Category Archives: Movies

The Influence of a Father’s Wisdom: A Personal and Cinematic View

Legacy of Love- generated by author and DALL.E-3

From when a child is very young, through their teenage years and into adulthood, what a father teaches can significantly influence their life. This relationship is very special and can affect many aspects of how a child grows up. A father’s wisdom and teachings can become integral to the child’s identity, shaping their perspectives, beliefs, and choices. The relationship between a father and child is complex, filled with love, respect, teaching, and friendship.

In certain castes, such as the one I was born into, a father becomes a child’s first guru. He initiates them into the path of learning by whispering the Gayatri mantra in a ceremony known as Upanayanam. Generally speaking, our fathers guide us through various aspects of life.

From my book ‘Directing Business’-

From our earliest steps to our most significant milestones, our fathers play a crucial role in shaping our perspectives and understanding of the world. They impart practical wisdom, teach invaluable skills, instill a sense of morality, and nurture our curiosity. They guide us through the complexities of life, helping us navigate personal challenges, academic pursuits, and professional endeavors. These lessons, both big and small, form the foundation of our character and influence our path in life. However, a father’s role is not just limited to imparting knowledge and wisdom. They share our joys, support us in times of sorrow, and stand as pillars of strength and security. The bond between a father and child transcends the boundaries of a typical teacher-student relationship, making it a unique blend of love, respect, and guidance.

Even when our fathers depart from our lives, they continue to serve as our guiding light. Their teachings and principles echo in our minds, guiding our actions and decisions. The values they instilled in us become our moral compass, steering us through life’s dilemmas. Their memories become a source of strength and inspiration, motivating us to strive for success and overcome obstacles. They continue to live on in our thoughts, our actions, and in the lessons we pass on to the next generation. In essence, the wisdom they impart becomes a legacy, spanning across generations, influencing not just our lives but also those of our children and grandchildren. This enduring impact of a father’s guidance truly encapsulates the timeless essence of fatherhood. That’s the way I feel, and here’s my tribute to my father, soon after he left us for the heavenly abode. Remembering My Father.

Here are three movies in Hindi, Telugu, and English that delve into various aspects of fatherhood and examine father-son relationships:

  1. Bangaru Papa (1955): Betrayed by his wife and framed for a crime, Kotayya (SVR garu), a once kind man, spirals into drunken rage seeking revenge, but his path is diverted when he finds an abandoned baby, whom he raises with love, leaving his past behind. (Streaming on Eros Now, YouTube)
  2. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): Scout Finch, a curious young girl in the American South, witnesses her lawyer father Atticus defend a black man wrongly accused of a crime. Through her innocent eyes, we see the racism and prejudice that tear at her community, but also the courage and compassion that challenge it. (Streaming on Plex, Amazon Prime-Rental)
  3. Do Ankhen Barah Haath (1957): Warden Adinath, a man who sees the good in everyone, defies tradition by convincing authorities to parole violent criminals. He guides them, like a father, on a run-down farm, using hard work to heal their souls. However, their success threatens a corrupt businessman, leading to a devastating end. (Streaming on YouTube)

And a few more suggestions from mem.ai:

  1. The Pursuit of Happyness: This English movie beautifully portrays a father’s struggle to provide for his son while teaching him important life lessons.
  2. Dangal: This Hindi film revolves around a father who, despite societal pressures, trains his daughters to be world-class wrestlers, showcasing the importance of a father’s role in challenging gender stereotypes and empowering his daughters.
  3. Manam: A Telugu movie that explores the concept of reincarnation within a family, highlighting the enduring bond between a father and son across different lifetimes.
  4. Finding Nemo: An animated film that delves into a father’s relentless journey across the ocean to find his missing son, demonstrating a father’s unwavering love and determination.
  5. Piku: A Hindi film that humorously explores the relationship between a father and daughter, showing that even amidst constant bickering, the love and care between a father and child never fade.

Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the role of fathers and their relationships with their children, making them must-watch films for anyone interested in exploring the depths of fatherhood.

In conclusion, the bond between a father and a child is profound and impactful, shaping many facets of the child’s life. The life lessons, values, and wisdom a father imparts can truly influence the child’s outlook, beliefs, and decisions. These films provide a glimpse into this intricate relationship and its various dimensions, emphasizing the enduring influence and the essential role of fathers in our lives.

12 Angry Men: Management Lessons from a Classic Film


12 Angry Men is a timeless classic that not only serves as a gripping courtroom drama but also as a powerful lesson in management and leadership. Starring Henry Fonda as Juror #8, the film delves deep into the dynamics of decision-making, conflict resolution, and persuasion, all of which are critical skills for effective management.

Key Management Lessons

1. The Power of Persuasion:
Juror #8, played by Henry Fonda, exemplifies the power of calm, rational persuasion. He starts as the lone dissenter in a jury convinced of the defendant’s guilt and methodically dismantles their arguments through logic and careful questioning. This teaches managers the importance of patience, critical thinking, and the ability to influence others without aggression.

2. Conflict Resolution:
The film showcases various conflicts among the jurors, arising from different backgrounds and personal biases. Juror #8’s approach to resolving these conflicts—by listening actively and addressing concerns with empathy—highlights the importance of understanding team members’ perspectives and working towards a common goal.

3. Leadership and Initiative:
Taking the unpopular stance, Juror #8 demonstrates true leadership by standing up for his beliefs despite immense pressure. Managers can learn the value of courage and integrity, especially when advocating for what is right.

4. Building Consensus:
Fonda’s character gradually builds consensus by encouraging open discussion and critical examination of the evidence. Effective managers must facilitate dialogue and create an environment where all voices are heard, leading to better decision-making.

The Jack Lemmon Version

In 1997, 12 Angry Men was remade with Jack Lemmon in the role of Juror #8. This version maintains the core themes of the original while bringing a fresh perspective through Lemmon’s nuanced performance. The remake underscores the timeless nature of the film’s message and its relevance to modern management practices.

Where to Watch in Hyderabad, India

To experience these powerful performances and learn valuable management lessons, you can stream these versions online in Hyderabad:

  • 1957 Version (Henry Fonda): Available on Amazon Prime Video India.
  • 1997 Version (Jack Lemmon): Available on Amazon Prime Video India.

For more insights into management and leadership, visit Directing Business.


Movie Recommendation:
If you enjoyed 12 Angry Men, you might also like The Verdict starring Paul Newman, another courtroom drama that delves into themes of justice, perseverance, and personal redemption.

Book Recommendation:
Consider reading Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink. This book explores the science of motivation and how it can be applied to enhance management practices.

For further exploration of movies and management, check out more articles at Laksh Online.

Remember, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind—and persuasive like Juror #8!” 😄

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Rediscovering the Timeless Classic: ‘Bawarchi’ on Amazon Prime Video

image generated by author and DALL.E-3

“It is so simple to be happy, but it is so difficult to be simple.” This iconic dialogue from the movie ‘Bawarchi’ encapsulates the essence of this timeless classic. A film that I keep revisiting, ‘Bawarchi’ is a heartwarming portrayal of a mysterious cook who brings happiness and unity to a dysfunctional family through his culinary skills and wisdom.

The film opens with a hilarious scene that sets the tone for the rest of the movie. An old man shouts ‘munna’, and to our surprise, it’s not a young boy who shows up, but a grown man played by the brilliant A.K. Hangal. This unexpected twist adds a touch of humor right from the start, making the audience instantly connect with the film’s light-hearted narrative.

Directed by Hrishikesh Mukerjee and starring Rajesh Khanna, ‘Bawarchi’ is a testament to the simplicity and depth of Indian cinema. The narrative revolves around a cook, played by Khanna, who enters the lives of a squabbling family and transforms their home with his positive energy and delicious food. The film beautifully explores the themes of unity, simplicity, and the pursuit of happiness, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

One of the most memorable aspects of ‘Bawarchi’ is its dialogues, filled with wisdom and humor. The aforementioned iconic dialogue is a perfect example of this, beautifully conveying the movie’s central theme of finding happiness in simplicity and unity. It’s a philosophy that Rajesh Khanna’s character, the Bawarchi, embodies throughout the film, and it’s a philosophy that continues to resonate with me every time I revisit this classic.

The acting and crew behind ‘Bawarchi’ were instrumental in bringing the film’s heartwarming narrative to life. Rajesh Khanna’s portrayal of the mysterious cook, Bawarchi, is notable for its charm and depth. His performance is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. Khanna’s ability to embody the philosophy and wisdom of his character is a significant factor that makes the film a timeless classic.

Director Hrishikesh Mukerjee, acclaimed for his ability to create meaningful cinema, also played a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative. His direction allowed the film’s message of unity and simplicity to shine through, making ‘Bawarchi’ a standout in his filmography.

Amazon Prime Video, with its extensive library of films, has been showcasing a treasure trove of classics and rare gems from the world of cinema. These films, often overlooked amidst the flashier new releases, offer a unique blend of nostalgia and timeless narratives that continue to resonate with audiences. This endeavor by Amazon Prime Video is a commendable step towards preserving the rich legacy of global cinema and providing a platform for these timeless narratives to shine.

In conclusion, ‘Bawarchi’ is more than just a film; it’s a timeless narrative that continues to inspire and entertain. Its enduring charm and wisdom, coupled with its humorous opening scene, make it a classic that is worth revisiting time and again. And thanks to platforms like Amazon Prime Video, we can continue to enjoy these classics and appreciate the rich legacy of cinema.