Director, Vishal Venkat’s movie, Bomb starts off as a bedtime story of a fictional village called Kallakammaipatti. The most interesting aspect of this village is that its name is split in two. One part is called Kallapatti, while the other is Kammaipatti, due to the influence of faith, superstition, and notions of superiority. The separation creates rivalry, which is the main conflict of the movie. The division created between the two communities is shaped by this belief. Does, director Vishal Venkat effectively showcase the central conflict of the movie?
What is the movie, Bomb all about?
The movie features a voiceover narration that showcases Kaalakammaipatti, a rural town in Tamil Nadu, as it blossoms. It is believed that their deity, known for blessing devotees every year, follows a three-part ritual. On one side, Arjun Das is playing ‘Mani Muthu’ while Kaali Venkat on the flip side essays ‘Kathiravan’. Both of them belong to varied communities. ‘Kathiravan’ is portrayed as an atheist who transcends the confines of politics and also harbours a dream of bringing electricity and education to the entire village. His sister, played by Shivathmika Rajasekhar, is shown to be caring towards him and also has feelings for ‘Mani’.
In the movie, one fine day, ‘Kathiravan’ passes away, and his demise unites both the village communities. Everyone thinks that ‘Kathiravan’ is no more, but ‘Mani’ feels he is alive. ‘Kathiravan’s body reportedly also farts, and so both the communities are seen fighting as they don’t know to whom he actually belongs. When ‘Kathiravan’ passed away, the local priest was also seen remembering a prophecy that could bring good fortune.
Bomb showcases elements of superstition, patriarchy
Vishal Venkat’s Bomb has the perfect elements of superstition, faith, as well as showcases the seed of patriarchy. The central conflict in the movie is the tension between two villages where division occurs. The characters are shown to be rivals, but the core conflict is about exposing superstitions that are silly. It has also exposed the stigmas attached to women who cannot conceive. The movie tackles a wide range of topics related to taboo, superstition and domination by males in the fictional village.
Bomb has also been shown to resolve conflicts faced by the characters. The case is first shown of Poovaiyar, who plays ‘Yogesh’, who is rebuked for sleepwalking and making his way to the president’s chair. His clasto mates are known for hating him, and are often witnesses ‘Yogto esh’s antics and punish him. Then the scene also showcases two young kids who do not talk to each other, as they belong to different factions. One of the kids is seen rebelling against the rules in the name of God.
Bomb showcases the reality of being superstitious
Bomb shows a take on faith and superstition, and also highlights the difference between them. There is a scene at the climax, when ‘Abhirami’, the village collector, shares that belief is something important to people, but it is her own belief not to look down on anyone. The idea contrasts with her thoughts. The film highlights that one should never seek light in anyone else, and that everyone should always strive to save the world. The story illustrates that a solution emerges when divided communities resolve their conflicts.
What are your views on the movie, Bomb?
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