3 Idiots - Review

Going by a popular belief, I always had this conception that Aamir Khan must be a pain in the ass for his directors by interfering in the garb of being a perfectionist. After watching Ghajini and now 3 Idiots, I feel the myth is somewhat broken. Both the films have distinct styles of film-making that can be considered the trademark of the directors at the helm and not of Aamir. The other thing I noted was the earnestness with which Raju Hirani makes films. The Munnabhai series and now 3 Idiots use oft seen emotions and clichéd filmi dialogues but they still connect with the audience. It can only be the conviction of the director that can see a film through and Raj Kumar Hirani has come out with flying colors each time.

Talking about Hirani's latest offering - 3 Idiots, it is certainly not 5 Point Someone. It is inspired from it and does borrow a thing or two here and there but nothing beyond that. The message behind the film is to follow one’s passion and strive for excellence rather than run behind success. 3 Idiots is about three guys – Raju (Sharman), Farhan (Madhavan) and Rancho (Aamir), their learning experiences, life in an engineering college and in general. As Raju and Farhan go about searching for Rancho after 10 years of their graduation, their stories are told in a flashback. Kareena plays the love interest of Rancho and happens to be the daughter of the epitome of competitiveness, Prof Viru Sahastrabuddhi (Bomman Irani) aka Virus. Another character Chatur (Omi) gets to play the quintessential ‘running after success’ guy who owns a Lamborghini, owns a multi-million dollar home in the US but still ends up being a loser in the end.

The film touches up on the mental pressure aspect of being in a fiercely competitive world. It deals with parental aspirations that thrust an average middle class guy into doing things that his heart is not into. The film also deals with issues like suicides in colleges due to academic pressure. To aid the film’s director in the process, there is an exceptionally talented group of actors who make sure that the message comes out well and in a non-preachy form. There are a lot of light moments in the film that bring a smile to your face and an equal number of emotional moments that could moisten a few eyes. The music is good and goes well with the mood of the film. Aal Izz Well is a hit already.

One problem that I find with the film is the length. The baby delivery scene seems prolonged. The Jaaved Jaafery angle doesn’t make much sense and I don’t understand why they needed to show someone (Chatur) in poor light despite him making it big materialistically following his passion. Didn’t he bet to come back rich after 10 years and did as promised? For sure Chatur’s character was that of an irritating sore loser but why not give credit to the guy who got what his passion was - material success! I feel the need was more cinematic than anything else. Rancho’s character does seem like a bigger hero when compared to a materialistically successful yet a loser like Chatur. My philosophies may be flawed and are definitely non-consequential in the context of the film so lets just move on.

I would rate 3 Idiots 3.5 or probably 4 out of 5. Its not a film that is path breaking but is definitely a must watch. Unlike Ghajini that was more froth and less substance, 3 Idiots has a soul in place.