Three idiots with bonus

Sep 18, 2010 - Suparna Sharma

Movie name:

3 idiots

Cast:

Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani, Kareena Kapoor, Omi Vaidya

Director:

Rajkumar Hirani

Rating:

If you still haven’t seen 3 Idiots, then, well, you really are an… So, only for your benefit, here’s the story of one of the most delightful, charming and poignant films made recently: 3 Idiots is about three students at the Imperial College of Engineering — Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan), Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi) and Rancho (Aamir Khan) — and their vile, vindictive college director Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Boman Irani). This bit of the film is in flashback and involves, among other things, how to diss with piss, miraculous birth of a child, a romance, some parenting tips and several how-to-nurture-a-genius lessons. There’s also teacher’s pet Chattur (Omi Vaidya) and his truly hysterical speech on balatkar and sthan (breast).
The present is a journey undertaken by Farhan, Raju and Pia (Kareena Kapoor) in search of Rancho.
3 Idiots, based on Chetan Bhagat’s 5 Point Someone, sharply and smartly mocks our education system. It is spontaneous and sparkles at every turn.
Two DVD versions of 3 Idiots are available in the market, both by the same company. One costs `299 and the other, Special Premium Pack in Smiley-yellow colour, costs `499 but is totally worth it. The special pack includes Idioticomic, which is basically the film’s main scenes in comic-book format (picture on top), and a sticker book.
The best part of this special pack is the second DVD, titled Making of the Film. The story of what went on behind the scenes is funny, fittingly inspiring and reaffirms faith in many things Indian.
Making of the Film begins with the film crew travelling to Ladakh, to an altitude of 15,100 feet, to shoot the climax scene. The sun is shining and the blue sky is dotted with fluffy white clouds. Suddenly, the sky is overcast and it begins to snow. Crew members start falling ill. Some leave, others get stranded in two-feet snow. Dramatic scenes follow as all the crew members eventually return to safety, without a single scene being shot.
A year later director Raju Hirani returns to the same spot. The sky is blue, the sun is shining and all izz well.
The chapter on Aamir Khan, Ghajni se Idiot Tak, is an interesting insight into how Aamir Khan takes control of his character Rancho, who is essentially a young, bright-eyed avatar of Krishna. In contrast is Kareena Kapoor trying on different looks for her character: “Spectacles! Are you sure?”
One of the most entertaining segments is The Idiots Forever Cup — an all-night cricket match between various departments. The teams are Dumbos, Stupids, Fools and Duffers. At the end it is Raju’s team versus Aamir’s team. Aamir’s team needs six runs from two balls. What do the think the outcome was? The same as it was of the chess match between Aamir Khan and IIM-Bangalore boys.

Big Home Video Price: `299/499