Visual drama as a plot device: Vijayadashmi in Bollywood | Hindi Movie News

Out of Brahmastra to swades, topics from Ramlila and Vijayadashami are often used in Hindi films as central plot points or thematic devices to build a narrative. The righteous fight, the destruction of the villain in a single, spectacular moment and the ultimate triumph of good over evil make Dussehra an apt metaphor for the struggles of characters in many films.
Kahaani (2012) Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani shows the streets of Calcutta during Durga Puja in several scenes. Talking about the climax Dashami scene, Ghosh said in an interview, “That is the theme of the film. When you are part of Durga Puja in Kolkata and spend intense weeks putting it together, you experience a whole range of emotions. At the end there is a goodbye that is heartbreaking. What the last shot means is the end – the puja is over and it is also the end of Vidya’s journey… The role she played must end. Like Maa, Vidya has come and now she has to go back.”
Marjaavan
The climax scene of Marjaav aan is set against the backdrop of Dussehra. Raghu, played by Sidharth Malhotra, defeats the villain Vishnu, played by Ritesh Deshmukh, while the Raavan effigy provides a dramatic backdrop and symbolizes revenge and justice.
Delhi-6 (2009)
The majority of the film is set against the backdrop of the Ramlilas in Old Delhi. In his book, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra mentions that Delhi-6 was inspired by the Ramlila and Dussehra traditions that he grew up with in Old Delhi. In the film, the Kaala Bandar symbolizes Ravan and the evil that resides within people. With the place on the verge of a communal clash on Dussehra, the ‘death’ of the Kaala Bandar is finally bringing people to their senses. Just before the climax, the Ramlila narrator sings in the background: “Jeet bure pe bhale ki, hriday karo balwan aur machne do ranbhoomi mein aaj mahasangram.”

Swades

Swades (2004)
In Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swades, Shah Rukh Khan’s character Mohan Bhargava struggles to understand many problems he sees in the village, including the caste system. During a Ramlila scene, he sings, “Mann se Ravan joh nikaale, Ram uske mann mein hai.” As the Ramlila ends with Ravan Dahan, the village is plunged into darkness and one of the villagers quips, “Andhere mein toh Ravan aur bhi accha lag raha hai.” Seeing that the villagers are not bothered by the lack of basic needs, Mohan later says, “Mujhe aisa kyun lag raha hai ki aap logon ko ye andhera achha lagne laga hai?” “Aadat par gayi hai andhere ki?”
Ra.One (2011)
Arjun Rampal, who plays the antagonist named Ra.One, makes his first appearance against the backdrop of a burning Ravan effigy during Dussehra. As the flames rise, Ra.One says, “Tum har saal Ravan ko isliye jalate ho kyuki tum jaante ho woh marr nahi sakta,” emphasizing his invincibility and a parallel between Ra.One and Ravan.
Brahmastra (2022)
In Ayan Maukerji’s Brahmastra, Ranbir Kapoor’s character Shiva performs the song Dance ka Bhoot during the Dussehra celebrations. The theatrical performances of Dussehra, which end in Ravan Dahan, serve as an impressive backdrop
Kalank (2019)
In the song Ghar More Pardesiya, which celebrates the love story of Ram and Sita, there is a dramatic Ravandahan sequence. When Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt’s characters meet, the effigy in the background is set on fire