De-Mythifying Myths: A Study of Munna Bhai MBBS and Lageraho Munna Bhai

Abstract

Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra's Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) and Lageraho Munna Bhai (2006) are the films which demythify the traditional myths of Indian history. Contracting the myth is a historical process. After the arrival of cultural studies in 1960s in the field of critical theory starts a new genre. Popular culture tries to rethink the canonicity of well established traditional myth through the media and other popular genre. In the film Munna Bhai MBBS (2003) there is the demythification of the 'white coat' myth of the doctor. It reveals the lacks in the notion of traditional doctor and tries to redefine it. Similarly, Lagerho Munna Bhai (2006) deconstructs the general concept about Gandhism. It ironises the traditional Gandhism and presents Mahatma Gandhi as a pop icon. In both films the revolt of Munna against the traditionality establishes a new notion and myth about doctor and Gandhism.