Yash Raj Films, Aditya Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan. The stakes were definitely high when Rab ne Bana Di Jodi was announced, but I knew I would love it, even before I saw it. I think this is a movie that you either love or hate, without much room for middle ground. For me it will, without a doubt, always be special for the simple reason it was the first, and so far the only, Hindi film I've seen in a theatre (interesting side note: I was told by the ticket counter lady that the tickets were non-refundable as I purchased them. That was a first for me.) Even with all it's questionable theories and overacting, I love everything about this film.
For me, there's nothing better than to watch Shah Rukh work his cinematic magic. Surinder Sahni was a refreshing and sympathetic character. Even behind the glasses and moustache (which, let's be honest, what was the big deal really with the look? It's not like he hasn't changed his appearance for films before - Paheli, Hey Ram, Chak De!), there was a sincerity to Suri's character that appealed to even the most hard-hearted I'm sure. Raj, on the other hand, was a hilarious and spot on portrayal of someone who tries to be what he thinks is cool, resulting in a total over the top characterization. I loved Raj for his exaggerated facial expressions, his flashy and too tight clothes (which were also at times a little to small exposing a little bit of skin. Sigh!) and his melodramatic dialogues, because underneath it all was still our sweet Suri. I think Shah Rukh shows his seasoned talent by being able to portray two such very different characters, and when I watch Suri especially I don't see SRK at all. His mannerisms are distinctively and uniquely Surinder Sahni.
Anushka Sharma (Taaniji), gives an amazing debutante performance. I am blown away by the professionalism and artistry of recent first-time leading ladies. While she doesn't appear to possess someone like Deepika's megawatt glamor, she fills the girl-next-door requirements of this film admirably, while singing, dancing and emoting like a filmi veteran.
What to say about Vinay Pathak? His portrayal of the loud-mouthed and agreeable Bobby was believable. He had some great dialogues to boast of and was a good match for SRK's Suri - the two share great comic chemistry resulting in plenty of fantastic situational comedy.
Characterizations aside, what I truly loved about this film were the little moments. Be it the scene on the dining table with the rose, the Biryani meal and the consequent self-conversation afterwards, the changing room dialogue, the celebratory dance at the salon, each left a lasting impression on me. Ultimately, the core of this film is it's message: that there is nothing stronger in this world than unconditional love, and, for a die hard romantic like me, there's nothing better. No matter how many times I watch it, the ending gets me every single time!
Not to sound like a broken record, but I adored the music in Rab Ne. I remember hearing Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai on Saavn.com well before I even saw a promo and was instantly smitten. Salim and Sulaiman did a fantastic job with the songs, and they all played an important part in the progression of the story. Haule Haule is my favorite - the yellow tiffin box and the endearment with which Suri bestows upon it is sweety enchanting and the sequence where Suri experiments with several 'hero' looks is hilarious. Even Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte is enjoyable as it pays homage to Bollywood legendary actors Raj Kapoor, Dev Anand, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor and actresses Nargis, Nutan, Helen, Sharmila Tagore and Neetu SinghSadly.
Despite it's most obvious flaw (how can Taani not recognize Suri?), I will do as Shah Rukh Khan suggests and take a leap of faith and enjoy it for what it is meant to be. My only real criticism is with post-production and the complete elimination of subtitles during the closing credits. Suri's narration of their honeymoon to Japan, which I've read was actually penned by SRK, is supposed to be hilarious (I know the theatre was full of chuckles). As my Hindi has yet to reach that level, I sure would like to find someone to translate for me.
May 8, 2009 at 7:06 PM
As you said there are no middle grounds, but i actually found this movie hard to bear, i watched it in the cinema and i almost fell asleep, OOPS
But then i remembered i paid about $15 for it, which i believe is what kept me awake as i didn't want my money to go to waste, my best thing about the movie were the Songs, especially Hum Hain Rahin....as it references old bollywood, and i really really love old bollywood
May 8, 2009 at 11:17 PM
This was totally uber awesome. I loved it. It had my heart racing and I really felt for Suri. I'm so glad everything all worked out in the end!! This one makes my top 5!!!
May 9, 2009 at 7:37 AM
Bollywooddeewana - I heard the songs in the background and was trying to figure out if I knew them. Where in the film was Hum Hain Rahin?
Jules - I'm so glad you enjoyed it. For an SRK fan, I think he truly delivered.
May 17, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Great review... love the pictures and your enthusiasm.
I totally agree with you on the performances - SRK did a great job with this film, and Anoushka (I agree, a fantastic debut) and Vinay complemented him so well. But somehow the film as a whole didn't work for me - and I blame that on the scripting (good in parts, lame and boring in others) and the directing (it felt to me like it was being directed by a schizophrenic who couldn't quite decide where he was taking the film). But yes, for an SRK fan, he does not disappoint in RNBDJ at all. And I share your frustration re the honeymoon pics! I think I kinda got the gist of what Surinder was saying, but I wish there had been subs - it was such a cute and sweet part of the movie!
I do know what you mean about the first Bollywood movie you see in an actual cinema - there's a certain magic about that experience - I will always love Don (2006) for that reason (actually I would love it regardless - SRK as a sexy bad boy was really all it took!)
Oh, and I believe 'hum hain rahin pyar ke' (mentioned by bollywooddeewana) is the same song referred to as 'phir milenge, chalte chalte' in your review.
May 18, 2009 at 6:47 AM
@ Daddy's Girl - I would have loved to see Don in theatres. I will be in que for tickets to Don 2 when it's released (as long as it releases here that is)
July 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Credit goes to palacerani of Bollywhat.
http://www.bollywhat-forum.com/index.php?topic=24701.25
TRANSLATION END CREDITS:
It's said that all's well that ends well. After this was the honeymoon in Japan.
This is the famous park in Japan. In the photo there's me, Taani ji and in the side is Buddha ji.
This is the back side of the same park and that is also as famous ji.
This is the famous bridge. When you're in a country you dress their way – Japanese hat, Japanese goggles, Japanese underwear, but kiss is fully Indian. That Taani ji….
This is Japan’s traditional garb. People sit with reverence in yoga pose with hands folded, just like we do in our country. Why is Taani ji laughing? I don't look that funny...do I?
This is my 2nd most favorite color, orange. I've already told you about yellow. Look how she's sticking to me. I’m shy about these things ji.
This is Mt. Fujiyama. Once it used to explode but now it's dormant. Here it's necessary to hug each other – it's so cold ji.
This ji, is a Japanese sign – it probably says ‘Mt. Fujiyama’.
This sign says Shikotsu-ko lake – I know that much English at least. Taani ji is romantic once again.
After coming to Japan Taani ji has become bolder. I didn’t want the tiny eyes of the Japanese to become big so I compromised and sat in front of her – being of typical Indian men mentality.
I visited their famous temple with Taani ji. God is the same everywhere isn't He? I felt such peace.
I was feeling shy – this is my first public kiss to Taani ji.
We had a lot of fun. Wearing suits, roaming around, we even danced in the streets ji – we now know how to.
We ate, drank, danced, sang, had a lot of fun. Really, being with Taani ji brought back my childhood.
This is a Mickey Mouse hat. You know Mickey don’t you?
We even went to snowy areas ji. We enjoyed it so much. We had snow fights. I won 10-5. Once I even had a close fight with Taani ji. It was so nice to see the same laughing, dancing Taani again – now I’m also a dancing, laughing Surinder.
Here we missed Bobby a lot. Bobby, this hug is for you. You should have come on our honeymoon.
These are our private moments – in the hotel bedroom. Taani ji has become quite naughty.
She wore my glasses – and complained that everything else is fine but the mustache is a problem. I said let me also find out what it's like to kiss someone with a mustache.
This ji is Amritsar’s No.1 – no, the world’s No.1 jodi – Mr. and Mrs. Surinder Sahni.
July 8, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Thanks for the translations!
February 15, 2024 at 6:47 PM
@A Bollywhater
Thanks for the translation ser. Appreciated it!