8 powerful scenes of liberation that freed both, the characters and us

These moments of profound liberation, whether from societal constraints, personal demons, or oppressive systems, represented freedom beyond its definition of our independence! 

Freedom is a concept with many meanings, each bringing out different emotions. Hence, independence is not just about political freedom but extends to the various constraints we face in life. And even though working on these takes time IRL, fiction offers us an escape and a path to liberation. Whether it's breaking free, like in The Shawshank Redemption, or reconnecting with nature like in Into the Wild, these films and their characters find freedom, and in doing so, they help us feel liberated, too. Similarly, in Indian cinema, we see characters, regardless of gender, challenging deep-rooted patriarchy or facing their inner struggles, freeing themselves and, in turn, us as well. 

Also Read: Red Lorry Day 03: Amal, and Wicked Little Letters explore women's freedom of expression

Check out these scenes of liberation!

Phool and Pushpa Rani letting go of their ghunghat in Laapataa Ladies 

By the end of Kiran Rao's film Laapataa Ladies, the two women, connected in an unusual way, find freedom from their ghunghats as Phool casually lets go of hers and mindlessly forgets to put it back on while Pushpa Rani lets it hang back as the sun shines on her face while she's travelling in a bus towards her education. By doing this, they inspire and free many women trapped in a systemic cycle of women suffering after marriage. 

Rohan and Arjun run away from their father in Udaan 

At the end of Vikramaditya Motwayne's film Udaan, we see two step-brothers run towards their free lives, away from their toxic, controlling, overbearing and patriarchal father. In his chase for liberation, Rohan doesn't forget to take his younger step-brother, Arjun, who otherwise might have suffered a similar fate. By doing this, these boys end the cycle of toxic manhood that suppresses men. 

Kaira's confession in Dear Zindagi 

After a series of therapy sessions in Gauri Shinde's Dear Zindagi, with the help of Jug, Kaira finally opened up about her traumatic experience of being abandoned in childhood, which has shaped a large chunk of her personality where she's often scared of being left alone in relationships. By doing this, she freed not just herself but many who suppressed and harboured childhood trauma and went on to live in denial. 

Deepak's grief in Masaan 

After losing his first love, Shaalu, in Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan, a young Deepak finds himself crying uncontrollably amongst his friends and shouting, 'Yeh dukh kaahe khatam nahi hota be'. While this scene holds a different place in the pop culture stream, this depiction of unfathomable grief over the loss of someone showcases how vulnerable and sensitive men can be.

Amrita driving a car in Thappad 

Anubhav Sinha's Thappad is itself an act of liberating women and delivers many such moments of absolute freedom, but when, after everything, we see Amrita pregnant and driving her own car by herself, it is a freeing, blissful moment. Because by doing so, she subtly proves to her husband and men like him that their stereotypical thinking towards women is the problem. Women are not bad drivers; they can do everything.

Manoj's reaction to his selection in 12th Fail 

Vikrant Massey's viral moment from Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail is when he breaks down on the floor out of utter relief and happiness at clearing civil services. It was a moment that resonated with many as he finally became an IPS officer despite his struggles, proving that anybody with utmost dedication and hard work can do it irrespective of where they come from. 

Rani's run in a pink dress in Queen 

Kangana Ranaut in Vikas Bhel's Queen, running in a pink dress on the tunes of 'Kinare', will never not be a pure moment of freedom because that's precisely when Rani chooses herself over Vijay. It was when she realized that she didn't need to marry Vijay anymore. She's moved on and pretty much fallen in love with her life. With this scene. She freed many women out there who felt dependent on men for their survival, especially in a foreign country. 

Shardul's heartfelt confession to his family and mother in Badhaai Do 

Shardul defends Sumi when she comes out as a lesbian and ends up coming out to his own family. While many dismiss him, his mother accepts him and shares a heartfelt moment with her on the terrace, which makes him cry his eyes out. He feels lighter and stronger than ever after finally getting this off his chest. This scene was not just a source of liberation for him but for many others who are harbouring a secret of their sexuality.

Which of these scenes made you feel truly free? Tell us in the comments below! 

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