Mira Nair\'s 1992 Motion Picture

Mira Nair's 1992 motion picture Mississippi Masala and Courtney Hunt's 2008 film Frozen River both deal with unlikely relationships and with how individuals eventually come to acknowledge the need for reform while also accepting their background. The central characters in both movies want to concentrate on trying to make ends meet by performing acts that are in disagreement with cultural and rational values they should normally respect. Mina and Demetrius are unhesitant about getting involved in a relationship in spite of the fact that they know that their families will not approve similar to how Ray and Lila decide to engage in illegal activities despite the risks that these actions entail.

In spite of the fact that racism and racial stereotypes are still strong today in the U.S., Mississippi Masala makes it possible for viewers to understand that this environment also provides people with the opportunity to express themselves freely with no regard to the pressures that others might put on them. In contrast to Mina and Demetrious, who benefit as a result of living in a less constraining environment, Lila is forced to be a criminal because of her condition, taking into account that she wants to see her baby and that the government has a tendency to discriminate against Native Americans.

While the two families in Nair's film seem to employ racist attitudes when confronted with the relationship between Mina and Demetrius, the couple manages to stay together by ignoring outside pressures. Lila is in a much more complicated situation and she is well aware that it would be unlikely for her to earn sufficient money to care for herself and her baby as long as she does not do anything illegal. Racial matters are no longer important when considering her relation with Ray, as the two women are both desperate and enable viewers to understand that individuals can form strong bonds in critical situations, regardless of their gender, skin color, or ethnic background.

One of the common themes in the two motion pictures is the fact that individuals face great adversity and are nonetheless determined to go through with their plans. The central characters in both films are well-acquainted with the risks they face as a result of getting involved in a controversial relationship. Even with this, they are unhesitant and love ultimately emerges as the principal tool keeping them going and making it possible for them to struggle in order to achieve their goal.

Mina and Demetrius fight on account of the love they have for each other, Lila fights for her baby, and Ray finds to provide her children with a home. Each of these individuals is in a critical situation but this does not stop them from focusing on their plans. Poverty fuels them and enables them to employ indifferent attitudes toward society's regulations.