Old in heart, forever in feelings: 25 years since Dil Se...

Some films go beyond the constraints of entertainment and imprint narrative ideologies into the collective consciousness. Such is the case with Dil Se…(1998) – a film very close to my heart as I see a verisimilitude of the journalist protagonist in the struggle of the chronicling carpenter of words that I am.

While today marks the 25^th anniversary of its release, in its essence, the film remains perennial as its namesake – Dil Se (From the heart).

The film beckons to explore the innermost recesses of human emotion, where love intersects with tumultuous political realities. Directed by the Indian filmmaking legend Mani Ratnam, delving beneath its cinematic veneer, "Dil Se" surfaces as an allegorical prism, reflecting the dichotomies of love and conflict, personal and political – a tapestry that is as intricate as it is haunting.

At its heart, Dil Se is a tale of star-crossed lovers: Amar, the inquisitive journalist embodied by Shah Rukh Khan's great performance - his eyes often reflecting the storm within, caught between a fervent romance and the moral dilemma of personal aspirations against the backdrop of nationalistic strife. Meghna, the enigmatic revolutionary brought to life by Manisha Koirala's nuanced performance. Their entwined destinies are painted against a canvas of political upheaval, where a fragmented nation grapples with its identity, beset by regional tensions and ideological battles. The script ingeniously situates the love story within the larger context of India's post-independence struggles - reflecting the societal fabric's intricate fissures as a nation grapples with divergent identities.

The evocative use of symbolism and mise-en-scène enriches the narrative. A pivotal axis of "Dil Se" is its music, an auditory enchantment orchestrated by AR Rahman. The soundtrack materialises as an auditory odyssey, suffusing traditional melodies with contemporary resonance - an intoxicating blend of love, longing, and introspection. The song "Satrangi re," intricately choreographed and visually compelling, becomes a visual allegory for Amar's journey through the stages of love, culminating in a poignant Pietà-inspired pose that hints at salvation through sacrifice. As does the eponymous title song, "Dil Se Re" or perhaps the most famous song featured in the movie – "Chaiyya Chaiyya" – also the most philosophical one.

The fault lines of nationalism and the blurred boundaries of loyalty are masterfully distilled into Amar and Meghna's personal odyssey. Amar, the embodiment of mainstream consciousness, is drawn into Meghna's orbit, a universe rife with secrecy and passion, and one where personal convictions blur with collective fervour. Their love story defies conventions, and in its intensity, reveals the malleability of national identity. As Amar treads the treacherous path of love, he mirrors the nation's quest for understanding its own multifaceted self. The depiction of their relationship, layered with shades of love, attraction, reverence, and madness, mirrors the complexities of a nation in flux.

Meghna becomes a symbol of insurgency's human face, a victim-turned-avenger who challenges Amar's notions of right and wrong. Amar, in his endeavour to understand and possess her, echoes a nation's attempts to embrace its multifaceted self. Meghna's transformation from a victim of violence to a perpetrator is a stark reminder of how circumstances can shape one's choices. Amar's idealism, too, is tested as he navigates the darkness lurking within Meghna. Their love story serves as a microcosm for the country's own struggle to reconcile its diverse elements into a coherent whole.

Dil Se examines the endurance of love amidst chaos and conflict and delves into the complexities of political rebellion and terrorism. Meghna's character raises questions about the roots of radicalisation, the blurred lines between freedom fighters and terrorists, and the motivations that drive individuals to participate in violent movements. In an era where discussions about terrorism and insurgency persist, the film's exploration of these complexities remains relevant – not just in present India with the Manipur episode, but also in Kashmir, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

Mani Ratnam deftly captures the essence of a nation in transition, magnifying it through the prism of a love story that transcends the ordinary. As Amar and Meghna navigate their turbulent journey, they become the embodiment of a nation grappling with its own identity, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape and the hearts of its viewers. The film's resonance with timeless human struggles against the backdrop of societal turmoil continues to make Dil Se a cinematic gem that sparkles with both ardour and introspection.

The film explores the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The protagonist, Amar is initially driven by his personal feelings for Meghna despite her involvement in a violent insurgent movement. This tension between following one's heart and adhering to societal norms raises questions about the individual's agency in the face of larger political and social dynamics.

It explores how personal identity and allegiances can be shaped by ideologies. Amar's gradual transformation from a carefree journalist to a man deeply involved in Meghna's struggle highlights how one's sense of self can become intertwined with larger narratives. The characters in the film grapple with unfulfilled desires and their search for redemption. This theme reflects the human quest for meaning and second chances. Amar's journey to discover the truth behind Meghna's actions is a search for redemption, both for her and for himself.

Two and a half decades since its release, Dil Se endures as an exploration of intimacy's indomitable tenacity amidst a tumultuous sociopolitical milieu.