Hi everyone,
I bring to you my first ever movie review. The way I construct my thoughts for the review is simple. I will watch the movie and then think about it. I do not believe I should quickly rush to write a review like other critics do.
So let us go straight to Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. I really do not know how to start with this film because it is special. Possibly special to me because of its simple storyline and something I believe is the biggest strength in the film. This might be because I am a writer. The story is about a simple, ordinary man Surinder Sahni (Shah Rukh Khan) who marries a girl called Taani (Anushka Sharma) due to unforeseen circumstances. He brings her to his home and looks after her. Despite the setbacks on knowing that she may not love him, Suri creates an alter ego called Raj due to a dancing competition. I have to admire Adi Chopra for starting the film with the couple married and this is what is different about this film. It is a sweet story and I appreciate it as a writer and that is enough for those who believe in complete entertainment.
In terms of visuals, do not expect grand sets and may be this is what I, at first, felt was missing. And then I hit back to reality. How can you tell a simple love story with grand sets? How are you going to tell a realistic story with extravagant sets? It is not possible and this is what the audience and movie-goers need to realise. This movie is all about simplicity, it is about the characters. I give all my respect to Aditya Chopra because he does not deviate from the simplicity and he is comfortable with it. If people do not appreciate that, then it is a shame.
The songs are excellent. All of them are with the narrative and they are not placed just anywhere. Each song has a story to tell and the choreography is amazing. One cannot stress how important the songs were. Haule Haule, this leaves you humming and it is all about how Surinder Sahni appreciates the fact that maybe his wife won't love him straight away but she will eventually. Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte, again another song that features five actresses. Go and watch the film to see who they are. But forget the actresses, the guy that stands out is SRK! What a performer. He imitated each actor from Raj Kapoor to Rishi Kapoor with ease. SRK is a natural and yes, he is the star of our era!
Dance Pe Chance, this leaves you wanting to dance. Anushka and SRK prove to be natural dancers and performers. This again is worth watching for its simplicity.
Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta, both versions are a treat to watch. I love the respect that Adi has for all religions. I do not want to say much on this but you have to watch the songs yourselves. They are mind blowing for its simplicity.
Dancing Jodi, is the end sequence but more on that later.
The director, Aditya Chopra. What can I say about this man? He understands the uniqueness of Indian Cinema. He brings simplicity back to cinema. He brings a subject that not many have done before. It is admirable and most of all he has re-invented a new market for cinema. The question people have is how can Taani not recognise Suri to Raj? Well it is simple, they both not only look different, their mannerisms are different and even their voices. Most of all, Adi ends the Raj era. In one scene, in particular and you will know which one but he actually kills the very character that he made famous. Remember how Raj (DDLJ) would never run away with his bride without parent consent...enough said.
The acting by SRK is amazing. I really have no words but to say no actor in Hindi Cinema will touch what he has done in this film. The way he switches from Suri to Raj, he even made people believe that Suri has a split personality before the intermission but this is the greatness of his acting. SRK breathes life into this ordinary man. He brings simplicity, whether it is the comedy, the feelings, the personality of Suri. Then the next moment, he brings a crude, cheap, flirtatious Raj in the next moment. The fact is you feel the characters all the way through and this is the biggest strength of the film. To those that think SRK is too old, go to the opticians. To those that think SRK should retire, go and get yourself a reality check. This guy is numero uno and it is going to stay that way!
Anushka Sharma, what an debut performance. It is not easy to stand infront of India's biggest superstar and perform as good as that. She got straight into character and I could feel for her. It is not easy to essay the character that was done for her as it required very subtle emotions and Anushka does it well. She has a bright future in the industry. Check her facial expressions during the Dancing Jodi song and she leaves you amazed as she shows how her character unfolds the story about her husband.
Vinay Pathak, an actor that has always been consistent. He is funny and compliments SRK really well. He is worth watching as the drunk scene between him and SRK is pure comedy genius.
Overall, I will write once the DVD is out, a detailed scene by scene analysis on the film and post it on the blog. However, this needs to be said. This film is much simpler than DDLJ and it is more powerful than Mohabbatein. For me, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi has become my favourite Aditya Chopra film. This film is all about the simplicity of our lives and how we all have simple love stories. The main factor is, if you can see God in the person you love, you know how to love God. That is the message of the film. It is not wrong to love someone more than God aslong as you know it is God that you see in that person. Well done to all those in the film and I do expect this to be a blockbuster! At least this will be a film that you can watch with your family and not come out feeling ashamed!
Rating 4.5/5. The 0.5 less because I think the length could have been shorter but to be honest, it doesn't really matter. However, everyone please watch and listen to end credits, it is amazingly funny and sweet. You will leave with a smile.
Thanks and lots of love,
Rahul
Copyright © Chronicles of a Creative Writer. 2008 Rahul N. Singh. All Rights Reserved.
