3 Idiots (2009)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film:  170 Minutes

Rated: 12A     

Genre: Drama, Comedy

Director: Rajkumar Hirani

Starring: Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Mona Singh, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Boman IraniOmi Vaidya, Jaaved Jaaferi

IMDB Rank: 8.4/ 10

Part 1 Time:  88 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  82 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Farhan (Madhavan), Raju (Sharman Joshi), and Chatur (Omi Vaidya) look at the ICE class cohort picture only to find that another man’s face has been pasted over Rancho’s (Aamir Khan).

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Farhan motions to Raju to come look at the picture, “Raju.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: On a balcony, Raju speaks with Farhan following their shocking discovery, “I’ll be in the Guinness Book for driving Delhi-Shimla in underwear. That too, for the wrong guy.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, Farhan, Raju, and Chatur have located Rancho’s supposed house only to find a different man with the same name. Who is this mystery man and where is the Rancho who attended ICE?

Which part is better? The film takes a lighthearted approach to the stress faced by post secondary students and has possibly played a role in the “reorganisation of the Indian education system” (Mecchi, 2021), due to its portrayal of social themes and commercial success. Part two is better as the bewildering mystery surrounding Rancho is solved. Many other conflicts are also presented, which will keep you guessing until the film’s conclusion.

Academy Awards:  None

Other Awards: 2010 Filmfare Awards; Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Boman Irani), Best Actress (Nominated- Kareena Kapoor), Best Film, Best Actor (Nominated- Aamir Khan), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Madhavan), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Sharman Joshi), Best Playback Female Singer (Nominated- Shreya Ghoshal), Best Story, Best Screenplay, Best Dialogue