The festival of colors, Holi, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians all around the globe. Whether you’re in India or away from home, Holi is an emotion we all feel. Over the years, Bollywood has depicted this vibrant festival in various shades. Holi celebrations in Bollywood movies are an absolute riot. From Lathmar Holi to Rangon ki Holi, we’ve seen it all. In this blog, let’s take a look at the depiction of Holi in two distinct films available on ZEE5: Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Waqt: The Race Against Time, analyzing the contrast between traditional v/s modern celebrations of Holi in movies.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is a socially relevant film starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar as Keshav and Jaya. It revolves around the issue of sanitation and the importance of toilets in rural India. While the primary focus of the movie is on societal change and sanitation, the celebration of Holi plays a crucial role in the narrative.
If you watch Toilet: Ek Prem Katha movie online, you’ll know how important this traditional Holi celebration was in the movie. It shows a cinematic Holi celebration of the traditional Lathmar Holi which was supposedly played between Radha-Krishna. According to the legend, Krishna and his friends went from Nandgaon to Barana and bothered Radha and her friends playfully. That’s when the ladies hit them with sticks playfully driving them away. This then turned into the Lathmar Holi in Barsana. In Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, this scene comes at a crucial point where Jaya is upset with Keshav and he’s trying to win her heart back even if it means getting hit by the lath. The setting is rustic, with the backdrop of a small village, with people dressed in traditional outfits, amplifying the authenticity of the festivities. The film beautifully captures the spirit of Lathmar Holi, emphasizing its significance in rural communities.
Waqt: The Race Against Time
In contrast, Waqt: The Race Against Time presents a modern take on Holi celebrations. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, and Shefali Shah, this family drama explores the complexities of relationships and the value of time. While the film features a traditional Holi sequence, it also incorporates elements of modernity and sophistication.
The Holi celebration in Waqt: The Race Against Time is depicted in a more lavish and urban setting. The characters don stylish white-colored attire, and the atmosphere is infused with high energy and glamour. The colors are vibrant, but the focus shifts from traditional folk songs to the peppy Bollywood track – “Do me a favor, let’s play Holi”. Additionally, the inclusion of water guns and balloons adds a playful and contemporary twist to the festivities. Overall, the portrayal of Holi in this film reflects the fusion of tradition with modernity, catering to a more cosmopolitan audience and you must watch Waqt The Race Against Time movie on ZEE5 to experience it for yourself.
Conclusion
Holi, as depicted in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Waqt: The Race Against Time on ZEE5, offers viewers a glimpse into the diverse ways in which the festival is celebrated across different contexts. While Toilet: Ek Prem Katha honors the traditions and customs associated with Holi, Waqt: The Race Against Time presents a more contemporary and stylized interpretation. Both films contribute to the rich tapestry of Bollywood’s portrayal of Holi, showcasing its enduring relevance and universal appeal. Whether you love comedy movies or drama movies, these two ZEE5 films allow you to experience the magic of Holi in all its splendor, making it a truly memorable cinematic journey.
