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Just finished watching Beauty and the Beast on TV, and I of course, had to come back and make a few connections! Don't know how many of you have watched the Disney version of Sundari and Shaitan and you might not understand this post if you haven't. If you haven't watched the movie and still want to read this post, then I suggest clicking this link for a quick summary: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty_and_the_Beast_(1991_film)
So, obviously, the Beast symbolizes Arnav and Belle symbolizes Khushi. But in the Disney version of this movie (sorry, I don't know the story of sundari and shaitan) Gastan, (I think that's how you spell the name) symbolizes Shyam. He's a vain man, smug and high with the delusional belief that Belle loves him and wants to marry him.
In the ending scenes of the movie, the Beast allows Belle to leave to attend to her father, knowing full well that she may not return and by then time will be over and he'll stay a beast for life. At the same time Belle leaves, Gaston breaks into Beast's castle, ready to kill him, and Beast decides not to fight back until he sees Belle returning.
This, I think symbolizes the misunderstanding between Arnav and Khushi. Shyam has broken into Arnav's mind, like Gaston broke into Beast's castle, and Arnav is helpless against him. Arnav has decided not to fight against Shyam and is letting himself also slip from Shyam's words. But when Arnav, like the Beast, sees his Beauty, his Khushi, "returning" to him, or in his case, as innocent, he will fight Shyam and win.
In the movie, Guston is also ready to send Belle's father to the asylum, knowing full well that she might marry him if she sees that Gaston is on her side. This is reflected in Ipkknd when Shyam hurts Babuji, knowing that Khushi's father is the only obstacle in his path now.
Also, in the movie, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and Cogsworth are shown as understanding characters. Not only do they understand Belle's plight and sympathize with her, they also clearly understand Beast and his actions. In fact, Mrs. Potts even has the audacity to lecture the Beast about his behavior with Belle.
I think that these side characters represent Anjali and Nani. Though they don't completely understand the relationship between Arnav and Khushi, they recognize what others could not. Also, they are close to both Arnav and Khushi and Anjali, has the ability to show her Chotte his place. Not only are they his supporters but when he does the wrong things, they do scold him and show him what he really truly is, like Anjali did on Friday. Belle was at first blinded by Beast's fierce demeanor but bit by bit she ripped him of his mask. Arnav too intimidated Khushi at first but she wasn't afraid to fight back, and along with the help of others, sees Arnav and understands him, better than he himself might.
Thanks for listening to my blabbing everyone! And if you've seen the movie, feel free to make other connections, I know I didn't hit everything in this post :)
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