Aal izz well
February 2010
3 idiots; Cast: Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman Irani, Omi; Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra; Director: Rajkumar Hirani; Music: Shantanu Moitra
After the mantras of ’Jaadu ki jhappi’ in ’Munnabhai, MBBS’ and Gandhigiri in Lage Raho Munnabhai, Rajkumar Hirani introduces a new mantra of well-being ‘Aal izz well’ in 3 Idiots.In his trademark style, Hirani grabs your attention from scene one with an unconventional opening to the film. Thereafter every single scene written in the screenplay (by Hirani and Abhijit Joshi) is not just relevant but also has a clear set objective – to be funny or deeply poignant. Which means it either makes you laugh or cry and sometimes both simultaneously.
Loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s bestseller, Five Point Someone, 3 Idiots takes the plot much beyond the campus confines and has universal appeal. The story starts a decade after the graduation of college companions Farhan (R Madhavan) and Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi) who get a clue on the whereabouts of their missing third friend, Rancho (Aamir Khan). As they set out on a road trip from Delhi to Shimla to Manali to Ladakh to find their friend, the narrative cuts to and fro into flashbacks as we are introduced to the three idiots in an engineering college.
Performances are a highlight with Aamir Khan clearly stealing the show in the role of the sharp, optimistic, livewire Rancho. Sharman Joshi is equally competent showing brilliance in both funny and emotional moments. Madhavan has an easy screen presence and perfectly complements his co-stars for amazing companion chemistry. Kareena Kapoor may have less screen-time but this is amongst one of her most appealing acts. Boman Irani is exceptionally good as the principal. Despite adding a lisp to his character, he doesn’t make a caricature out of it. Omi is brilliant as the nerdy NRI who symbolises the ubiquitous teacher’s pet.
The writers also represent a lot of their ideologies through the thoughtful dialogues touching several academic issues from grading systems, parental pressure, student suicides, conformist coaching to theoretical knowledge, without getting preachy. For instance, a classic line is one that says, “Even a lion learns to obey his ringmaster. But you call him well-trained and not well-educated.”
Shantanu Moitra’s music is in perfect sync with the mood of the film. CK Muraleetharan’s cinematography and Hirani’s editing are flawless. Manish Malhotra and Raghuveer Shetty’s informal styling succeeds in giving the film its trendy campus feel and the 30+ trio convincingly pass off as college students.
Finally, the film serves you idealism but with utmost conviction. Even the most diehard cynic would be forced to smile and chant ‘aal izz well’ after the film. If you haven’t yet seen it, go at once…
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