"Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" - Critique by Bala Joshi with guidance from Shipra Chandra Godhwani
Mon, 12/29/2008 - 17:23 — Bala Joshi
“Punjabi Power, we light up your life”: critique of “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” by Bala Joshi with guidance and significant addition from Shipra Chandra Godhwani
On Wednesday Dec. 25th the Joshi family went to see the new movie “Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi” (RNBDJ) after dinner with several family friends who chose not to leave town for Christmas break. The timing of the release of this movie was perfect. Whether you liked it in the end or not, you had to see it as Ghajini was sold out pretty much every show and your next best choice for your movie mood was “Rab Ne Bana di Jodi”.
The sweet smell of samosas permeates the theater hall as I sit down in Naaz with my family, waiting with anticipation for the movie to begin. I talk about how no movie has every matched 'Dilwale Dulhania Le jayenge's' romantic power. I discuss how Aditya Chopra and Yash Raj have taken a nasty fall from grace. The production house that was once cutting edge is now being pulled downward by the simple fact that they have fallen into a designer clothes, sexy women, fast cars, NRI focused filmi pattern. So it is with baited breath that I wait for Director/Writer/Producer Aditya Chopra's latest film, expecting another DDLJ perhaps? I remember that 'Mohabbatein' was disappointing, and can't even remember the details of the film other than the explosive confrontation between Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. The audience and I hope that Aditya Chopra is able to turn things around with his latest. But, hush now, the lights have dimmed, and the movie is about to begin. The movie experience is felt and at the end the lights go up. So what did I think? After fifteen minutes shy of three hours, I have to say that this film is Aditya's best since DDLJ.
RNBDJ is seemingly Aditya Chopra's efforts to re-align not only from the modernistic hole that he has fallen into, but also to strongly pull Yash Raj Films back to focus on Indian values, something that most of their recent films have lost. The setting starts in beautiful Amritsar, stays there and ends there. This story appears experimental in theme. The King Khan carries this movie completely on his shoulders. It's his acting as the simple man, Surinder that resonates with the audience. You will laugh with him, cry with him, cheer for him, and take this character home with you after the movie. SRK proves that he is at the pinnacle of his career, as arguably no other actor could have delivered such a fine performance. His portrayal of both Surinder and his alter ego, the more modern avatar Raj is wonderful as both try to woo Tanni (Anushka). You'll be swept with the honesty of his performance of common man Surinder and truly feel for the character when Tanni falls for Raj instead. The film wouldn't have worked if SRK didn't have a female lead that could hold her own against his acting onslaught, and that's where Anushka comes in. She is a new actress that can actually act, without relying on sexy clothing, and refusing to simply be the glamorous window dressing to the lead actor's shadow. Her performance is superb, and one hopes that she gets a chance for the kind of success she deserves. Anushka's portrayal of Tanni, the woman who is the total opposite of SRK's character Surinder is heartwarming. It doesn't hurt that she has the kind of smile that would melt even the coldest of hearts. Throw a brilliant as always Vinay Pathak into the mix, and you have a small set of characters that will resonate.
The script/screenplay by Aditya Chopra is not groundbreaking by any means, and it does require a certain suspension of disbelief, but it is entertainingly pleasant enough to work. There's no pushing the envelope with this film. It's not cutting edge, and doesn't break any taboo barriers. What it is a film that celebrates the common man, and serves to remind us that every couple has a beautiful love story to remember. It's pure Hindi film escapism, and something that we do not see much of lately. The best part of Aditya Chopra's direction and writing is that it doesn't fall prey to becoming unbearably syrupy sweet (take notes Mr. Sooraj Barjatya). He proves that you can celebrate being Indian without being too cute for your own good. RNBDJ may not be pushing the envelope, but then neither was DDLJ, which was basically a traditional love story, wrapped up in a more modern vision. Do yourself a favor; take your family to see this film. You'll be carried along with the characters.
Granted there is not much of a story in this movie. But I would rate it high on melodious songs, comedy, and messages of love by the story writer. Top in my list of music are “Haule Haule” and “Tujh Mein Rab Diktha Hai”. Both are melodious pieces. Thanks to Sukhwinder Singh and Sonu Nigam for those two great numbers. My family and I have listened to these two melodious numbers at least twenty times each during the last week. By comparison only the song Guzarish (singer: Javed Ali) comes close in similar melody in Ghajini. “Dance Pe Chance” and “Dancing Jodi” are great aerobics numbers but nothing to compare against the “Shutup and Bounce” as well as “Desi Girl” aerobics hits from Dostana. Sharu Khan in the Suri role reminded me of Amol Palekar in Golmal from my school days. The song “Hum he Rahi Pyar Ke, Phir milenge chalte chalte” reminded me the multi cast theme song from Om Shanti Om. The tag line “Punjabi Power, we light up your life” reminds me of “Motel6, we leave the light on for you” and “GE, we bring good things to life”
. While no one talks about the comedy in the movie, there were several instances throughout the movie where the theater burst into laughter.
. While no one talks about the comedy in the movie, there were several instances throughout the movie where the theater burst into laughter. Don't try to rationalize why Anushka's character Tanni is not able to tell that Raj is simply her husband Surinder in disguise. Enjoy the music by Salim Sulaiman that is understated and simple, yet increasingly catchy (particularly the addictive track, "Haule Haule" whose tune was actually composed by Aditya himself). For the people that can't simply enjoy themselves without comparing this movie to Aditya's previous efforts, or not simply giving into the simple pleasure of this romantic fantasy, I have to ask: Why so serious? Just let yourself go.
- By Bala Joshi with significant guidance and added critique from Shipra Chandra Godhwani.