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Trains have always been a symbol of hope and progress in Indian cinema. Read on to find out how they continue to be featured as a setting for some of the most exciting scenes in Indian films.
Trains have been an integral part of Indian life for over 150 years. They have played an important role in the country's history and culture. Trains are often seen as symbols of progress and modernity, serving as a lifeline to the once-isolated regions of India. This is because trains were one of the earliest forms of mass transportation. Moreover, trains represented a new era of technological advancement, shining a beacon of progress and hope. In addition to their practical utility, trains have also been a popular subject in literature and film. In many cultures, trains are also associated with freedom and adventure. This is because trains can take people to new and exciting places, and they offer a sense of escape from the everyday. Trains can also be seen as a symbol of hope, as they represent the possibility of a better future.
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Many Indian novels have featured trains as a setting or in a symbolic fashion. For instance, Train to Pakistan (1956) tells the story of the Partition of India, and the train is used as a symbol of the violence and division that occurred in that era. Read on to find out more about some of the most famous works of Indian literature that feature trains.
Written by by E.M. Forster, A Passage to India was first published in 1924. The novel is set in India during the British Raj, and it narrates the story of two British women, who travel to the fictional city of Chandrapore. Throughout their stay, the women experience prejudice and hostility from the Indian community, eventually facing accusations of having a romantic relationship with an Indian doctor. The novel explores themes of colonialism, racism, and the conflict between cultures. The novel has been adapted into several films, including a 1984 film directed by David Lean.
This novel depicts the harrowing tale of the Partition of India in 1947. It follows the journey of a Sikh family as they flee from their home in Pakistan to India on a train. First published in 1956, the novel unfolds in the fictional village of Mano Majra, situated on the border between India and Pakistan. The gripping narrative of Train to Pakistan captures one of the most traumatic events in Indian history. A testament to the human spirit, the novel shows how even amid violence and chaos, love can still triumph. The novel has also been translated into several languages, including English, French, German, and Urdu.
This novel narrates the story of two families in Kerala against the backdrop of a train journey that is both symbolic and literal. Set in the 1960s, it captures the political and social upheaval of the time through the characters populating the Ipes and Kochammas families. The novel explores themes of love, loss, family, and the caste system. It is a moving and lyrical novel that has been praised for its insights into the human condition. The God of Small Things won the Man Booker Prize in 1997 and has been translated into over 40 languages. The novel has also been adapted into a film, which was released in 2001.
Similarly, the Indian film industry has also long featured trains in narratives that highlight the cultural significance of the railways. From serving as a backdrop for romantic encounters to symbolising self-discovering, trains have been an integral part of storytelling.
Directed by Satyajit Ray, this Bengali-language drama tells the story of a poor family in rural Bengal. At the heart of the film is a train journey that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. The film is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay. It is the first film in Ray's Apu Trilogy, which also includes Aparajito (1956) and The World of Apu (1959).
Mother India is a Hindi-language drama film directed by Mehboob Khan and starring Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raaj Kumar. This film revolves around the journey of a resilient widow who raises her children on her own after her husband dies. The train journey featured in the film is symbolic of both triumph and tragedy. The film won the Golden Bear at the 1957 Berlin International Film Festival.
Helmed by Wes Anderson, this comedy-drama tells the story of three American brothers who embark on a transformative journey to India aboard a train. In the film, the train is a metaphorical representation of their journey of self-discovery. In addition, it represents the individual paths that each of the brothers takes in life. As trains continue to traverse the vast landscape of India, their presence in literature and films remains a testament to their cultural significance in shaping not just history but also daily lives. Next time you take a train journey, pause a while to feel these narratives, visuals, and emotions unfold as you travel along the tracks.
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