The Uri terror attacks and the surgical operations in PoK have led to mounting tension between India and Pakistan and stoked anger and talk of war on both sides of the border.
Amid the simmering tension, Bhojpuri cinema is making news with a regional language film showcasing the love story of an Indian man and a Pakistani woman.
Theatres in Varanasi are riding high on the success of 'Le Aaib Dulhaniya Pakistan Se' (translated as ‘I Will Bring My Bride From Pakistan’).
The movie follows a conventional plot with the hero and heroine falling in love and eventually getting married. Nevertheless, this cross-border love saga has Bhojpuri film fans thronging the theatres.
Apparently, this is not the first time Bhojpuri cinema has looked across the border for inspiration. Moviegoers have been treated to 'Patna to Pakistan’, 'Chahi Dulhaniya Pakistan Se', and a Bhojpuri ‘Gadar’ in the past.
Cinema hall managers say that such movies, despite being based love stories, are replete with patriotism and intense action scenes. This is the reason why they become box-office smashes, despite their association with ‘arch enemy’ Pakistan.
The current unrest between India and Pakistan has also fuelled viewer interest in the movie.
Earlier, a Bhojpuri film based on the blasts at Narendra Modi’s rally in Patna was given a Pakistani connection. The film, 'Patna to Pakistan’, also proved to be a hit among audiences.
(Translated from The Quint, Hindi by Harshita Murarka)
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