Friday, December 3, 2010

A GUZAARISH TO REMEMBER - Film Review



I have always been in two minds about Sanjay Leela Bhansali's films which swing between the lavish and the stern... Consequently, I started watching 'Guzaarish' ('A Request') without much expectation. As the first frames appeared with a stunning as always Aishwarya Rai in the role of a nurse who looks like a porcelaine doll with perfect earrings and wine red lips, I confess the Westerner in me thought the film would not reel me in. To my surprise however, I gradually got used to Bhansali's visuals and initially peculiar use of melodrama. Soon, against my initial thoughts, the story, the characters and the subject built a bridge and I found myself gladly weaving my way through a Goan maze of majestic architecture, rainy scenery and questions about life itself. READ MORE >

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

ATUL KULKARNI and NATARANG Rule the Roost - Interview & Film Review



Better late than never, the Hindi Cinema Blog has finally managed to watch the unmissable and highly acclaimed 'Natarang', Ravi Jadhav's filmic anthem to a man's passion for art and to standing for what one believes in, based on a novel by Dr. Anand Yadav. A story that has the capability of stirring audiences throughout the world, this is unquestionably one of the best Indian films we have come across this 2010!
'Natarang' is set in the 1970s and is the story of Guna, a village wrestler with a love for Maharashtrian popular theatre (tamasha) who decides to create his own village troupe when he and his friends are suddenly hit by unemployment. Strong and manly, Guna dreams of writing a play in which he will portray a king but things take a different turn as he becomes confronted with the choice of playing a 'nachya' (effeminate character), without which he would have to say goodbye to any possibility of making his artistic dreams come true. The film about his ravaging passion for popular theatre begins as a lighthearted story and progressively evolves towards the dramatic destiny of its main character as the plot thickens. 'Natarang' touches such sensitive subjects as gender roles and expectations in 1970s Maharashtra, the fear ofsurpassing oneself, art politics, family ties and society's prejudices. READ MORE >>

Monday, September 13, 2010

DABANGG! Vintage Masala's Resurrection!



Bollywood-born Robinhood, Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) is capable of crying but still masculine to the core, in true Hindi cinema style. And did anyone say 'fear'? That is certainly a concept unknown to this 'Dabangg' hero (I can still hear a trail of ladies sighing as they come out of the cinema hall).
Cop... lover... rebel Chulbul happens to lose his attachment to family in his childhood when his widowed mother, Naini (Dimple Kapadia), marries Prajapati Pandey (Vinod Khanna), with whom she has son Makhanchan (Arbaaz Khan). Chulbul will only find the worth of family ties later down the line, once he meets and decides to marry exquisite Rajo (Sonakshi Sinha). READ MORE >>

Monday, May 24, 2010

KITES may fail to impress international audiences



Beautiful looking starrers (Greek god Hrithik Roshan and Uruguayan princess Barbara Mori) and a good-looking supporting cast (Kabir Bedi, Kangna Ranaut), lots of action, a bit of imaginary chilli pepper sprinkled here in the form of Mexican "andele, andele!" and another dash of luxury or US Western locations there and you've got a mindblowing worlwide hit, right?

Well... Sorry to say... No.
'Kites' is likely to be a let down, particularly for Latin American and American audiences who will likely be fed a film that does not really take the trouble to appeal to their cultural sensitivity. A film that focuses on Hrithik Roshan but fails to duly bring forward his talent by an evident lack of script/story will certainly make ladies drool and men make summer resolutions to hit the gym but possibly not much else. READ MORE >>

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

TUM MILO TO SAHI A lukewarm meeting of souls




'Tum Milo Toh Sahi' is a film I personally placed high expectations on, mainly due to the promise of watching its veteran actors and to its central theme: generation and life differences in an ever evolving India at the height of modernization.

The film concentrates on the story of 3 Mumbaikar couples whose lives come into contact due to the greedy purchase of a traditional and cozy coffeehouse by a powerful multinational. READ MORE >>

Saturday, April 24, 2010

ROAD, MOVIE: The Power of Cinema


Are you keen to watch an ode to the magic of cinema? ‘Road, Movie’ is the subtle answer. Dev Benegal, known for ‘English August’, pays tribute through this new film to the father of modern home cinema: yes sir, the good ol’ moving cinema, capable of taking fantasy, drama and laughter to India’s most remote corners.

Vishnu (Abhay Deol) sees the opportunity to drive an uncle’s old truck across the desert, in quest of anything that takes him far away, towards a life of adventure. During the course of his journey, he constantly strives to find water, both to quench his thirst and in seeking a seaside town as his destination. His travels are punctuated by encounters with those who will become his companions along the way. READ MORE >>

Sunday, March 28, 2010

WANTED film review

Today we are glad to feature one of the fantastic reviews being written by the Italian Cine Hindi blog. We are thus very proud to have Diana's insightful review of "Wanted", Salman Khan's latest mega-hit film. A big hello to the knowledgeable team in Italy, with whom we are happy to be establishing a more regular collaboration. Ciao a tutte!
(The original review , written in Italian may be found here).




‘Wanted’ is the Hindi remake of the highly successful Tamil film, ‘Pokkiri’ which was directed by Prabhu Dheva, in charge of directing also the current Hindi version.

‘Wanted’ was released in September last year and may be considered as the most exciting film to be released in 2009. The audience’s acclaim immediately catapulted it to super-hit status within the first week of its release. Critical acclaim additionally ensued, resulting in ‘Wanted’ sweeping away competition from 'Dil Bole Hadippa!' which had released the same weekend. This is undoubtedly due to the film’s perfectly scrumptious mix of action, humour, music, romance and drama in true Indian style: Voilà! Bollywood in all its glorious splendour!


THE PLOT
Radhe (Salman Khan) is a professional killer working for the mafia bosses that share the control of organised crime in Mumbai. He is involved in their gangland wars but works only for money.



Amongst corrupt politicians, crooked cops and criminals, he meets Jhanvi (Ayesha Takia), young, beautiful and naïve, with the vital statistics of a pin-up girl. The two fall in love but the odds are stacked against Radhe, a killer, and the gentle Jhanvi.

‘Wanted’ is an action film with a fluid and enthralling plot. The story’s characters are well-conceived, particularly the despiteful Inspector Talpade (one would have a difficult time imagining a more smarmy policeman). The soundtrack and choreography are also very pleasant and enjoyable. The same amount of attention and care has been put into treating both the romance in the film and the inventive and enthusiastic shoot-outs and brawls. The entire cast has delivered fine performances. Humour and entertainment in spades, ‘Wanted’ is definitely a film not to be missed.


WHAT WORKS:
* Salman Khan, Salman Khan, Salman Khan: a vibrant dancer, an invincible fighting machine, a lovable but caustic boyfriend.



* Salman Khan again, who in the 33rd and 57th minute takes the flowers from a small vase and drinks the water.



* All the action scenes



* All the scenes between Radhe and Jhanvi



* The soundtrack, in particular the ‘Dil Leke’ track, which has been picturized in breathtaking Santorini, creating the perfect atmosphere for a passionate love story or a romantic honeymoon. (Note from HCB: Check out the video of the song and the lyrics, translated to English, by clicking here)



WHAT DOESN’T:
* Nothing!
Perhaps, purely for the sake of argument, the ending between the two lovers could have been more impassioned, but there is already talk of a sequel. To see more of Radhe and Jhanvi together, we will just have to be patient.



TRIVIA TIDBITS
* The picturization of ‘Jalwa’ features a nice cameo performance from Prabhu Deva, Govinda and Anil Kapoor.



* Both Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are named in the film.



* Wanted by Prabhu Deva is the Hindi remake of ‘Pokkiri’, also directed by Prabhu Deva. ‘Pokkiri’ in turn, is a Tamil remake of ‘Pokkiri’ a film made in Telugu and directed by Mahesh Babu.

Cast
Radhe/Rajveer Shekhawat - Salman Khan
Jhanvi - Ayesha Takia (No Smoking, Dor)
Inspector Talpade - Mahesh Manjrekar (Slumdog Millionaire)
Gani Bhai - Prakash Rai
Golden - Aseem Merchant
Ashraf Khan - Govind Namdeo
Inder Kumar - Ajay
Vinod Khanna - Shrikant Shekhawat
Daniel Malik - Landlord
Mishal Mlaik - Jhanvi's Mother

Directed by Prabhu Deva


Produced by Boney Kapoor


Music by brothers Sajid (Main Aurr Mrs Khanna) and Wajid Ali (Welcome)
Buy the ‘Wanted’ soundtrack on Itunes.


Choreography:
Raju Sundaram (Kaminey)
Vaibhavi Merchant (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
Rajiv Surti (Main Aurr Mrs Khanna)
Vishnudeva (Fast Forward)

Released: 2009

Distributed by Eros Enterainment
 
Written by: Diana
Edited by: Aline CineHindi

Monday, March 22, 2010

TOP 10 “WOW” MOMENTS in recent Hindi Films


by: ASHU

The lights in the theatre dim….the giant screen lights up…the sounds resonate and the colors dance…for the next 2 hours or so, I am transported into a wonderful world. A world full of song and dance, tears and smiles, horror and delight, romance and comedy…That's the magic of Hindi films!

Recently I got thinking about what are some of the moments from some recent Hindi films that have stayed on with me. Moments that have been the money's worth (paisa vasool as they say in Hindi) and moments that have made me fall in love with Bollywood even more.

Here I reproduce for you my top 10 moments


Number 10
The title song from Om Shanti Om


Just getting the 33 stars together for a 5 minute sequence has made Farah Khan, the director, earn a place in the pages of Bollywood history. For many of us the song will serve as a bookmark in our memories of the Bollywood, as it stands today!


Number 9
The train robbery sequence from Dhoom 2


Sets your pulse racing right at the beginning of the film and is an apt teaser of the excitement to follow. Reminds you of the famous train and horses sequence from the classic "Sholay".


Number 8
The introduction scene of Hrithik in Krrish


An "a-ha!" moment for all fans of Swadesi…finally we have our own desi superhero.


Number 7
The climax of "Don"


The 'junglee billi"(wild cat) line from the older version is used so effectively to give a big twist to the tail..oops tale! Makes you start wondering about whether a Don 2 is around the corner…and now we know that it is!!!

Number 6
Guru- Climax


As Abhishek Bachchan asks a stadium full of his shareholders if they want to become the biggest company in the world, your chest swells with Indian pride. A fabulous performance by the junior B which will probably be counted among his finest but which unfortunately was ignored by film awards…

Number 5
Waheeda Rehman receiving the belongings of her dead pilot son in Rang De Basanti.



She stumbles, as if about to faint but then manages to compose herself. A wonderful scene enacted beautifully by one of the greats of Hindi cinema. Lata Mangeshkar's endearing voice in the background singing one of Rehman's best compositions till date also adds to the emotional tones of the scene.

Number 4
Munna Bhai apologizing to Circuit in Lage Raho Munnabhai at behest of Bapu


A rare poignant moment between the otherwise trigger happy comic characters which displays the strength of their bond. Also a profound take on how apologizing may not be the easiest, but is always the right thing to do

Number 3
The "70 minute" speech from Chak De


It is a somber and emotional moment as Shah Rukh Khan- the coach , tells his girls to grab those seventy minutes from anyone who has ever doubted their ability to achieve their dreams. The different stories of all girls flash before your eyes and then you realize that you want them all to win as much as their coach


Number 2
The song 'Khwaja' from Jodhaa Akbar


Never before has the essence of a song been so beautifully captured on celluloid…the expressions of the singers on screen are amazing and by the end its not just Akbar who reaches spiritual ecstasy but the audience as well…

Number 1
The Painting competition from Taare Zameen par






Probably the most natural looking sequence on Hindi film screen ever. Could be any school painting competition, anywhere… and therein lies the brilliance of the picturization. The background song adds to the mood and builds to a crescendo just like the audience's expectations… and finally the masterpieces by the teacher and student are revealed!

Post written by ASHU

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

MY NAME IS KHAN Film Review



'My Name is Khan' is Dharma Productions latest blockbuster, featuring "Shahjol", who all audiences were impatient to watch together once again. The film tells the touching story of a Muslim, Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), who is all but a terrorist. It searches to portray his life with Hindu Mandira (Kajol) and her son Sameer. The story concentrates on the change that took place in Western mentalities regarding the Muslim community after the tragic events of 9/11.

The film's first part is enjoyable. The very beginning concentrates on Rizwan's childhood, featuring an excellent performance by Tanay Chheda. The story, plot and acting are bang on. Spectators are slowly pulled into what seems like a well worked independent film. The mood changes though as an adult Rizwan appears and the film begins to have a feel that is more characteristic of big Hindi film productions.

All in all, MNIK is a good entertainer. Shah Rukh Khan is endearing in a role in which his subdued charm plays its magic without him having to act as the conventional and flamboyant romantic hero, delivering what could be considered as his best performance since 'Chak De India!'. Kajol lights up the screen with her sunny presence. She is masterful in her role and her chemistry with her fellow lead actor is palpable.

The sole faults of MNIK if there are any to be pointed out, are that director Karan Johar had much to say and it is difficult to fit it all into one film (the Wilhemina hurricane sequences are in my honest opinion partly off the subject). It also has a certain repetitiveness and several incongruencies in its script that might keep the film from becoming an all out international entertainer, which is sad, because the message that the film carries is worthy of being heard by all audiences.

Script tightness is often a sure bet with foreign audiences. Despite having roped in Syd Field* as a screenplay consultant, the film's inconsistencies and shortcuts appear blatant. Why is the main character shown going through USA immigration if he has never left the country in search of his goal: speaking to the President of the United States? Why is Shah Rukh Khan acting mentally challenged in some sequences when he clearly only has Aspergers syndrome? Why is the passing away of one of the characters labelled as a racial crime if no racial slurs are heard when he is being agressed? Why is so much emphasis placed on the name Khan, if the name is irrelevant to anyone in America? Indeed, seldom any American would be able to make a difference between Khan and Khanna, not knowing that the first is bound to be the name of a person of Muslim confession.

To its merit, MNIK depicts Westerners in a more positive light than most Hindi films, even though it legitimately concentrates on pointing a finger at the West's darkest and most irrational fears regarding Muslim culture.

Karan Johar has been labelled as a universalist by some or as being in love with America by others. MNIK is his noble attempt to say that his love of all cultures will not keep him from expressing constructive criticism. The film is a fine entertainer, in large part due to its cast and suitable music, as well as many memorable moments in the script in which the director skillfully tugs at the heart's strings, making the audience sing, laugh or weep.

What is important to take home from the cinema hall is that all of us belong to humanity and are equal. All of us deserve love and respect. A positive moral for an endearing story.
Directed by Karan Johar

Writing credits:
Shibani Bathija (story and screenplay)
Niranjan Iyengar (dialogue)


Cast
Shahrukh Khan ... Rizwan Khan
Kajol ... Mandira
Steffany Huckaby ... Kathy Baker
Tanay Chheda ... Rizwan Khan as a child

* Syd Field is a renowned counselor in screenplay writing and has written several succesful books on the subject.
 
I would like to thank Joanna, who is a special needs specialist, for providing information on Aspergers syndrome, allowing us to understand Rizwan's character better.

Monday, February 1, 2010

VEER - A Bolly-dream of another age


A much talked about and awaited film, 'Veer', despite Salman Khan's effort and involvement, tends to leave the audience exhausted after what seems like a wild and incongruous ride in a time machine.

Take films like 'Pirates of the Caribbean', 'He-Man' or even 'Braveheart'. Add a dose of splendourous images, epoch film moments featuring a beautiful girl and scenes with Indian festivals thrown in and...shazam! You have 'Veer'!

The plot concentrates on a Rajputana tribe who parties, drinks and kills, sometimes with a good helping of gore, while at the same time wearing impressive pirate-like or soldier outfits that are not historically identifiable. The tribe is betrayed by the king of Madhavgarh (Jackie Shroff), who acts in favor of the British. Veer and Punya (Salman and Sohail Khan), two of the tribe's young members, are sent to London in order to understand the British mindset and use this information to the advantage of their clan. Veer, however, falls in love with Madhavgarh's princess, making matters a little more complicated, as would usually have a typical Bolly-drama.

It is sad to see that a film in which so much splendour and energy has been placed has failed to put true soul into its story. In spite of an attractive soundtrack, lavish sets and some fun choreographies, 'Veer' fails to impress, mainly due to an underdeveloped plot and a thoroughly illogic script.

If you are a huge Salman Khan fan or if you care little about a logical plot and wish to watch a modern film that still features some of Bollywood's most ancient clichés: strong melodrama, good looking people in heavy clothing and colourful decors, by all means do watch 'Veer'. If not, you might want to wait for Salman's next releases or give another one of his past films a rewatch instead.

Directed by Anil Sharma

Screenplay: Salman Khan, Shaktimaan, Shailesh Verma

Cast:
Salman Khan
Zarine Khan
Bianca Van Varenberg
Mithun Chakraborty
Jackie Shroff
Lisa Lazarus
Sohail Khan 

Produced by  Vijay Galani


Original Music and lyrics by Sajid-Wajid and Gulzar

Friday, January 22, 2010

BEST HINDI FILMS 2009 FOR DUMMIES

Hindi cinema is such a vast universe that coming up with a hot list for 2009 seemed daunting (it would be even harder to come up with a "Films of the Decade" list, but we still have a couple of months to write that one).

We decided to concentrate on films that we believe would appeal to an international audience. If we were Hindi film "pushers", what would we show uninitiated and non-Indian friends in order to convert them? 

Here is the Hindi Cinema Blog's international pick for Best Hindi 2009 Film Releases:





Quick Gun Murugun: Be it as the first or last course of a filmi meal, 'Quick Gun Murugun' is a delicious satyre of everything a Hindi film virgin imagines Indian films are. Forget the difference between North Indian and South Indian films. The foreign common viewpoint is that Indian cinema is a mix of colours and dance, sprinkled with improbable script turns, action, love stories and a cheesy dialogue here and there. Well... 'Quick Gun Murugun' blends all these prejudices in a shaker and serves them as a clever and quirky cocktail, ensuring surefire entertainment for everyone: Hindi film buffs, Tamil film buffs and complete foreigners to the whole Indian film scene in general. Now that calls for one Masala Dosa with sambhar, I say!



Kurbaan: Do you want a full-fledged Hindi film experience? Despite a couple of loopholes here and there, particularly in the New York scenes, our vote goes to 'Kurbaan' for the beautiful visuals, performances, fabulous soundtrack, plot and climax. We believe it is one of the most honest attempts in mainstream Indian cinema to treat the delicate subject of terrorism and can definitely be considered international class entertainment.



3 Idiots: The year was marked by the undisputable victory at the box office of Rajkumar Hirani's '3 Idiots', which will undoubtedly continue collecting praise well after 2009 is gone and forgotten. Pulsating rhythm, optimism and a humanistic core give this film a high feel-good and entertainment quotient. There is something in it for everyone, whether it is great laughs or soul touching moments. Don't miss it. 


Kaminey: A two-hour ride of unpredictable violence and stirring action, featuring Shahid Kapoor in an extremely convincing double role and Priyanka Chopra looking (praise the lord) as the girl next door and thus finally allowing viewers to concentrate on her acting instead of her looks. Kaminey is what we can call "thinking cinema", with each minute sincerely serving its purpose. Add to that a magnificent soundtrack and... Dhan te nan! You've got hot film material.



Firaaq: Nandita Das paints a disturbing and thought-provoking canvas in 'Firaaq', giving us a fictionalized account based on the Gujarat riots (2002) between Hindus and Muslims. Marvellously well cast, the story entwines the lives of 6 normal people who are affected by the communal violence taking place around them. No rose-coloured glasses are used in this story, despite all the escapism preconceptions that are spread about Hindi films among foreign viewers. A must watch. 



Wake up Sid!: 2009 is the year that had us going back to school with '3 Idiots' and Dharma production's fresh, lively and youthful 'Wake Up Sid!'. Where other movies have failed to bring Ranbir Kapoor's full talent to the fore, this lighthearted film particularly succeeds. Is it the fact that they have cast him alongside a consistently excellent Konkona Sen Sharma? Is it the script? Who knows... but it works! Check out its soundtrack and the final hug scene (sorry guys, couldn't help it). You will come out of the cinema experience smiling, as if you had just received a big hug yourself.

Hopefully, this new year will bring plenty of amazing films, making more and more people abroad realize the international entertainment potential of Hindi films. Now that we have revealed our personal favorites, let us mention some of the films that made it to the 2009 runners-up list. Just in case your friends become as addicted to Hindi cinema as you are and are willing to take their experience a step further:

Luck by Chance (dir. by Zoya Akhtar, starring Farhan Akhtar and Konkona Sen Sharma) Insightful movie about the film industry in India. Mindblowing soundtrack.

Barah Aana (dir. by Raja Menon, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Raaz and Arjun Mathur) An unconvential view on the reasons behind organized kidnappings.

Videsh (Heaven on Earth): (dir. by Deepa Mehta, starring Preity Zinta) A beautiful Indian bride moves with her husband's family to Canada. She finds her inner self  and her strength when she is confronted to domestic violence and her new family's hostility.

Little Zizou (English language film by Indian film maker Mira Nair) A sweet and fun tale about a Parsi little boy who dreams of meeting football star Zidane.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

An International Take on 3 IDIOTS





3 Idiots is Rajkumar Hirani’s newest directorial venture and has become the biggest grosser in the history of Indian cinema in a matter of days after its release. The 3 members of our international film review team at the Hindi Cinema blog have watched the film in each of their respective locations around the world and are eager to give their take on it to you, our readers. Given that they are known to interrupt each other constantly, they have roped in journalist Woogie McFinklestein, correspondent for “Idiots Weekly Magazine”, to try and collect their opinions in the form of a civilized interview. Let us see if he succeeds.

 Warning: This interview contains spoilers.



What was your reaction upon seeing “3 idiots” for the first time?

Joanna: I had the biggest goofy grin on my face!

Aline: You look like that all the time, Joanna.

Joanna: Well, bigger and goofier! I wanted to immediately walk back up to the box office and buy tickets for the next show.

Pushker: I thought: “Brilliant! Enchanting! Lively! Got to go back again!"

Aline: I wanted to shout "I am an Idiot!" and then tell bystanders: "aal izz well, aal izz well" and take pictures of them all with their astonished faces, advising them to chase excellence and make viruses happy.


Did any part of the story make you cry?

Pushker: I don’t cry! What kind of question is this?

Aline: Pushker, weren’t you crying a minute ago screaming “I don’t want to give an interview!”? We had to pull you through that door…

Pushker: That was not me. That must have been Joanna who has a bad hair day.

Joanna: My hair is fine thank you and says hi!

Pushker: Well, to tell you the truth, my heart skipped a few beats and I got a lump in my throat when Raju's mother visits the hospital in her new sari.

Joanna: Honestly, I didn’t cry the first time I saw the film. However, upon second viewing I also cried during the sari scene and when Virus gifts Rancho his pen (gets weepy). See? I am getting emotional all over again, let me find my handkerchief.

Aline: I cried during several scenes and got goosebumps on Joy’s final scene but was mainly moved by the baby delivery one and entirely wept my way through it...

Joanna: Aline, seriously? You didn’t think it was a bit…filmy?

Aline: To me, if the whole film had not worked for me but there was still this one great scene, I would recommend watching the whole film just for that.

Joanna: (Blows her nose) If Rancho was coming at me with that home-made vacuum contraption, I wouldn’t just cry…I’d scream in horror! (Pushker leaves the room).




What made you laugh?

Aline: So many parts of the film were a riot! Rancho’s first appearance, the exam paper mixup and…

Joanna: I loved the scene where Pia (Kareena) compared the names of Gujarati foods to missiles. "Bush just dropped two Dhoklas on Iraq....." That was a great piece of writing and she delivered it well.

Aline: …the machine definition scene and the urn scene will become classics. So many to choose from! It is an extremely well written script. I was also itching to dance to Zoobi Doobi. Such a fun and sweet depiction!

Joanna: I keep getting interrupted, I wasn’t done with my list of fun scenes.

Aline: You interrupted me first.

Pushker: (back in the room, hands a hairbrush to Joanna) Here Joanna. Better hair means better mood.


Now, do you think Aamir Khan was really able to convince the audience to forget his true age?

Pushker: Age? What age? My wife and both my daughters wouldn’t mind going out on a date with him!

Joanna: They aren't the only ones. (Everyone looks at her.) I mean my friend...you don't know her. She lives in Utah.

Aline: Sure, Joanna. We believe you (winks at Pushker.) It was quite something to see Aamir with such an innocent look on his face. Even his voice sounded younger, to such a point that I forgot it was actually him.





Is there one particular scene that…

Joanna: Hey wait, I haven’t answered the question yet!


Well yes, but…

Joanna: Aamir Khan was brilliant. I think a lot of it comes from who he really is at his core. I’m so happy that he still seems to have a deep connection to his inner child.


Fine. So… is there one particular scene that defines the film?

Aline: Apart from all the moments in which Rancho thinks out of the box, which I think was the whole point of the film, I would say the birth scene.

Joanna: Not again! (Leans back against the chair and rolls her eyes.)

Aline: It has all of the power of Rancho's "aal izz well" in it and then... I always marvel at watching a birth, even fictional.

Pushker: That is too sentimental, Aline! I personally feel the scene that made it for me was the “Balatkar” speech. I was falling off my seat with laughter, like the rest of the audience.

Joanna: Silencer! (Laughs)




But guys, for me, it was more of a sequence than a single scene, beginning with the main suicide attempt and ending with a forgiving father. These were to me the crux of the statement that the director was trying to make. It was the lowest of lows, and the highest of highs. What do you think?

Aline: Did he just answer the question for us?

Pushker: It is the “Balatkar” speech yaar, what are you talking about!

Joanna: (upset) Hey Mr. McFinklestein, no offense, but you are here to interview us and now I have no answer because you just took the words right out of my mouth!

Sorry.

Joanna: What sort of an interview is this? I refuse to be a part of it. (storms out of the room.)

(Aline and Pushker shrug)


What other character apart from Rancho stands out in the film?

Pushker and Aline: Chathur!

Aline: And Virus. He was a wonderful creation and it had outstanding work by Boman Irani.

Joanna: (screams from the neighboring room): Rajuuuuu!




Describe the message you took home from "3 Idiots."

Pushker: Much more than a comedy, “3 Idiots” asks questions and gives insight to the basic need of self realization, opening up the human mind and reaching out to the natural instinct of growth.

Aline: How am I ever going to give a better definition than that? This is unfair! (leaves the room, crossing Joanna at the doorway, who was on her way back).


Can you get her (Aline) back here?

Joanna: No. I can’t stand her today.

Pushker: Let her be.


You people keep leaving the room! I am determined to win my challenge of keeping you all together throughout the interview. Go get her! (bangs his fist on the table) Now!

(Pushker leaves his chair and heads to the neighboring room. He reappears grudgingly pulling Aline behind him. Aline is leafing a book).

Aline: I have a quote to summarize the film message! “Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day”!*

Joanna: So which one are you, Aline, stupid or idiot?

Aline: The film also says that we need to fool our hearts to think positive when dealing with difficult situations and people (gives Joanna a dark stare).


Do you want to add anything?

Aline: We all would like to say that Rancho made us think of a grown up Ishaan**… Right guys? And that I found even the background music really good.

Joanna: The film is also very well cast. Everyone including the secondary roles did an excellent job.




Just one last question, how would you rate the film?

Joanna: Ok guys, ready? 1… 2… 3!

All: AAL IZZ WELL!


It seems as if Woogie McFinklestein has succeeded in making these 3 international idiots remain friends during an entire interview (phew!). Check out the video in which they pay homage to the way 3 Idiots was promoted before its release, featuring an incognito Aamir Khan (Rancho) travelling throughout India. Did these three reviewers and budding investigators manage to find him before the film's premiere? Find out here

* Original phrase by Samuel Goldwyn.

** The name "Ishaan" makes reference to Ishaan Awasthi, the main character of Aamir Khan's acclaimed film ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

 
Film: 3 Idiots
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi, R Madhavan, Kareena Kapoor
Producer: Vidu Vinod Chopra
Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes

Rating: 5*


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3 Idiots lyrics translations by Ashu