The Extraordinary Dreams of Ordinary People

Can an ordinary person have extraordinary dreams in a society dominated by the wealthy, where the rich continually overshadow the poor? Is it even possible for the less privileged to dream in such an environment? Beyond the exploitation by the rich, societal inequalities like caste differences, gender, and regional disparities still prevail in many countries despite numerous laws passed to eradicate them. The poor and underprivileged continue to suffer due to these systemic issues. Society is not the same for everyone; the rich control, and the poor are controlled.

One film that vividly illustrates this struggle is "Soorarai Pottru," which debuted in 2021 and quickly gained widespread applause. Drawing inspiration from the life of GR Gopinath, a graduate of the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, the film tells the story of a man from a small village in Karnataka, the son of a teacher, who dreamt of starting his own airline. Gopinath's journey, despite his military background, underscores the significant hurdles that ordinary people face when trying to transcend barriers of caste and class.

Regional inequalities still prevail in a country like India with a massive population and many regions. Urban areas have higher income levels compared to rural areas, which makes them lose rights to basic facilities. This issue is addressed in the movie where Maara’s father fought for electricity, with Maara being the fictional representation of Gopinath. Maara aimed to start a low-cost airline to make air travel accessible to everyone. By doing so, he provided job opportunities for the locals, reducing unemployment among the villagers and demonstrating that, given the right opportunities, they could achieve anything.

Just like everyone has a story behind why they want to achieve something, one pivotal scene in "Soorarai Pottru" reveals Maara's motivation to start a low-cost airline. When Maara falls short of money to buy a business class ticket to visit his sick father, he desperately begs for help from everyone at the airport. However, due to his appearance, nobody steps up to assist him. This heart-wrenching experience drives Maara's determination to make air travel accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status or appearance.

This was the dream of a middle-class man who knew that he would be exploited by the rich. Isn’t this what always happens? They are exploited until their money, resources, and energy are exhausted. But Maara was a stubborn young man. Other businessmen in the aviation industry almost broke him down, but he never gave up. He rose like a phoenix from the ashes with the unwavering support of the villagers, his friends, and most importantly, his wife.

Despite the awareness and development in the country, many areas in India still uphold the belief that men should be the sole breadwinners, while women should stay home, often lacking basic education. Contrasting this societal norm, the film "Soorarai Pottru" features Bommi, who dreams of starting a bakery. Though her ambition may seem modest compared to launching an airline, her journey powerfully challenges and overcomes societal and patriarchal norms. Bommi’s success provides Maara with the strength to pursue his own dreams. A poignant scene depicts her determination when she tells Maara that she can only marry after achieving something significant in her life, emphasizing that they are already married to their dreams. This illustrates that, with or without support, women are equally capable and no less than men.

Beyond the opposition from rival businessmen and influential figures, "Soorarai Pottru" also depicts the wholesome and supportive nature of the community. A particularly heartbreaking yet heartwarming scene in the movie occurs when Maara runs out of money. In this moment of crisis, all the villagers contribute whatever they can. Maara accepts their contributions, not just for the financial aid, but because of the immense trust they place in him to make their dreams of flying come true. Their confidence in him motivates Maara to overcome all odds, and he ultimately succeeds. The joy of the common folk flying for the first time is unmatched, illustrating how they were able to experience something previously reserved only for the wealthy. It also addresses caste differences in the country, illustrating how the dreams and desires of lower-caste individuals are often crushed by influential people. However, Maara's dedication to serving his people enabled him to achieve his goals.

Despite systemic barriers and societal constraints, the film shows that resilience, trust, and community support can help ordinary individuals achieve remarkable feats. It highlights the ongoing issues of caste discrimination and economic inequality, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by many in their pursuit of a better life. This powerful narrative aligns with real-life issues, showcasing the profound impact of community support and the resilience needed to break through societal barriers.