Matru and Bijlee represent the changing face of young India Vishal Bhardwaj talks about the characters in his film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

Matru and Bijlee represent the changing face of young India

Vishal Bhardwaj talks about the characters in his film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola

    Unlike most youthcentric Bollywood films that project the current generation as carefree and unsure of their purpose in life, Vishal Bhardwaj has portrayed his characters — Matru (Imran Khan) and Bijlee (Anushka Sharma) — in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola in a different light altogether. Bhardwaj feels that the youth today will not leave any stone unturned to bring about a social transformation as witnessed in the gangrape incident that happened in Delhi. Says the director, “Today, the youth are aware of the happenings around them and that is how I have projected Matru and Bijlee. See, living in a village like Mandola, one would stereotype them as typical village folks, but I have shown both my characters as well-educated individuals. Matru has studied law from a reputed university and though he has the option to take up a job in a big city, he chooses to return to his village. He dresses like the other villagers, speaks in Haryanvi and becomes one of them. He dares to take a stand against the oppressors rather than accepting it as a way of life.”
    About Bijlee, Vishal adds, “Though she has completed her education from abroad, Bijlee chooses to contribute to society and the country at large. The common perception of a village girl is someone covered from head to toe and always sacrifices for others, but Anushka’s character is far from that. At the same time, she is confused whether she should listen to her heart or head — the perennial crossroad at which the young find themselves. Matru and Bijlee represent the changing face of young India who are willing to take charge of their lives in a positive, responsible way.”
    Imran, on his part, relates to Matru, too. Having lived in different places in his growing-up years, he shares a special connect with Mumbai. “Likewise, Matru also has a special feeling for his village and stands for today’s youth — educated and aware, but concerned about his own people and sensitive to his culture,” says the actor.
    Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, presented by Fox Star Studios and produced by Vishal Bhardwaj, releases January 11.

Imran Khan and Anushka Sharma