Summary of the Movie
The movie “Mr. and Mrs. Iyer” narrates the story of a young lady who befriends a photographer named Raja. The young woman, Meenakshi, has a baby boy. She is also married to Subramaniam Iyer. At the bus station, Meenakshi’s parents introduce her to Raja for the first time. The parents ask Raja to take care of the lady and her baby. The region is characterized by conflict between Hindu extremists and Islamic groups.
Along the way, the bus is stopped by a group of Hindu extremists who demand to know the religious identity of every individual (Mr & Mrs Iyer Full Movie). Meenakshi tells the extremists that Raja is her husband. Iqbal Ahmed and his wife are taken out of the bus. The two are killed by the extremists. It later emerges that Raja’s real name is Jehangir. Raja is also a Muslim. For a moment, Meenakshi is forced to abandon her traditions by sharing food and water with a Muslim. She is also forced to protect Raja from being attacked because of his religious background. These two eventually find comfort in each other.
Analysis of the Movie
This film gives a detailed analysis of the social, political, and religious issues that have affected Muslims and Hindus in India for centuries. The experiences of the protagonists in the movie explain clearly why desperate moments call for appropriate actions. The region described in the film is characterized by terrorism and retaliation. A Hindu uprising is witnessed in an attempt to punish Muslims for engaging in different terrorist attacks and threatening the lives of the people.
A new conflict has emerged thus making it impossible for the people to realize their potentials. This conflict portrays the major challenges and issues that have faced members of these two religious groups for centuries (Mr & Mrs Iyer Full Movie). The situation experienced in the region forces the police to undertake stringent measures in an attempt to protect every citizen.
Several concepts and theories can be used to describe the issues portrayed in this film. The first useful model is the two-nation theory (Mughal 2). The theory asserts that religion is “the only factor unifying Muslims in different parts of the South Asian subcontinent” (Shani 72). This means that Muslims speak the same religious language despite being from diverse regions, ethnicities, or cultural backgrounds. The film shows clearly that most of the Muslims in India share the same language and ethnic background. The theory argues that Muslims and Indian Hindus should be viewed as different groups (Majid 181). This theory therefore gives a detailed analysis of the issues experienced in this film.
As described in the movie, Hindus appear to be in conflict with Muslims. This happens to be the case despite their language, cultural, and ethnic similarities. The groups believe strongly that “they are different nations” (Mughal 3). Consequently, the Hindu uprising experienced in the film shows how the two-nation model is applicable in India. The situation forces Meenakshi to lie to the Hindu extremists about Raja. The extremists are forced to believe that Raja is Meenakshi’s husband.
The groups continue to attack Muslims. The deaths of Najma and Iqbal Ahmed Khan symbolize the intensity of the unrest experienced in this troubled region. The people have “to come into terms with the fact that religion is the language spoken in the region” (Mughal 6). The two-nation theory therefore shows clearly that the people are divided across religious lines despite having similar ethnic backgrounds. The presence of a Jew in the bus shows clearly that the enmity existing in the region is fuelled by both Hindus and Muslims.
The Hindu caste system is another concept that can be used to describe the issues encountered in this film. In this region, the caste system appears to dictate the opportunities and expectations of many people in the society. Human relationships and interactions are also guided by this system. From the very beginning, Meenakshi is portrayed as a citizen from a high caste (Mr & Mrs Iyer Full Movie). She is also a conservative Hindu believer. This fact explains why Meenakshi is shocked after realizing that she has consumed water offered by a non-Hindu. She is also worried to realize that Raja is a Muslim. The woman does not expect to touch Raja. However, the unfolding events force the two to abandon their conservative views and unite in an attempt to survive (Rajan 3).
At one point, Raja tells Meenakshi to reject her outdated prejudices about religion, love, and caste (Mr & Mrs Iyer Full Movie). The two share their religious views and expectations. Raja is ready to comfort Meenakshi especially after seeing the atrocities committed by the Hindu extremists. This encounter is something that ridicules the foundation of the Hindu caste system (Rao 99). The film can therefore be described as a masterpiece that examines the unique issues affecting many people in India.
The film shows clearly that religion and social status are critical issues defining the experiences of many people in India. However, the union between Meenakshi and Raja symbolizes a new order that is emerging in the country. The order defies all aspects and foundations of the society. The union explains how individuals from the two religions should “come together and promote harmony” (Rao 103). As well, individuals who have been separated under the infamous Caste System can join hands and support each other. This goal is exhibited by the union established between Raja and Meenakshi. However, what the viewer observes from this film is that the two religious factions will always have diverse views. Consequently, the conflicts affecting the groups might be encountered in the future.
Personal Reflections
This film has encouraged me to reexamine the question of religion from a different angle. The film shows clearly that Muslims and Hindus will continue to encounter numerous challenges in India. This malpractice will make it impossible for them to succeed. Innocent people continue to lose their lives because of the disagreements existing between these two groups. After watching the film, I have gained numerous ideas that can be replicated elsewhere to deal with human conflicts.
The encounter between Meenakshi and Raja is also symbolic (Mr & Mrs Iyer Full Movie). It shows how human beings from diverse backgrounds can come together and support one another. This film encourages people to forget their prejudices about issues such as religion, social status, and caste. By doing so, societies will be able to realize their goals and will make life worth living for all. I will therefore encourage more people to watch this movie because of its ability to inspire.
Works Cited
Majid, Abdul. “Genesis of the Two Nations Theory and the Quaid-e-Azam.” Pakistan Vision 15.1 (2011): 180-183. Print.
Mughal, Munir. “Two Nation Theory: In the Light of the Speeches of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.” Social Science Research Network 13.1 (2012): 1-14. Print.
Rajan, Vithal. Dalits and the Caste System of India: Some Explorations and Conjectures. 2012. PDF file. Web.
Rao, Jasmine. “The Caste System: Effects on Poverty in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.” Global Majority E-Journal 1.2 (2010): 97-106. Print.
Sarkar, Bappa. “Mr & Mrs Iyer Full Movie.” Online video clip. YouTube. 2013. Web.
Shani, Giorgio. “Two Nations: The Religious and the Secular Dimensions of Muslim Nationalism in Colonial India.” Ritsumeikan International Affairs 5.1 (2007): 69-84. Print.