6 Movie Characters Who Found Purpose by Disconnecting from Technology
“The movies we love and admire are to some extent a function of who we are when we see them.” - Mary Schmich
Art, literature, and entertainment have always reflected and shaped the social contexts of their time, from inspiring patriotism to exploring the complexities of modern life. As we become increasingly absorbed in our digital lives, these mediums hold a mirror to the consequences of technology on our identities. The themes of cinema have evolved in correspondence to our lifestyle choices and socio-cultural contexts—from patriotic films during nationalist struggles to movies showcasing harsh realities and complex human emotions.
Today, with a majority of the population glued to their screens and digital spaces, there is a pivotal role for literature and cinema in shaping these choices. Let’s explore a few movie characters who rediscovered the purpose of their lives, grew more confident, and found better perspectives once they distanced themselves from the virtual world of technology and artificial intelligence.
1. Arjun Saluja from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Character Introduction: Arjun Saluja is a successful investment banker living in London, addicted to work and struggling to balance his personal and professional life. He joins his two friends for a bachelor trip to Spain, unaware that it will transform his outlook on life.
Character Journey: Arjun represents many of us who are over-involved in work and immersed in the virtual world, disconnected from real life. His constant urge to check his phone reflects the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the devaluation of real-life experiences. It’s only when his phone is thrown out of the car that Arjun notices the beautiful landscapes of Spain for the first time, despite being surrounded by them the whole time. We often fail to appreciate the world in front of us because we’re so focused on what's happening behind the screen. You don’t need to throw your devices away, but taking a break from them can help you reconnect with the world around you.
Where to watch: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara on Netflix
2. Siddharth Mehra from Wake Up Sid (2009)
Character Introduction: Siddharth Mehra is a final-year student who lacks motivation and spends his days playing video games, partying, and ignoring life’s responsibilities. After failing his exams, he’s forced to move out of his parents' house and begin a journey of self-discovery.
Character Journey: Siddharth is creative but uninspired, escaping into his digital world instead of facing life. However, being pushed out of his comfort zone forces him to realize his true potential. As he begins to cook, work, and eventually pursue photography, Siddharth finds joy in real-life achievements, no longer limiting his identity to his online presence. This serves as a reminder: our worth is not defined by our digital footprint but by the experiences and skills we develop in the real world. Stepping away from the screen can help you discover hidden talents and find new perspectives.
Where to watch: Wake Up Sid on YouTube
3. Pradeep from Love Today (2022)
Character Introduction: Uthaman Pradeep, a 25-year-old support engineer, is in a relationship with Nikitha. However, Nikitha’s father is suspicious of Pradeep’s character and insists the couple swap phones for 24 hours to test their loyalty.
Character Journey: Pradeep’s hesitance to swap phones reflects our tendencies to hide insecurities and unhealthy desires behind our digital personas. The movie highlights the fact that we often aren’t who we appear to be online. Pradeep learns that although we can delete messages or deactivate accounts, our digital presence leaves a lasting imprint. This realization leads him to re-evaluate his online behavior and prioritize his real-life relationships. His journey reminds us that while digital interactions can mask our flaws, true personal growth happens when we nurture relationships in the real world.
Where to watch: Love Today on Netflix
4. Freya from I Am Ruth (2022)
Character Introduction: Freya, a teenager, spends most of her time online, becoming increasingly absorbed by social media. Her addiction to her phone starts to affect her mental health, body image, and overall well-being, prompting her mother to intervene.
Character Journey: Freya’s experience is a reflection of what many face today—an overwhelming absorption in social media that leads to self-doubt and anxiety. Her phone addiction consumes her life, affecting her physical and mental health. As she spirals, her mother’s intervention helps her break free from the pressures of the digital world. This film explores the complexities of growing up in a hyper-connected world, where online interactions often distort self-perception. Freya’s story reminds us of the importance of maintaining balance and staying true to ourselves, outside of the influence of social media.
Where to watch: I Am Ruth on Prime Video
5. Antony Oliver Twist from Home (2021)
Character Introduction: Antony is a struggling scriptwriter living away from his family. Embarrassed by his technologically-challenged father, he focuses on maintaining a “likeable” online presence, masking his true self.
Character Journey: Antony constantly tries to fit into an online world where his identity is curated to meet others' expectations. After facing rejection and trolling, he decides to reconnect with his family and, in the process, discovers parts of himself that he had been hiding. By collaborating with his father on a story, Antony realizes the value of being “perfectly imperfect” and learns that true self-confidence comes from accepting who we are, not seeking validation online. His story highlights the importance of embracing authenticity over digital appearances.
Where to watch: Home on Prime Video
6. Dhunu from Village Rockstars (2017)
Character Introduction: Dhunu is a 10-year-old girl living in a small village in Assam. Despite living in poverty, she dreams of joining a rock band and creating her own music, relying on her resourcefulness instead of digital tools.
Character Journey: Dhunu’s story is a reminder of how inspiration can come from the world around us, without the need for constant connection to the digital space. In today’s world, when we want to learn a new skill, we often turn to online resources. Dhunu, however, finds creativity and joy in the simple pleasures of life, constructing her own guitar from cardboard. Her story encourages us to step away from our screens and explore the beauty and art that exists in our everyday lives—something we often overlook in our hyper-digitalized world.
Where to watch: Village Rockstars on Netflix
In conclusion, each of these characters reflects a common thread: stepping away from the digital world often leads to a greater sense of self-awareness, confidence, and purpose. Whether it’s appreciating the present moment, discovering hidden talents, or rebuilding relationships, taking a break from screens allows us to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.
-Chandrani and Rijul
