Arcadia

Rarely do we get to celebrate goodness in a film. Movies with ‘social messages’ generally tend to be dull as soup and run the risk of being self conscious and preachy and here is where the film succeeds.

3 Idiots has then unmistakable Rajkumar Hirani stamp on it. It has a warmth and purity of thought that is generally associated with his films. The core of the film is very similar to his earlier and extremely successful outings, the Munnabhai series. That said 3 Idiots is an original delight save for some stray references from the book by Chetan Bhagat it is loosely based on.

A movie that is about life and the way we can choose to lead it. It is also thumping statement on the education system of today, how it has become a crazy vortex of grades, marks and degrees. It shows you that the real test of life lies somewhere else, not in the exam paper you so dread.

And 3 Idiots gets the message across minus tirades, tantrums and gimmicks. It tells you a story, a riveting one with characters who are lovable believable and people you want to root for.

It engages you, intrigues you, making you explode with laughter not just because the jokes are funny but also because they are so incisive. It makes you want to hug yourself while watching it for the sheer spirit in which it has been made.

The movie talks about following your dreams, about non-conformism, about the eternal tussle between success and self worth. It talks about the power of choice and how we are ultimately the sole masters of our destiny. It tells you how mint chutney can be a true test for a man’s character, how salt water conductivity can salvage your self respect, how being different is not always about roof top speeches and bombastic gestures. It talks about how you can touch someone’s life by just being there, by being thoughtful, imaginative good and kind.

The movie has its heart in the right place and what a heart it is.

And of course there is the perfect ensemble cast. The redoubtable Aamir Khan does it again. He infuses a certain innocence, a curiosity that goes beyond just the character into his performance. It’s almost like he was learning all the way too while playing his unusual role. Add to it the fact that he has actually managed to look like a twenty two year old. And when we say look we mean the brilliance of his body language and the minute inflections that you are bound to miss because they are not thrust in your face. He is amply supported by Sharman Joshi (sparkling as usual) Madhavan(endearing and solid), Boman Irani (mad uninhibited and outrageous) and Kareena Kapoor in one of the most charming roles of her career. The actors never impose themselves on the narrative, instead seamlessly blending into it. There is a certain sort of composure in their performances and their sheer enthusiasm and conviction of being part of such a film radiates beyond the frames.

The genius of 3 Idiots ultimately lies in its total lack of emotional manipulation in order to engage the audience. A trick Raju Hirani could well teach his peers. There is a way to tell a story and Raju knows that way. This is ultimately his triumph.

The movie advocates that one should strive to be worthy not just successful. The box office success of 3 Idiots notwithstanding, it can be safely said that it’s a worthy film. Whichever way you look at it.