Anyone who's done his Bachelor's in Engineering can relate to the new Aamir Khan movie - 3 Idiots. But more importantly anyone who has not, can do so too. And quite easily. That is reassuring, because, if a movie has a niche demography as target in mind and still forms a coalition of audience of absolutely diverse colors, you hit the bulls eye!
I guess that is what happened with 3 Idiots. It hit the sweet spot and Rajkumar Hirani (a Nagpurkar, incidentally), continued his winning streak. 3 strikes in a row.What a run he has had so far!
But lets get something out of the way before talking of the movie itself.
Without indulging in over analysis of the so called controversy surrounding the post release, lets just call spade a spade. Anyone who's read Chetan Bhagat's '5 Point Someone' should know, the movie was NOT loosely , but tightly based on his popular novel that has already sold millions of copies.
But then again, to be fair to the '3 Idiots' team, they did not break any contract. They were legally bound to mention Bhagat's name only in the end credits and they did just that. So Mr. Bhagat should stop crying foul already. If he wasn't aware of how the industry works, well, too bad. Welcome to Bollywood, mister.
Now to the movie. 10 out of 10 to Aamir Khan. For one he *looks* super cool and pulls of a college grad like no one (the other 2 co-stars look much older) and then he also improvises every bit, scene by scene. Awesome is the word. And mind you, this coming from someone who's not an Aamir Khan fan at all. In fact I hated him in Gajini to the core.
Then I should follow up with real praise for Miss Kareena Kapoor. Boy! did she have a grip on this one. And how! Her screen presence is terrific and she holds her own, even without a significant role or author backed script. There was nothing for her in it, and yet that scene where she rebels against her super strict father was stellar.
(Ok. So I am a KK fan. Big deal)
The surprise of course is Omi Vaidya a.k.a Chatur. He brings about enough entertainment by himself to make it full vasool.
But my highest praise would be reserved for Rajkumar Hirani. I think he has nailed it. He knows the Indian pulse. Or at least the Indian middle class pulse. He has his signature almost on every frame of the movie. It was a job well done.
Vidhu Vinod Chopra, the producer is already laughing his way to the bank with 100 crores from just Indian market in first few weeks. He's got a director with a Midas touch. He should do good to retain him.
One quick note : Me and my wife were unsuccessful to get the tickets in our Chicago suburb for first time. So we went again and were lucky for round two. I just think, this could be the biggest overseas hit ever. I say this as I have never returned back from a theatre for a house full for Hindi cinema. But we'll see.
Overall the movie is likable. As I said, it has the signature Hirani "feel goodness" about it. People uniting against a common evil and changing minds and hearts without destruction has been his premise for all his stories. This was no different. With a pinch of salt and spice, an appropriate amount of humor and sweetness, and some bitterness here and there, he created a tasty dish. And I have to say, I would like to consume this delicious dish again.
It was GOOD.Period.
Author Kautilya blogs at honestlynagpur.blogspot.com
Editor's Note
Rajkumar Hirani's journey from Nagpur to being one of top Bollywood Director has been truly amazing - something that every Nagpurian will be proud of! Here is a small peek at one of his earliest work
The fevicol ad - Directed by Rajkumar Hirani. And you get to see his acting skills too! Enjoy.
