Disclaimer: not a movie review

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I recently discovered an Indian movie titled Maharshi. The protagonist Rishi Kumar was a high flying global CEO and software genius. He possessed wisdom far beyond his years and considered every decision with a philosophical thrust. His appearance throughout the movie was impeccable; his magnificent gait and perfectly coordinated fight scenes were often rendered in slow motion as he dispatched adversaries with clinical precision, without ever breaking a sweat. But the film was a bit more intricate than these gaudy trappings.

The farmers’ agitation in India over the untoward corporatization of the agricultural value chain is one that garnered global attention; many could identify with the struggle. Simple farmers whose contributions were already undervalued put it all on the line and stood against government policies they argued stifled their margins and effectively left them at the mercy of corporate overlords.

Maharshi’s plot not only draws attention to the plight of farmers in India, but also beams a spotlight on the overlooked underbelly of a prejudicial ecosystem; exposing deplorable conditions and alarming suicide rates amongst farmers.

The story of Rishi’s meteoric rise accompanied by lots of singing and flamboyant choreography sets out to pass a strong message intertwined in themes of courage, perseverance, sacrifice and love. It urges you to fight for what you believe in and speak for the voiceless and often forgotten. These are timeless messages but ever so relevant in our world today.

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