Parallels between ‘The Great Dictator’ and ‘Naya Bharat’
Kunal Kamra’s latest episode of ‘Naya Bharat’ has sparked a debate, echoing the sentiments of satirists who have challenged authority throughout history. In an era of echo chambers and manufactured consent, satirists are vital. They don’t just make us laugh; they make us see. Whether it’s 1940s fascism or modern world, the playbook of power â and art’s role â remains similar.
Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Great Dictator’ (1940) is a classic example of satire that critiques authoritarianism. The film is a scathing attack on Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime, but its themes are more universal. Chaplin’s character, a Jewish barber who is mistaken for the dictator, uses his platform to denounce fascism and advocate for democracy. The film’s message was revolutionary for its time, and it continues to resonate today.
Kamra’s ‘Naya Bharat’ is a modern-day equivalent of Chaplin’s masterpiece. The web series is a satirical take on contemporary Indian politics, where the ruling party is portrayed as a fascist regime. Kamra’s protagonist, a Hindi journalist who is forced to flee the country, uses his platform to expose the regime’s atrocities. Like Chaplin’s character, Kamra’s protagonist is an underdog who defies the odds to bring truth to light.
One of the striking parallels between ‘The Great Dictator’ and ‘Naya Bharat’ is their use of satire to critique authoritarianism. Both films/shows use humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of totalitarian regimes. In ‘The Great Dictator’, Chaplin’s character delivers a famous speech that critiques Hitler’s regime, saying, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Kamra’s ‘Naya Bharat’ also uses satire to critique the regime’s authoritarian tendencies, showcasing the absurdity of its policies and actions.
Another parallel is the use of the underdog protagonist. Both films/shows feature protagonists who are ordinary citizens who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Chaplin’s character is a Jewish barber who is mistaken for the dictator, while Kamra’s protagonist is a Hindi journalist who is forced to flee the country. The underdog protagonist is a powerful tool in satire, as it allows the audience to identify with the character and root for them.
The role of art in challenging power is another parallel between ‘The Great Dictator’ and ‘Naya Bharat’. Both films/shows use satire to challenge the status quo and critique those in power. In ‘The Great Dictator’, Chaplin’s character uses his platform to denounce fascism and advocate for democracy. Kamra’s ‘Naya Bharat’ also uses satire to challenge the regime’s authoritarian tendencies, showcasing the absurdity of its policies and actions.
In an era of echo chambers and manufactured consent, satirists like Chaplin and Kamra are vital. They use humor and irony to challenge power and expose the truth, making it difficult for those in power to dismiss their message. Satire is a powerful tool in the hands of artists, as it allows them to critique those in power without being taken seriously.
The parallels between ‘The Great Dictator’ and ‘Naya Bharat’ are striking, but they are not limited to these two films/shows. Satire has been used throughout history to challenge power and critique those in authority. From ancient Greece to modern-day India, satire has been a powerful tool in the hands of artists.
In conclusion, the parallels between ‘The Great Dictator’ and ‘Naya Bharat’ are a testament to the power of satire in challenging power and critiquing those in authority. Both films/shows use satire to critique authoritarianism, feature underdog protagonists, and challenge the status quo. As we navigate the complexities of modern-day politics, it is essential to remember the role of art in challenging power and exposing the truth.
News Source:
https://thesouthfirst.com/opinion/satire-power-and-the-underdog-parallels-between-the-great-dictator-and-naya-bharat/
