Beyond Compromise, Women In Cinema Now Question Family Dynamics

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is being called Karan Johar's attempt to capture the magic of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. While some similarities may exist as both are Joharish-styled films, the era and story of Rahul and Anjali were distinct from Rocky and Rani's era and their narrative. And it appears that Johar and the writing team have taken time to reflect on his previous work, embraced the necessary changes, and crafted a new film that not only honours his own legacy but also challenges it, presenting a fresh and relatable storyline.

The film era has transitioned from stories where parents would disown their sons for choosing their own partners or where those partners had to conform to traditional roles as the perfect daughter-in-law, capable of singing, dancing, cooking, and entertaining at family functions (as seen in Hum Saath Saath Hain). In the current film era, such expectations and norms have evolved.

In this era, characters like Rani from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Tinni from Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, and Soumya from Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, fall in love with their partners, respect their families, but before marrying them, they not only reject the idea of compromising with family dynamics but also refuse to give up their careers, self-respect, or priorities.

These three films feature different women facing unique challenges related to family dynamics, and they each adopt distinct approaches to resolve their situations. Tinni, a career-oriented woman, fears repeating her mother's life of sacrifice as an ideal daughter-in-law living in a joint family. When she discovers her lover comes from a similar family, she decides to step back to avoid a similar fate.

Soumya, an educated Punjabi girl and coaching teacher, marries into a traditional vegetarian Hindu middle-class family. While falling in love, she may have overlooked the need to compromise and live with her husband's family in a constrained environment. However, she makes a courageous decision to stand up for herself and seek a better life ahead.

Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Rani, a prominent journalist known for fearlessly speaking out against injustices, misogyny, and sexism, finds herself in love with Rocky. However, she soon realises that their two families have different cultures, traditions, and beliefs, making it challenging for their relationship to thrive in such circumstances. Instead of choosing to compromise for life, Rani decides to address it with Rocky. Together, they take a stand to create a marriage where both families come to a mutual understanding and find common ground, ensuring a harmonious and united future.

Here, without glorifying the ways chosen by Tinni, Soumya, or Rani to maintain their relationships,  just pointing out that this current film era differs significantly from the one depicted in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum, where women simply don't blindly follow their lover or his family. Instead, they take proactive steps, either before or after marriage, to ensure a healthier and happier life for themselves, striving to bring peace and happiness to both families.

In contemporary movies, the female characters are not just depicted as career-oriented and empowered individuals; when it comes to marriage, they are not willing to compromise on their preferences for a family dynamic. Merely falling in love and having a happy ending is no longer the sole focus.

The crucial question arises, although you might fall in love with the guy, will his family also win your heart? While you and your partner may be able to overlook some of the flaws in each other, how will you deal with the flaws in his or her family? Is adjusting to their partner's family obligatory, or do they have alternative choices to explore?

It is a positive development that in India, where family plays a significant role in people's lives, there is an increasing trend of women voicing their opinions on their preferred family dynamic and movies reflecting this shift. Understanding families better before making marriage decisions is crucial, and the idea of blindly compromising is no longer acceptable in modern relationships.

Be it Rani, Tinni, or Soumya, it's a welcome change that movies are portraying this shift, encouraging females to be more vocal about their preferences, needs and aspirations in a family.

Suggested Reading: 5 Thoughts I Had While Watching Rocky Aur Rani