In a small town in India, on a sunny day in April of 1998, young Harshill, a 12-year-old boy known for his dedication to studying, reunited with his beloved uncle after a long separation. He had brought a gift for him: the 46th edition of 'Scientific Wonders,' a popular science magazine featuring fascinating articles on scientific discoveries and phenomena. A large ship that had run aground on an iceberg was the subject of the magazine's cover page. The article captivated him by seamlessly weaving together science and history into a compelling narrative, which was a stark contrast to the dry content of his textbooks. He was growing weary of the monotonous textbooks filled with outdated and irrelevant information. Even if history is taught, the tutor should be able to relate it to the current context of society. Despite this, his fascination with the cover page led him to read the true story of the ship in one sitting.
Everything, from historical facts to dramatic mistakes leading to the tragic disaster, had a huge influence on him. For the first time, he discovered a profound connection between history and science, sparking a newfound interest in both subjects. The highly anticipated movie 'Titanic,' based on the tragic shipwreck event, had already been released, fueling his determination to watch it. He fervently urged his parents to take him to the theater to witness the cinematic masterpiece firsthand, showcasing his deep passion for the film. It was really strange in those years because even to ask for a movie to watch in theater, that also Hollywood film as an 8th grade student was just a bit less than crime. But his always wish-granting parents allowed him to watch. He was never exposed to movies that much. He had only watched a handful of Hindi movies in theaters, with no exposure to Hollywood films. Finally, he got to watch the movie; he just felt like the 882-foot-long gigantic ship from the pages of the magazine had moved to the 70-mm big silver screen.
Subsequently, when the movie was on-air on TV on December 31, 1999, he bunked school classes to watch it three times back-to-back telecasts. At 12 years of age, he first discovered two very important things in his life: a crush and a passion. When he first saw the heroine coming out of the car and boarding into the ship, his mouth was widely open, and he was wondering, “Can any woman on Earth be so beautiful?” O my God, what a unique and eye-cooling scenic beauty!! The first time, he was completely speechless and blown away. Also, for the first time, he realized the amazement and joy of movies, especially watching at the theater, which later evolved into his passion.
[14 years later…]
The same movie is re-released in 3D format to conquer its lost crown, which it has been holding for 13 years “as the highest grossing movie ever,” and to pay tribute to the ship and her passengers on the 100th anniversary of that tragic event.
That same excitement and curiosity re-cultivated in him as it was 14 years ago, the same uncertainty encountered in the mind about whether tickets would be available? The same hall but with better seats; the same silver screen but with better sound effects; the same movie but with an additional dimension!!! Fortunately, he gets his most preferred seat location (the middle seat in the middle row). Movie starts… and along with it, also starts the resurfacing of old sentiments with small silent blood sensations in the ‘bagpipe’ nostalgic background tune in the introductory scene of ‘dead’ shipwreck; the same amazement when flashback turns dead, an old, scary wreck into a young, vibrant, and newly tiptop ship. The same mesmerism effect occurs when Rose is boarding the ship. The same 'WOW!!!' was elicited when Titanic and Rose, two incredibly beautiful and royal beauties, were viewed together. The same thrill and excitement of visualizing the self in the place of Jack, shouting at the ship bow, “I am a king of the world...” Still the same warm sensitivities and intriguing emotions when Jack saves Rose from falling in the freezing ocean on a chilling dark night. The same heart-losing reaction occurred when Red Rose, with her pink petal lips and her blowing maroon hair in icy winds, tried to hide her sadness. The same, first-time realization of the existence of something like romance occurs when both open their hands (and hearts) at the ship bow, where even the sky, because of romantic shyness, covers itself with yellow-pink light. The same wondrous curiosity during naked sketching that some flawless (in every way!!!) divine angel has taken a special visit from Heaven to redefine ‘Classical beauty’... The same thrill and tension of counting each second when the ship is about to strike the iceberg. The same heartbreaking disappointment occurs when Captain Smith realizes he has caused thousands of deaths because of his irreversible mistakes. Mr. Andrews expresses the same regret for placing too much faith in the ship's strength. The same moistened eyes and voice of his heart screaming when both silver-screen love birds have to be apart during an emergency, and the same feeling of getting into a trance and shedding tears when witnessing their intolerable pain of being separated, which eventually leads her to jump on the ship deck. Rose's innocent vow, 'You jump, I jump,' resonated as if spoken to his own heart, tears welling in his eyes. The same heart-tearing emotions arise when everyone screams for their lives as a result of the chaotic ship deck. The same feeling of the self drowning in the water when finally the stern tagged “TITANIC LIVERPOOL” disappears into the ocean. The same unstoppable wiping occurs when Jack takes a promise from Rose not to give up and to die as an old woman. The same moans when Rose has to submit now non-breathing Jack to the ocean grave. When Rose saw the Statue of Liberty, the same silent but firm voice heard her determination to realize Jack's dream of giving her a new life. Finally, as an old Rose, the same gratification of having lived life as Jack dreamed and sleeping forever with a smile by setting the clock (2:20 am, the time when the ship sank) and'soulfully’ reuniting forever with Jack in the presence of all the crew passengers on the royal marvelous witness of their epic love, Titanic...
Contemplating the journey, what transformations have occurred and what steadfast elements endure? These inquiries encapsulate the enduring essence of a timeless bond with a cinematic masterpiece.
[12 years further later]
The increased height of a salute to cinematic genius James Cameron. The more respect for immensely gifted Kate Winslet, as she has consistently master-acted in subsequent movies like Iris, Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind (a well-deserved Oscar, but missed), Finding Neverland, Revolutionary Road, and The Reader, and a deeper sense of the once-in-a-century music by James Horner. Now, 27 years have passed. Had he changed?
Well, nothing much, actually—the growing level of experience and sensitive perception! This movie holds a special place in his heart, as it has taught him a myriad of emotions and life lessons, shaping his perspective in profound ways. Probably that’s why, even after watching it numerous times, his soul connection to the movie brings him again to watch the film, makes him re-live all those “first-time” emotions even after 27 years, and finally inspires him to portray his special feelings in this very special article for this very special film. During his trip to the UK, he devoted a day to exploring the Southampton Titanic Museum, where he delved into the poignant history of the tragic event, allowing himself to be fully immersed in the stories of the past. Southampton, the origin port for Titanic's first and last journey…
