Four cinephile creators discuss how cinema became an unpredictable guide and mentor in our lives, teaching us some unforgettable valuable lessons!
Looking back, I realize something I never fully understood earlier: from a young age, weird as I was in my social relationships, cinema has always been my constant companion. It started, of course, with Bollywood—something people around me often saw as a strange obsession, though I like to think I was binge-watching long before the term even existed! But for me, it was never just about watching films. It was more about reading and using them to make sense of the world I was growing up in.
As my love for cinema evolved from Bollywood to films beyond, it wasn’t just a hobby—it became a way to understand people, life, and, moreover, myself. Movies like Kramer vs. Kramer and Badhaai Ho gave me a lens through which I could see my parents not just as my mom and dad but as individuals navigating the complexities of society. Piku, Kiara, Queen, and The Before Trilogy helped me find my place as a woman. In many ways, cinema felt like John Keating in Dead Poets Society training me in the school of life that no institution ever focused on.
Gauri (@mehfilmmein) shares a similar sentiment, believing that cinema has always been a teacher in disguise. “A teacher I didn’t know I had but one I absolutely needed. It made me aware of problems in parts of society I’d never known and gave me a voice to express my own thoughts and opinions." Cinema is a unique art form that brings layers of meaning and perspective, giving us the freedom to absorb what resonates and reflect on our own values. In doing so, it not only teaches but encourages us to think more deeply, helping us grow into better versions of ourselves.
However, how we interpret and what we take from films is subjective. Not everyone watches the same movie and leaves with the same insight, which is what makes cinema so personal. Yet, at its core, it often leaves us with a shared feeling that we’re all in the same boat. For Devesh (@moviesandcharacters), movies have always taught him one essential lesson: there’s always a happy ending. "No matter what I’m going through, I know I’m not alone. Others have felt what I’m feeling—no emotion is truly new. So, I turn to specific movies and characters when I face challenges. Their journeys of overcoming difficulties inspire me to tackle my own problems with renewed hope."
It’s ironic, though, that despite the deep connection we feel with cinema, we don’t often give it the credit it deserves. Many people view movies as simple entertainment, nothing more, but if that were true, why would we devote so much of our time to watching them? Shivam (@moviepediaofficial) argues that when discussing cinema, we should always ask what it represents to us. For many, cinema reflects our values, aspirations, and thoughts. Yet, how often do we elevate it to the role of a mentor or guide? "For me, films have always been my compass when I felt lost. For every heartbreak, there’s been a Rockstar; for every grief, Demolition stood by me, and for new perspectives, ZNMD was always in sight." It’s in these moments that films take on the role of philosophers, offering guidance through the relatable struggles of their characters. "The power of a great film," Shivam continues, "is that it shows us we’re not alone in our emotions, and that connection is what makes cinema the ultimate teacher."
Ninad (@mycinemastory) wraps it up perfectly, stating that cinema can be entertainment, escapism, or simply a way to pass time. For different people, it holds different meanings. But for him, cinema has always been a teacher. “A teacher’s role is to guide us, expose us to new experiences, teach valuable lessons, and broaden our understanding. Cinema has done all that for me—through its characters, stories, and songs. For instance, Salim-Javed's iconic character, the angry young man Vijay, introduced me to the struggles of mill workers and their fight for rights against a tough society. Sunil from Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa taught me about love, but also about the importance of not expecting it in return. Swades and Rang De Basanti instilled in me a deep sense of patriotism and the true responsibilities of the youth in our country. When I felt lost, Sid from Wake Up Sid woke me up, and Karan Shergill’s journey in Lakshya pushed me to find my own goals. Whenever I miss my friends, I turn to movies like Dil Chahta Hai, 3 Idiots, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Golmaal, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. These films bring back the warmth of those bonds while through Tamasha and Udaan, I found inspiration to follow my passions, and Dear Zindagi and Taare Zameen Par helped me understand the importance of mental health."
Cinema has the power to shape society, influence our thoughts, and even lead to change. However, it can also be misleading if not approached critically. The stories we see on screen are crafted by people with their own beliefs and perspectives, and while films can inspire us, we need to be mindful of the lessons we draw from them. That said, cinema has undoubtedly helped countless people see life through a different lens, offering glimpses into worlds they might not have otherwise experienced. Films allow us to step into someone else’s shoes, feel their emotions, and better understand their struggles. For that, we remain forever grateful to the power of cinema.
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