So I finally caved a couple of weeks ago and decided I had to watch Bahubali 2, the movie that India has been raving about. Of course, for that I had to first watch Bahubali 1. So I settled down, fully expecting to loathe it and ready to write a scathing review…but err...I loved it. And then, I watched the sequel, and I loved it more. The film has great casting and performances, amazing cinematography and stellar CGI, and has managed to garner over INR 1500 crore in box office collections in a mere 3 weeks after release. Further away from home, Game of Thrones (also a personal favorite) is a TV series that has fast become one of the most popular TV shows worldwide - dubbed and watched in multiple languages.

The commonality between these stories? Both chronicle life in an era long gone, both are set in historic times, and both have leading characters born into royalty. They are good kings who are protecting their subjects and fighting bad kings, and obviously in the end, good will triumph over evil.

What is this fascination with kingdoms and royalty and castles that we have? That transcends all barriers of nationality, culture, language and upbringing? Is it about the battle between good and evil? Or is it about the royalty, resplendent in its wealth and riches? I believe it is something very base - our fascination with power. Every single person, consciously or sub-consciously fantasizes about him or herself as being all-powerful and invincible. And these movies and TV shows, for that brief period of time, allow us our escape into this world full of possibilities and power, where no government or law, no judge or judiciary, no police or prison can put a crimp in our hero's (and therefore our) style. 

What do we believe we could achieve with this power? Greater good? Fighting for the suppressed? Or furthering our gains by amassing land and wealth? No matter which you choose - it is a manifestation of mamakaara - what Vedanta describes as "mine-ness" or "ownership". My kingdom, my subjects, my land, my wealth, my people, and my family. Would any of these movie/TV characters have the motivation to be the glorious warriors that they are, had it not been for this mine-ness? While mamakaara isn't a desirable quality to have for those seeking to attain nirvana, it can be very well utilized for societal benefit for those of us who are still bound by our worldly restraints. So the next time you feel mine-ness for your religion or community and set out to fight those who critique it, step back and let that feeling pass. Instead, take a deep breath and feel that ownership for simple things like keeping your city and country clean, and showing basic courtesy and etiquette to your fellow human beings.

Oh, and while we are on the topic of ancient India and its rulers - I noticed something unique and heartening. Be it the awe-inspiring archery partnership displayed by Devasena and Bahubali as they fight enemies side by side, or the valor shown by Jodha dueling with Akbar in a swordfight (in Jodha Akbar), or the skilled warfare that Mastani effortlessly engages in alongside Bajirao (in Bajirao Mastani), all our epics and sagas have depicted women to be as fierce and brave as their male counterparts. India has traditionally always respected its women and considered them equal to men.

Today, I feel none of that respect or equality on my morning commute as I get glared at and abused routinely by some men, who feel I have no right to graduate beyond the kitchen, and into a car and corporate office.

So people - if we ARE going to extol the virtues of a time gone by and envisage ourselves as part of that magical era, let's also try and imbibe some of those virtues, shall we?