3 Idiots: A Movie Review

I finished writing my 3 Idiots film review just before midnight yesterday, and I'm quite happy with it. I don't know, though, if it's the kind of review they're expecting from me at the Flame. I really loved the film, and if I didn't give it justice with my review, then I'm doomed. Here it is:

3 Idiots: A Movie Review

Dubbed as the perfect end to an exciting year for India by The Times of India, the 2009 blockbuster hit, 3 Idiots, written and directed by well-renowned and award-winning director Rajkumar Hirani, is, indeed, a ridiculously hilarious comedy with a soul that tugs at heartstrings without much heavy dramatic tension.

        

The film, inspired by the novel “Five Point Someone” by Chetan Bhagat, is a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and chasing one’s dream. But, contrary to other films revolving around the same themes, 3 Idiots is extremely comical, witty, and no scene within its 160-minute running time could be considered boring.

                

Shot in India’s most scenic locations, including Shimla and Ladakh, which boasts the country’s breathtaking mountain ranges and clear waters, the cinematography is simply captivating. The storyline is also creatively plotted down which will keep the viewer guessing till the very end. And keeping the Bollywood movie tradition alive, musical numbers with very catchy and dance-able tunes like “Zoobi Doobi” and “Aal Izz Well” can be seen in many parts of the film.

                

The story behind the 3 Idiots unfolds on the fifth of September when college friends Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan) and Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi) reunite and embark on a journey with a former classmate, Chatur Ramalingam (Omi Vaidya), to search for their long-lost best friend, Ranchhodas “Rancho” Shamaldas Chanchad, who disappeared right after graduation. Their aim was to settle a bet made ten years ago on the same day – who will be more successful, the bookish Chatur who memorises just about everything, or the free-spirited genius Rancho, who topped every exam?

                

The trip to Shimla and then to Ladakh, where Rancho’s whereabouts led them, allowed Farhan to narrate the story of his friendship with Raju and Rancho. Through flashbacks, the story is taken back in time when they were students at the prestigious Imperial College of Engineering.

               

Farhan was a young man reluctantly pursuing the major in order to please his father. But his true passion lies in wildlife photography. Raju, on the other hand, came from a poor family. He endlessly begged for favours from God, in the hopes that his future profession will lift his family from poverty. And finally, there’s Rancho, who was studying engineering simply for his love of machines. Together, the trio takes on four excruciating years of madness, battling the fear of failing, falling in love with the terror director’s daughter, and following one’s dream.

                

The actors in the film are highly commendable, as they delivered their respective roles flawlessly.

                

R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi are the perfect picks for doubling the trouble. The villains are impeccably portrayed by Boman Irani, the college director, Viru Sahastrabudhhe, better known as “Virus”, and Omi Vaidya, who never failed to annoy with Chatur’s irritating antics. The lovely Kareena Kapoor, who portrayed the role of Pia, Virus’ daughter, added sweetness and glam to the movie. And, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan played the 20-ish character Rancho believably, even at his mid-40’s.

                

Looking up at all its laudable qualities, it’s no surprise that 3 Idiots is the highest grosser in Indian Cinema, breaking all records across Indian and international markets.

                

For most, 3 Idiots is a comic relief amidst the very competitive nature of motion pictures, but it’s more than just that. With Chinese, Italian, and Hollywood remakes on-talks, it just proves that 3 Idiots raised the bar of comedy. Daft and pathetic humour is out, while sincere, satirical, and ingenious masterpieces are in. Leaving it like that, it is safe to say “Aal izz well”, when it comes to the future of funny flicks.

                

Calling 3 Idiots a must-see movie would be a big understatement, as it is – pants down – a remarkable film you won’t soon forget.

♥Andz