Native Lang or Dubbed?

In the times when there are blockbusters, a question was raised by Myskin, the director. How many films that are blockbusters today actually have the potential to turn into classics? It then hit me. This statement is so true. There was a time when the films that became chartbusters were actual classics: Jurassic Park, Titanic, Dilwale Duhaniya Le Jayenge and many more. We can watch these films even today. But sadly, that’s not the reality anymore. Now I’m not really sure why I actually need to click and connect with the audience. However, in recent times and two years, a film series connected with the whole of India.

Kantara and its magic

Kantara was a magical surprise to everyone who sat in those theatre seats, not knowing what to expect. If I can speak for everyone, it blew our minds with its visuals, along with Rishab Shetty’s acting. Kantara took us to familiar places that we knew existed in folklore. We never thought we could see it on a larger screen, let alone make us believe in it. Kantara did all of it.

When I came out of the theatre, I had tears in my eyes. This happened when I watched both the parts – The first one and its prequel. Rishab Shetty made me see the powerful being that I knew existed but never saw in real life. If you thought I was talking about God, you may be right and wrong at the same time. Right, because yes, that’s what Rishab Shetty wanted to show. Wrong because I was talking about the hard work of the actor.

Dare to dream is easy for everyone. Believing in that dream is done by a few. Having a burning desire to fulfil that dream is done by a septet or a heptad. It is only possible if you wake up with it, eat with it, work on it and sleep with it. Every millisecond should be dedicated to it. Our thoughts give life to that dream – literally. I saw that in the actor’s eyes. Maybe that’s why there were tears in my eyes. I could relate to it so much. The pain that we bear to make things happen that don’t happen otherwise.

The only way to attain immortality is through art. – Kamal Hassan (Uttama Villan)

Rishab Shetty – you have achieved immortality. This art of yours will live forever.

So why dubbed movie lack the magic?

The director and actor Rishab said in an interview that he chose specifically from the film industry to do the dubbing. He envisioned that it would help communicate the mood of the film. Dubbing each word into its respective language isn’t enough. The feeling of each verse should be put out there. And honestly, they have done a good job. Compared to those awful Hindi movies translated to Tamil or vice versa, this was a very good attempt.

We all like our mother’s cooking. It’s the same food she packs for us for lunch. And it’s the same food that she would serve us for dinner. But why does the dinner always taste better? I think it’s the way she serves the food. That’s missing during lunchtime. When it is served with love, the taste adds up.

Similarly, while watching the film, I felt that when you shoot the film in your native language, the comfort level is high. You can put all your energy out there to communicate. Or the dialogues that you speak have relevance to the audience. They understand their emotions even when they have not spoken. Because each word carries a history of memories along with it. Just like our dear Vadivel’s “Haiyo Haiyo”. These two words don’t mean much, or do they? For people from Tamil Nadu, it resonates in another dimension.

So my advice is to always watch a movie in its native language with subtitles. That’s authentic and tasteful. That’s the real flavour, and that’s how you make sure you enjoy the real essence of the movie.