Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) - Review

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is one the classic bollywood movies that cemented the pairing of Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. It looks older that it is, but it is quite enjoyable and entertaining. Plus, it has many iconic scenes that are reproduced in other movies and watching this adds to the meta factor when seeing other movies.

What is this about:

 Simran Singh (Kajol) is an Indian living in London with her family. She dreams of finding her ideal man, but her father has other plans, since he arranged a marriage with the son of his best friend back in India. As her last chance to living freely without responsibilities, Simran convinces her father to let her in a vacation around Europe. Raj Malhotra (Shah Rukh Khan) also lives in London and is a free spirited young man that decides to go with his friends to a vacation around Europe. In the train the two meet and Raj starts to flirt with Simran, who is annoyed in the beginning.

My review:

This is the movie, at least for me, that established the “boy meets girl in train station” cliché. To its credit, it is done right.  And I think because it is an old movie and it looks old, I am willing to forgive many things that I would hate in a contemporary movie. However, many scenes haven’t aged that well. But, it is charming. 

Simran Singh (Kajol) is a very romantic girl that dreams of the man that will make her heart melt. She is very disappointed that she has to marry a guy she has never met, but she is raised very traditionally and she will not refuse her father. Her last act of rebellion (before meeting Raj) is traveling and seeing the world, so that she can remember these memories later. But Raj changes everything. She dislikes him right away because he is opposite from her. Without her realizing her heart is moved by this person and she has soon fallen in love. Even though she is in love, she is still a traditional girl and holds her values close to her heart, a characteristic that marks her more dynamic and strong. Kajol is great at emoting her emotions, there is not a moment where you wonder what goes through her mind.

Raj Mahlotra (Shah Rukh Khan) is in many ways the opposite of Simran and in other ways he complements her. He was raised very differently, being free spirited and doing whatever he wants. His father is a big softie that cannot say no to his son if it makes him sad. On the other hand, he is very romantic deep down and when his heart is set, then nothing can change it. I could say that he is the classic “bad boy image but great softie inside” type. Shah Rukh Khan combines the romance with the comedy. However, the problem with his acting is that if you like it, you like it, if you don’t like it, you don’t. It took me a few movies to get used to his acting, I am not a fan, but now I can see the talent beneath the usual antics.

With Simran and Raj’s characters we can see the difference in their upbringing. Simran’s father is austere, strict and traditional. He hasn’t moved with the times and he doesn’t into account what his daughter feels. He thinks this is right, so everyone else should too. In the other end of the spectrum, Raj’s father is a cutie. He raised his son on his own, after his wife death. He has instilled his romantic way of thinking to his son and he is ready to help him in everything. 

As many bollywood movies, the movie is separated into two distinct parts by an intermission. The first part is the meeting and falling in love and the second part is the overcoming of difficulties. In both parts there are cringeworthy scenes. A lot. I eyerolled too many times. Nevertheless, I was enjoying myself the whole time.  

The music is so iconic that has been used in other movies too. It also feels old, but it is catchy at the same time. Once you hear it, you cannot forget it.  The direction is nothing too special and the cinematography also. The charm lies more on the funny dialogues and the performances of the actors.

Why you should watch:

• Shah rukh Khan and Kajol pairing
• Funny dialogues
• Lots of romance
• If you already like bollywood movies
• Catchy soundtrack
• Nice performances from most of the cast.

Why not to watch:

• Too over the top
• Looks old
• High cringe factor
• Storyline not special, hundreds of movies with similar story

Final verdict:

8/10. If you are a bollywood virgin, this is not for you. You will never come back and it is a shame. If you already like bollywood movies, it is a nice chance to see how they were back in the mid-90s.

Continue reading →

Jaane tu ya jaane na (2008) - Review

“Jaane tu ya jaane na” is one of my all time favorite Bollywood movies. This is a friends-to-lovers movie done absolutely right.

What is this about:

Jai Singh Rathore, a.k.a. 'Rats (Imran Khan), the most non-violent Rajput ever and Aditi Mahant(Genelia D'Souza), a.k.a. ‘Meow‘, a highly aggressive, impulsive girl are college students and best friends. Their group of friends consist of Rotlu, Jiggy, Bombs, and Shaleen. Despite saying that they are only best friends, it is apparent to anyone who is beside them that they are in love with each other, but they don’t realize it. Until the day Rats meets his dream girl, Meghna (Manjari Phadnis), and the balances inside the group suddenly change.

My review:

As I said earlier this is one of my favorite Hindi movies. I was looking something like the equivalent of comfort food for movies and this movie came straight to my mind. I think the biggest draw is that, while remaining distinctly Hindi, its well characterized leads give it a more international appeal.

Jai Singh Rathore (Imran Khan) is one of the best male lead characters you will see in Bollywood. He was raised by his mother as a peace maker that hates violent due to the violent death of his father. He is very clever and always finds a way to solve his problems. He is obviously in love with Aditi, but he hasn’t realized. It is very apparent that all he wants is to see Aditi happy. Imran Khan was exceptional in this role. Even though this is the first time I see him, he gives a warmth and makes his characters an everyday guy you would love to hang out with.

Aditi Mahant (Genelia D’Souza) is a rare female character. She is feisty, she knows what she wants and she isn’t afraid to say what she thinks (not always when it comes to Rats). Usually female leads veer towards more traditional personalities, but Aditi is a breath of fresh air. Genelia D’Souza was a revelation in this movie. I haven’t seen her too in any other of her work, but here she was phenomenal. She brought a unique energy to the role and was undeniably lovable. 

The rest of the group is really charming. Each one has his/her personality and funny moments where they shine. It was especially nice to see the different dynamics between the friends and see different aspects of their personalities. 

The director is also the writer and I cannot begin to complement him for his handling of characters. He didn’t have just stereotypes (many Bollywood movies are guilty of that), but he created full characters. His directing was also full of youthful energy and colorful. From the beginning of the movie he set the tone and the overall feel, which he maintain throughout the movie. Also, the twist in the story is a highlight itself.

The soundtrack was by A.R. Rahman and fit the story like a glove. This movie has some of my favorite songs that I keep listening, for example "Tu Bole Main Boloon" a beautiful jazz song sang by A.R.Rahman himself. 

Why you should watch it:

• A romantic comedy that is both romantic and funny
• A friends-to-lovers movie done right
• Charismatic actors and likable characters
• Skilled direction and writing
• Great soundtrack

Why not to watch:

• If you don't like romantic comedies
• If you don't like Bollywood movies

Final verdict:

10/10. I simply love this movie and I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they like Bollywood movies or not.

Continue reading →