The Trial of All: National Drama and National Destiny in "Guru" Anonymous College

Mani Ratnam produces and directs the film Guru, in which a young commoner has a dream to become a businessman. He succeeds despite obstacles and social constructs, but in the end his life in on trial for various corruptions and scandals. In 2007 when the film released, India’s population and economy was growing tremendously. However, corruption and scandals in the country were emerging. Ratnam presents Guru’s final trial as a microcosm of India’s ongoing trial with itself and the world, and the nation must take action as it progresses in the future. The various elements of the scene, such as the anticipation, the crowd, and the panel of judges depict India’s current situation. The trial serves as a warning and immediate call of action to the people. Guru’s life depends on it. In order to survive, he must fight his case and appeal to his audience and adversaries without using violence. Thus, he gives a speech in which he installs a sense of national pride, drawing on Indian core values of resistance, loss, and perseverance. His journey parallels that of India, and the nation’s progress demands courage, vision, and unity of its people.

The way Mani Ratnam depicts Guru’s trial represents India’s current divided state. First, the...