Gone are the days when the movies focused on romantic or action-thriller films, now the content providers have more for us in their pockets. The stories are not set in a particular location. The protagonists are moving, we are too moving with them. There are the films who have explored travelling as a genre in their plot. And they were successful in their risk-taking.
1- Dil Chahta Hai
The film directed by Zoya Akhtar focuses on the lives of three friends who take on a trip to Goa. The film was an early 21st century film, and it opened the doors for Goa tourism as people were most likely to include Goa in their bucket list. This phenomenon was so popular among the college youth that Sharukh Khan’s character in Chennai Express , also plans to go for his first trip with his friends to Goa. Later on, one of the friends travels to Australia and we are shown two different destinations with all the good and bads included in Dil Chahta Hai.
2- Jab We Met
The Imtiaz Ali’s film makes us all feel so good about the train journeys , the road trips and the ultimate love we found on the way. The film explores the hills so beautifully and artistically that we all find a traveller within us . This is one inspiring movie to hit the road right now. This same feeling is followed in Imtiaz Ali films like Tamasha, Highway, Rockstar. With a new movie, Imtiaz Ali Takes us on a new road trip.
3- Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
We certainly can’t forget Bunny and his way of living. He wants to fly, to fall but doesn’t want to stop. And so do we, this lockdown though has put a halt to all out travelling plans but we were so convinced with Bunny. We all have planned a solo trip with travel groups to do trekking and once upon a time to do a google search on finding the best travel jobs. Travelling could mean so much , we all find that due to Kabir.
4- Piku
Piku takes a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata with his father. We as an audience explores the relationship between the father and daughter. The relationship a man can have with his birth place and all set of emotions related. Their trip opens a bonding with Piku and the drive, played by Irrfan Khan. Piku is an independent woman with all understanding of the roles and responsibilities.
5- Queen
The story of a woman who takes an international trip after her marriage is called-off. She is sad due to it but wants to take the journey to explore a new version of herself. She was always accompanied by a male member of the family and now roaming alone confidently and making friends of different races and cultures. She accepts them and the change comes from within. As her trip ends, we find a new queen who is more bold and empowered.
These travel-based films have boosted the tourism industry than ever before. The families have started to plan for vacations or short road trips to the nearby place. The college students have started to go for a solo trip or with a group. This continues for a long time. As one discovers one place, the urge to discover a new place comes and it goes on. Thanks to all these directors, who have normalised the solo travelling and how important it is to take a trip.