN photo

The movie Dangal is especially special to me as it reminds me of my life, and the story of the father and daughter is quite touching."

The power of films is not limited to entertainment, storytelling or to personal connections either. Films are a great medium for a country to exert their soft power on the global stage.

The soft power of any country helps create its cultural image on an international stage and define its own image. Additionally, it creates an understanding about how people of the country live.

"The government does use cinematic power for its advantage but it is not fully explored yet," expounds film critic, Shubra, "Countries have a lot of bilaterals but look at this film, it has managed to take an Indian connect to China and no one really had any problems understanding what is going on. It is the perfect medium to create a bridge and encourage communication."

(Front pic: Dangal poster)