At first I was hesitant to watch this film for more than a year now due to the title’s lack of sense in spite of the massive popularity it established from the word-of-mouth alone. I lastly gave in when my dorm mates who are engineering students reviewing for the board exams convinced me. And man after watching the film I was full of regret I didn’t regrets it earlier. The film is so good that it leaves you breathless long after the movie was over. All is well, very very well.
The story started with two friends embarks on a quest for a lost buddy. As they make their way through the jaw dropping photographic landscapes of India, another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend – the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho (Aamir Khan), who, in his unique way, touched and changed their lives.
The 3 Idiots: Farhan, Rancho and Raju
Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave? The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them three idiots. Where is the original idiot now?
Rancho is the rebellious among them always curious things and believing that learning is more than just the usual mode of education. Despite his fun and frolic, Rancho always surprises everyone by topping the class. He even manages to win the love of the director’s daughter Pia. But Rancho’s greatest contribution lies in making his friends realize their true calling.
And then one day, suddenly, Rancho mysteriously disappears…
3 IDIOTS belongs to everyone. It is a story of friendship, hope, aspirations and most importantly the goodness of life. Everyone can relate the character’s situation in many ways. There’s the tale of friendship of the three idiots who stand by each other through thick and thin. It also got some of the most memorable and funniest scenes… never had a good laugh for a long time. There are scenes that’ll make you shocked, they’ll make you cry and they’ll make you think. I suddenly missed my college years after watching the film, it makes me proud to know that I have my fair share and rebellions against the school officials, but I think I did have a set of good grades too.
The actors who portrayed the characters in the movie did a very good job breathing life to the story. Number one is the amazing actor Aamir Khan who portrayed the free-spirited Rancho. His mannerisms, his appeal and even the way he dressed make the character so real and influential. I could hardly belief Aamir Khan is portraying a character “half his age”. Then there’s the great soundtracks and songs, and the lavish production numbers that sprouts out of nowhere. They make the film so vibrant and lively at the same worked effectively in establishing the right tempo of the narrative. Another standout in the production is the cinematography that is so viciously yummy kind of visual feast featuring the scenic scenes in India – first class photography man. And of course two thumbs up to Rajkumar Hirani the very talented director who made this film possible.
3 Idiots is a glorious tale about life that penetrates deep within our souls. It is Bollywood’s gift to the world that amidst the struggle and darkness in our environment there are souls out there, so pure and bright that will illuminate hope and breathe a new spark of life.
TIMOTHY WALLACE 