17 Oct Why I Didn’t Like Pink
Choice. Consent. Two words that are alien to Men all over the world. Case in point – US presidential candidate Trump. How did he even get there?!
Tradition. Culture. Morals. Good girls don’t step out at night. Good girls don’t party late. Good girls don’t drink.
Pink, a recent movie starring the legendary Amitabh Bachhan and other such brilliant actors, questioned these sexist statements. It showed Indian society and all patriarchial societies across the world a mirror. It questioned the basis of those sexist statements. But did anyone question Pink?
I dared to and wrote about why I didn’t like Pink. Published on Sheroes.in, the full article is here : Why I Didn’t Like Pink.
Do share your feedback and opinions.
Manas Mukul
Posted at 07:24h, 18 OctoberNice one…and a good perspective… 🙂
Mick Canning
Posted at 09:22h, 18 OctoberI have not seen the film, and I assume that it is not released in UK (I might be wrong), but on your analysis, the problem seems to be what you highlighted as the ‘so what if the message was lost on the majority was those men for whom the film was made?’ The ‘so what’ is that if those men understood that the film was intended to readjust male perspectives, then the message that they did take away, in other words that women need strong men to stand up for them, would be understood to be the message that was intended, and would only strengthen further that opinion amongst males.
Wandering Soul
Posted at 09:52h, 18 OctoberThat’s true, Mick. But like I say in the article even of it managed to the change the opinion of one man, it’s great. Because in a lot of forums the Indian men were like “yes, they shouldn’t have been drinking.” Or “this is what happens when you step out of your boundaries.” The message truly was lost on them. They took the sarcastic comments of the lawyer representing the 3 girls literally. And that’s the problem with Pink. It didn’t dumb down the message enough for those sexist, misogynistic men. Otherwise, it’s a brilliant film. In fact, the real mystery is solved in the ending credits as a post note. Not sure if it’s available in screens there now but I’m sure you’ll the subtitled version online.
Mick Canning
Posted at 10:00h, 18 OctoberYes, I agree. Even if one person is changed, then it is worthwhile. The shame is that the potential was probably there to change a lot more minds. I will certainly be interested in seeing it if it becomes available, though. I’m guessing it’s in Hindi, since you mention subtitles.
Wandering Soul
Posted at 10:06h, 18 OctoberIt’s a mix of both – hindi and English. The court room scenes are all in English (if I remember correctly) and so are some other dialogues. Worth a watch surely.
Mick Canning
Posted at 10:34h, 18 OctoberIt certainly sounds like it. I’ll keep an eye open for it.
MindandLifeMatters
Posted at 12:40h, 18 OctoberI felt the same way after watching the movie. Everyone kept telling me that it is ‘the movie’ that speaks for women especially women in India! While I agree that it did try, I was not happy with the way it was portrayed which made it easy for a person watching it to conclude that the butt of the problem was the girls drinking and being out late at night!
Wandering Soul
Posted at 12:50h, 18 OctoberThat’s exactly how it was with me too. Was left wondering why didn’t anyone see that the movie completely skimmed over that blatantly chilling and gruesome reminder of the Nirbhaya case. As if that was irrelevant and inconsequential. Not only should that have become an important argument and a cause for demand of protection for the girls but to also avoid further such incidents. The other incident about the photoshopped image was also ignored.
MindandLifeMatters
Posted at 13:30h, 18 OctoberExactly! As if those were absolutely normal everyday things.
chaitali gawade
Posted at 03:51h, 19 OctoberYou nailed it perfectly Piyusha! While it was a good attempt I agree that it could have been a more honest attempt without just glossing over the issue.
Ajay Arora
Posted at 12:08h, 19 OctoberHave seen a lot of folks liking the movie including me, but your perspective is right too and I agree. Something that could have been portrayed in the movie as well.
Wandering Soul
Posted at 12:10h, 19 OctoberThank you for your honest opinion 🙂 yes, there was a lot to like in the movie too.
Milan
Posted at 10:59h, 21 OctoberAfter reading the rave reviews of Pink, I too went to watch it but at the end of movie felt the complete justice is not done to the issue. Two incidents- photoshop image and sexual assault in a moving van ; were completely ignored. The powerful dialogues of the male hero were enough for the judge to pass judgment in favour of girls.
Still at the end of the day if the message ” no means no” keeps reverberating in the minds of men, I suppose all the loose ends of the movie can be ignored.
Wandering Soul
Posted at 13:37h, 21 OctoberSo agree with you on that. That’s exactly why it’s a step in the right direction. Thank you for commenting 🙂
Nidhi D Bruce
Posted at 03:15h, 23 OctoberI’ve not watched Pink yet. But your arguments are really interesting. Maybe, I’ll watch it with all your caveats in mind.
T F Carthick
Posted at 03:16h, 27 OctoberHm.. Interesting thoughts. Haven’t seen the movie but seen lot of rave reviews. That way yours was a counter point.
Wandering Soul
Posted at 12:56h, 27 OctoberThanks for reading, Karthik! 🙂