#Bollywood film critique

[techsavvybox]

Dream Girl 2 Movie Analysis: Ayushmann Khurrana's Latest Offering Blends Romance and Comedy, But Does It Hit the Mark?"

Ayushmann Khurrana’s movie is a follow-up to his popular romantic comedy Dream Girl from 2019. He was depicted playing the part of a call girl, thus catfishing individuals into falling in love with his on-the-phone character Pooja. The film’s narrative was original and unexpected, yet it also addressed significant topics such as female everyday problems including loneliness and melancholy. Dream…

[kikiscryforhelp]

hi.

i don’t really know what this space will become

maybe a dumping ground for midnight thoughts,

maybe a shrine for my too-many feelings,

maybe just a place where i romanticise movies that didn’t ask to be romanticised.

you’ll find:

✨ poetry that sounds like crying on a voice note

✨ advice i probably need to take myself

✨ my (correct) opinions on bollywood movies

✨ the occasional word vomit that reads like a 3am text i never sent

this blog is for the overthinkers.

for the people who pause movies just to feel something.

for the ones who write like it’ll save them.

if you’re here, stay a while.

or don’t.

i’ll be here anyway,

posting from my corner of the room.

—k

[lokeshbhandarimovies233]

LOKESH BHANDARI REVIEW

Short Reviews of Bollywood movie reviews and Web Series and other OTT Content with Lokesh Bhandari Review! Covering Comedy, Action, Thrillers, Drama, Sports, Biopics, and more, we bring you insightful analysis, ratings, and recommendations—all dedicated exclusively to Bollywood. Stay updated with the best of Hindi cinema!

LINK TO WEBSITE

[artistcard]

Pushpa 2: The Rule - Movie Review: A Larger-Than-Life Sequel with Moments of Brilliance and Flaws That Hold It Back

Director Sukumar’s Pushpa 2: The Rule had monumental expectations following the cult success of Pushpa: The Rise. With Allu Arjun reprising his iconic role as Pushpa Raj, the film aims to raise the stakes, exploring the protagonist’s evolution from a smuggling underdog to a ruler in a world fraught with chaos and treachery. Released on December 5, 2024, the sequel delivers spectacular sequences,…

[dhoom-dhaam-diaries]

Critique

Ok Jaanu, it's time for you to step back

There's a reason one’s a cult classic and the other is just … there

--A.K--

So you may be asking: It’s been almost a decade since OK Kanmani and OK Jaanu were released, so Aadhi, why are you still beating a dead horse?

To that I reply, I’m not — that would be animal cruelty.

I just happened to stumble across OK Kanmani (after vigorously searching for it for years, of course) about two days ago. I watched it, and guys… my. world. changed. 🤯

WAIT — before you roll your eyes and scroll away, let me give you some background. I was fifteen when OK Jaanu came out, and I went absolutely goo-goo gaa-gaa for it. I mean, why wouldn’t I? It had everything a hormonal teenager could ever want: ARK, rom-com vibes, ARK + Shraddha Kapoor’s sizzling chemistry, and oh yeah—did I mention ARK?

For those who haven’t watched it, OK Jaanu (and OK Kanmani) is about Adi and Tara, two ambitious young professionals who don’t believe in marriage and decide to pursue a casual live-in relationship. Of course, things get complicated when, surprise surprise, love gets involved.

And not gonna lie, I actually liked it. I especially loved the songs, particularly the title track. But then, I saw the comments under the video: scathing. “This is a cheap remake of OK Kanmani!” “Mental Manadhil (the original version of the title track) is wayyy better!”

Me, the ever sceptic, thought, “there’s no way that OK Kanmani is that good”.

Oh boy. was I wrong!

It wasn’t just good, it was straight up A-MA-ZING. If you thought the chemistry between Shraddha and Aditya was good, then the chemistry between Dulquer and Nithya will set you on fire. No, I’m serious—watch it, and you’ll be blushing so hard, you might turn into a tomato.

In this post, I’m going to break down why OK Kanmani >>>>>>> OK Jaanu, why you NEED to watch it, and why Bollywood seriously needs to stop with these remakes before they ruin anything else. So strap in, cuz I’m going to analyze this so hard that it’ll make my AP Lang teacher proud.

There are four main reasons why OK Jaanu fell short:

1. MCs’ depth and their chemistry (or lack thereof)

Adi: Dulquer Salmaan vs. Aditya Roy Kapur

DQ brings a certain charm to Adi. He’s a little cocky, a little childish (like picking fights with Tara toward the end instead of just saying I LOVE YOU …seriously, bruhhh,) with just the perfect amount of adult. He’s responsible as seen by taking care of Bhavani (the old couple's wife) when she wanders off. He also has a clear sense of drive, chasing a gaming career with big future aspirations, and it's not just talk, he has the skills to back it up. He’s the pinnacle of young adults.

Now, Bollywood Adi? Man-child. I’m sorry, I had to say it. Someone online said that Aditya Roy Kapur basically played the same character in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani as he does here, and honestly, I agree. He plays the same carefree, somewhat irresponsible charmer in both films.

And here’s why this is a problem: the story itself is simple—there aren’t any shocking plot twists—but it’s meant to reflect the youth of India (and even first-gen NRIs). It’s about a generation trying to define relationships without the prospect of marriage hanging over their heads like it did for their parents. While the older generation balks at this kind of arrangement, the original film showed Adi and Tara as two capable individuals making their own decisions about their lives. OK Kanmani portrayed their agency; Ok Jaanu made them look childish, reinforcing stereotypes about our generation being a mess instead of challenging them.

Tara: Nithya Menen vs. Shraddha Kapoor

Nithya elevates Tara to live true to her name, giving the character the shine it needed. She is a star — the energy, the spunk, the twinkle in her eyes—it had me reeling. I wanted to be her, even if just 1 percent.

Yet she’s not perfect. She can be childish (like skipping work to go hang out with her boyfriend), but she knows her priorities. She loves architecture, is passionate about it, and is very good at it. She has a genuine passion for her work, going as far as to further her education in it at a prestigious university, instead of going down the path that her mother laid out for her. One of my favorite scenes is when she is confronted by Adi’s sister-in-law and is berated for their live-in relationship and she hits back with a “does a certificate make everything ok?”. It shows that she’s not afraid to fight for her values even if others don’t agree with it. This is the agency of a young adult: navigating life based on our values, on our own terms, and Nithya Menen gives justice to that.

In almost every scene, she stole the show. When you watch this movie, make sure you hold on tight because she will blow you away.

Bollywood Tara? If you thought Aditya Roy Kapur was bad, at least he tried to give some life to his character, the wrong character, but he tried. Shraddha Kapoor on the other hand was at best poor. Her line delivery was so flat. For instance, when she gets the opportunity to work with Balakrishna Dhoshi, her architect guru, you’d expect her to be squealing, jumping with joy, running around with happiness… but nothing. Literally nothing. You could’ve told her it might rain today, and she might have shown more excitement for that. And the scene when she’s confronted by the sister-in-law, the girl was silent. She was being berated and she just took it. When she does show spunk, it’s with Adi; but because she doesn’t embody this energy outside of him, it feels like she’s trying to be someone else.

Another thing I noticed? The eyes. Nithya’s eyes were filled with adoration for Dulquer, like everything he did was magic to her. Shraddha? She stared at Aditya with this weird look that I can only describe as a predator stalking its prey. Even when she kisses him after coming back from Ahmedabad, it’s so aggressive. 😬 Scratch that—every kiss she gives him is so aggressive. **SLAPS HAND ON CHEEK, I’M GOING TO KISS YOU EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT **….

hello? Is this 911? Yes, I’m calling to report a crime…

2. Watered down Paplu

Ganapathy in OK Kanmani (Paplu in OK Jaanu) is filled with so much depth and love. You can see the tenderness in his eyes when he looks at his wife, Bhavani. Their relationship answers a critical question: What is love? And takes it a step further: is it love even when the person you love doesn’t remember you?

With this relationship, the answer is yes, yes, and 1000 times yes. It reminds us that love can take many forms and that true love often endures beyond the fleeting moments of passion and youth. This is especially important in the end when Tara asks Adi whether he can take care of her if she ends up like Bhavani. His response shows that he doesn’t see her as a fling, he sees her as a lifelong companion.

  In contrast, while Naseeruddin Shah is a phenomenal actor, his portrayal in Ok Jaanu lacked the same emotional weight. I believe this isn’t because of his acting, per se, but rather the shallow script — many small but impactful moments from the original were cut altogether.

Here’s a scene that really stuck out to me: when Adi asks Ganapathy how he and Bhavani met. While they’re talking, Bhavani is scooping beans into the bean pod, but Ganapathy sweetly takes it from her hands. He scoops out the beans himself and throws away the pod, and he keeps doing this, no anger, no questions, just a simple, loving act. It’s such a small moment, but it says so much about their bond. It’s love in the tiniest, most mundane acts. The equivalent of the ‘orange peel test’ tiktok trend. This scene didn’t make it into Ok Jaanu, which is such a shame because it perfectly encapsulates how love is often about quiet, unspoken care.

Another moment that stood out to me is when Tara sings for Bhavani, and you can see how Ganapathy begins to soften toward Adi and Tara’s arrangement. While he isn’t fully on board with their decision to live together without getting married, he sees how their presence could benefit Bhavani, that is, how it could give her the companionship she craves but that he can’t always provide. It’s such a subtle shift, but it speaks volumes about how Ganapathy’s disapproval slowly gives way to understanding and even affection.

This emotional arc was largely missing in Ok Jaanu as I feel Paplu was already very ‘forward’ thinking and the dynamic between him and Adi was playful from the beginning.

These small, layered interactions between Ganapathy and the younger couple added so much heart to OK Kanmani. By the end, you feel his approval of Adi and Tara as a deeply-earned moment of acceptance, not just of their relationship, but of the changing values of a new generation.

3. The Missing Third Character: Music + Cinematography

A.R. Rahman’s songs were largely recycled in Ok Jaanu, but they didn’t have the same magic, and after a deeper look, I realized why: the cinematography.

Case in point 1: Mental Manadhil vs. Ok Jaanu

Both songs are great, but Ok Jaanu’s cinematography does it a disservice. Both songs are meant to show the exhilaration of liking someone, and Mental Manadhil captures that. The colors are realistic, not overly saturated, like Ok Jaanu’s. In Mental Manadhil, the visuals move fast, the background blurs, the camera shakes slightly, and there are very few slow pans. That imagery feeds into the exhilaration; you feel the excitement. Unfortunately, Ok Jaanu didn’t have the same effect.

Case in point 2: Parandhu Sella Vaa vs. The Humma Song

Let’s start by saying neither song was necessary for the movie. They didn’t progress the plot or add to the characters, and honestly, they weren’t even that good. (The Humma Song is also an atrocity to mankind 😩, but I don’t have the patience to unpack that right now.) At least Parandhu Sella Vaa showed some development in Adi and Tara’s relationship, like the moment when Tara rests her cheek on Adi’s hand after hesitating just a minute earlier, or when Adi pretends to kiss an imaginary version of her. It shows that their relationship has progressed from flirty friendship to something more. Meanwhile, The Humma Song was just an excuse to show ARK’s abs and Shraddha’s legs. It didn’t feel like a progression in their relationship, it felt like lust.

Case in point 3: Aye Sinamika vs. Enna Sona

Not including Aye Sinamika in OK Jaanu is a crime against humanity, and there is nothing that can convince me otherwise. This is the hill I’ll die on.

I loved both songs, but Aye Sinamika captured something more intimate and real. The Tamil version showed everyday things a couple does—dancing, acting silly, sleeping together (guys, not that kind of sleeping, get your head out of the gutter)—reminding Tara of Adi in every little moment. It’s these seemingly mundane, affectionate moments that make their love story feel genuine and lived-in. Enna Sona tried to achieve this, but it leaned too heavily on showing them kissing every five seconds. Combined with The Humma Song and the overall lack of emotional depth between the leads, it ended up feeling like the lead was missing his partner's body, not her presence. The lyrics add to this as well, Aye Sinamika repeats “Nee enne neegandhe” meaning “Don’t leave me” whereas Enna Sonna repeats how beautiful Tara is. The charm and warmth that Aye Sinamika conveyed through subtle storytelling was overshadowed in Ok Jaanu by its overemphasis on physical intimacy rather than emotional connection.

4. Inorganic Story Flow

The Meet-Cute: Cultural Nuances Matter

The meet-cute in OK Kanmani made sense. Adi yelling Tamil expletives at Tara worked because it’s a moment that reflects their shared culture. As a South Indian, you instantly bond with someone who speaks your language, especially in a diverse city like Mumbai. It’s a special kind of connection.

Now you may be wondering, how could it be surprising to find someone that speaks your language. Well I’ll give you an example.I’m from America, where people don’t usually speak Kannada. My family has gotten so used to this that we talk loudly in Kannada because we don’t expect anyone around us to understand. When we went to Mumbai, we expected the same thing, but my mom practically yelled, “Where are we supposed to go?” to me in Kannada, and a security guard responded in Kannada, offering to help. We were completely shocked! This is what I mean, you just don’t expect others to speak the language so when you do, it's like an instant sense of familiarity.

Getting back to the movie: when Adi and Tara meet, they’re surprised. In a place as diverse as Mumbai, what are the chances that he happened to yell Tamil expletives at a Tamil woman? That’s why they bond—it’s a shared cultural understanding. In a foreign city, it’s comforting to meet someone who shares the same culture.

This doesn’t exist in the Bollywood version. If they were from the same town or state, maybe I could understand the meet-cute. But there’s no mention of that in the Bollywood movie, so the connection just doesn’t make sense.

Emotional Moments: Let the Damn Story Breathe

Another problem with Ok Jaanu is that it doesn’t let the emotions breathe. Take the scene where Tara mentions her father and how he’s no longer part of her life. The Bollywood version immediately moves on to the next scene—Adi and Tara miss their train and get a room together. But that was such a pivotal moment! The story needed to sit with Tara’s feelings for a moment before moving on. Instead, it felt like the movie just wanted to tick off all the plot points before getting back to the romance.

Character moments like these are like vegetables in a meal, you might want to rush through them to get to the “main course,” but the vegetables enhance the overall experience. Ok Jaanu treated these moments like an afterthought.

Fights Are the Answer

SPOILER ALERT, READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

As Adi gets ready to leave for America, you can see in OK Kanmani that he and Tara slowly start picking fights, but they’re not real fights. They’re both frustrated about their promise against marriage and the looming end of their relationship, so they take it out on each other. These fights add so much depth to their dynamic and make Adi’s eventual proposal hit so much harder.

This layer of tension is missing in Ok Jaanu. Without it, the ending doesn’t feel as emotionally satisfying. I think that tension is important because it makes their decision to marry feel genuine, it’s not about societal expectations, it’s about what’s right for them.

Stop with the Remakes

I know I dragged OK Jaanu pretty hard, and I’ll admit, the movie itself isn’t terrible. But, it definitely is not the magic that OK Kanmani is. If OK Kanmani is authentic Chinese food, then Ok Jaanu is Panda Express, good… but for fast food.

Also why was this movie even made? It’s an exact frame-by-frame of OK Kanmani (minus the soul of course). There was no problem with the original that Hindi dubbing or subtitles couldn’t fix. As an audience, we need to stop consuming hollow remakes of already good movies — if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. And Bollywood is notorious for this. Cough Cough I’m looking at you, Laal Singh Chaddha.

Being inspired by a movie is great, but don't reproduce the same movie and slap on two mediocre Bollywood actors and expect us to eat it up.

It’s insulting… We’re smarter than that 🙄.

TL;DR

For those who read (or skimmed) this far, I applaud your commitment 👏👏👏.

Here’s the takeaway: Whether you liked OK Jaanu or didn’t, I promise you’ll love (or at least begrudgingly respect) OK Kanmani. It’s worth it, or your money back.

(No, but if y’all don’t like it, don’t come after me, I’m just a broke movie nerd with opinions 🫠.)

What do YOU think? Drop your hot takes in the comments, retags, or my inbox…I’m ready to fight😤. I’m scared of confrontment.

[nicolos]

rocky aur rani thoughts

it wasn't at all what i expected actually? like I'm not sure what I expected but it wasn't that

rani chatterjee let me raid your wardrobe

they really just promoted tum kya mile and jhumka because there were like no other really memorable songs--

I sound a bit mean but I had a blast, I laughed a lot, did tear up at least once, and didn't want to pull up 2048 at any time during the film

(spoilers under the cut)

the film had some real 2011 style feminism moments mixed in with more genuine things? the interview at the start made me want to die but there were some almost - ALMOST - coherent points in there

bollywood is not the place to make statements about fat shaming etc etc but there was almost smth valid in seeing any jokes about what whatshername ate clearly coming from ...people were not supposed to like?

rocky and rani were actually quite sweet, despite the ...extraness

i think the film kind of rolled over this as rocky was supposed to be wealthy, but there's a great deal of elitism in the sort of attitude Rani and her family have towards Rocky. It makes me wonder what this film would be if he didn't ... colour coordinate his cars to his clothes and live in a replica whitehouse. like on one hand it's arguably his wealth that makes him able to be the way he is, but on the other hand, the traditional/modern divide that they were showing is typically also a class divide. there's no reason for rockys english to not be good as he is now - and nothing apart from personal taste and "traditionalism" for them to critique, even though rocky isn't actually that traditional in comparison to his family, and even if he was, they - esp at the start - didn't know that

on the other hand I don't know a lot of Bengali people or a lot of Punjabi people so it may just be like a culture shock thing they're going for. idk. i understand it, i just think it's a little bit of a miss for a genuine criticism on their laughing at him

the grandparents element was funny lmao. like what's going on THERE. but it was almost kind of sweet, too, the way they just ...liked spending time together I guess

keh diya na... bas keh diya

^ half the cinema actually echoed this line with her. icons only

the film did pretty often pit men against men and women against women. this worked! when alia or her mom were yelling at men... this worked a little bit less? idk. i think sometimes it ends up feeling a bit mouthpiecey, and some of it was weirdly phrased and ...strongly delivered, to say the least. i understand that they're both from an environment in which they feel safe voicing their opinion, but I was nonetheless going - would someone actually say that? so openly? so maybe that's on me

everything about the alias dad storyline was just chefs kiss

i do think rockys relationship w his mom and sister needed a bit of work for the big fight scene to work. it sounds weird to say since so much of the film was abt the randhawas but ranveers mom's dynamics w everyone were a bit underdone

the guy playing young granddad was so hot. hotter than the real actor actually was back then tbh

all I could think during the ranveer dance routine was how much time did it take him to learn that dbdndndjdjf but that was excellent

idk. i think in some senses the scale of the movie interfered with its effectiveness, but I don't want it to be any smaller in the ayushmann khurana sense, if that...makes sense? idk. it did feel very kjo production, and I like that about it

tum kya mileeeee,,,, tum kya mileeeee,,,, hum na rahe hummmmm,,,, tum kya mileeeeee

ranis "i am speaking" was hot though the whole of that non-confrontation made me want to yell, though maybe because it was happening in public

SPEAKING OF when she crashes her car into his in the middle of a four lane road and then they just fucking stand there and talk and kiss for 10 minutes and all the other cars just go around....lmaoooooooo

still think the more obvious solution was for them both to move out of their family homes but ok

[desicinemaart32]

DesiCinema: A Celebration of South Asian Storytelling

In a world increasingly shaped by global content, there's something uniquely powerful about stories that reflect your roots — the language, the emotions, the shared history. That’s where DesiCinema steps in: a vibrant, ever-growing space dedicated to celebrating the diverse and dynamic world of South Asian cinema. Whether you're into the latest Bollywood blockbuster, a gripping Pakistani drama, or a Tamil indie gem flying under the radar, desi cinemas is your gateway to it all.

More Than Just Movies

DesiCinema isn't just about films — it's about the cultural fabric woven into every scene, every melody, every dramatic pause. South Asian cinema is a massive umbrella that includes productions from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It’s a world where languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, and Malayalam coexist, each bringing its own flavor, storytelling tradition, and cinematic language.

For decades, Bollywood has dominated the international perception of South Asian cinema — and rightly so, with its star-studded productions, larger-than-life song sequences, and iconic dialogues. But in recent years, there's been a growing hunger for regional cinema and indie films that are breaking stereotypes and telling raw, authentic stories. desi cinema gives space to both: the glitzy big-budget hits and the smaller films with big heart.

A Bridge for the Diaspora

One of the most beautiful things about DesiCinema is the way it connects the global South Asian diaspora. For millions living outside the subcontinent — from New York to London to Toronto — these films serve as a cultural lifeline. They offer a glimpse into evolving traditions, generational conflicts, and social transformations happening back home.

Whether it’s through nostalgia-inducing family sagas, modern love stories with cross-cultural twists, or gritty political dramas, DesiCinema speaks to experiences that many South Asians abroad resonate with deeply. It brings families together for weekend movie nights, sparks conversations about identity, and keeps ancestral languages alive in subtle yet powerful ways.

The Rise of Digital Access

Thanks to the boom in streaming platforms, DesiCinema is more accessible than ever. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Zee5, and SonyLIV have broadened their South Asian offerings, showcasing everything from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces. At the same time, independent platforms and YouTube channels have made it easier to discover hidden gems, short films, and cross-border collaborations.

This digital democratization of DesiCinema has allowed newer voices to emerge. Talented directors from small towns are telling stories rooted in their realities — and audiences are loving it. No longer restricted by traditional film studios, these creators are rewriting what South Asian cinema looks and sounds like.

A Community, Not Just Content

DesiCinema is more than a catalog of films — it’s a growing community. Fans engage in passionate discussions online, analyzing plot twists, celebrating performances, and debating which actor gave the best monologue of the year. Podcasts, Instagram pages, YouTube reviews, and film critique blogs have become part of the experience, making it interactive and immersive.

There’s also a renewed appreciation for film music, especially with nostalgic throwbacks and remixes dominating playlists. Who doesn’t have a movies -inspired Spotify playlist these days?

Looking Ahead

As DesiCinema continues to evolve, it's exciting to see how it's pushing boundaries — not just geographically, but creatively. We're seeing cross-industry collaborations, experimental storytelling, and greater representation of LGBTQ+ narratives, marginalized communities, and untold histories.

Ultimately, DesiCinema is a mirror — sometimes reflecting society’s brightest hopes, other times its darkest realities. But through it all, it remains an incredibly powerful medium of expression for South Asia’s rich tapestry of cultures.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just dipping your toes into this cinematic universe, one thing’s for sure: DesiCinema is not just a genre or a region — it’s an emotion.

[cinesexual]

Click the link to watch the movie. ☝️☝️☝️

Tip me.

Discover many, many more here.

From Perplexity:

Unicorns is a groundbreaking LGBTQ+ drama film that explores themes of identity, love, and cultural intersectionality. Directed by James Krishna Floyd and Sally El Hosaini, the film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was released in UK and Irish cinemas on July 5, 2024. It stars Ben Hardy as Luke, a single father and mechanic, and Jason Patel as Aysha/Ashiq, a South Asian Muslim drag queen. Their unexpected romance challenges societal norms and delves into the complexities of sexuality, gender, and cultural identity[1][2][3].

Plot Overview

The story follows Luke, who stumbles into a queer nightclub and becomes captivated by Aysha's drag performance. Initially unaware of Aysha's identity outside of drag, Luke's attraction forces him to confront his own sexual fluidity. As their relationship develops, the film navigates Luke's internal struggles with prejudice and societal expectations while immersing viewers in the vibrant yet secretive "gaysian" drag scene—a subculture blending South Asian heritage with LGBTQ+ expression[2][6][7].

Relevance to Gay Cinephiles

Unicorns is a significant addition to queer cinema for several reasons:

Representation of Marginalized Communities: It sheds light on the "gaysian" drag scene, a rarely depicted subculture in mainstream media. The film authentically portrays this world by casting real-life South Asian drag performers and drawing from historical influences like Mughal courtesans and Bollywood aesthetics[6][7].

Exploration of Fluid Identities: The narrative challenges binary notions of sexuality and gender, focusing on characters navigating fluid identities. This resonates with contemporary discussions about bisexuality, pansexuality, and non-binary experiences[4][7].

Cross-Cultural Romance: The relationship between Luke and Ashiq bridges cultural divides, addressing themes of acceptance within both the LGBTQ+ community and traditional South Asian families[6][7].

Critical Reception

The film has been widely praised for its fresh approach to queer storytelling. Critics have highlighted the chemistry between Hardy and Patel, as well as the nuanced exploration of identity. Joey Moser of Awards Daily called it "an important piece of new queer cinema," while others lauded its balance between romantic comedy elements and deeper social commentary[1][4][5]. It has also won several awards at festivals like the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) and the Dinard Film Festival[1].

Cultural Impact

Unicorns stands out as an era-defining LGBTQ+ film that not only entertains but also educates audiences about underrepresented communities. Its focus on queer joy, alongside its critique of societal labels, makes it a trailblazer in gay cinema. For cinephiles interested in films that challenge conventions while celebrating diversity, Unicorns is a must-watch[4][5][7].

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unicorns_(2023_British_film) [2] https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/05/13/ben-hardy-queer-drag-romance-film-unicorn-release-date-trailer-jason-patel/ [3] https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/unicorns-trailer-poster-465368/ [4] https://www.cityam.com/unicorns-film-review-ben-hardy-in-era-defining-lgbtq-romance/ [5] https://smashcutreviews.com/unicorns-movie-review-tiff/ [6] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ngwqv0plyo [7] https://variety.com/2024/film/news/lgbtq-romance-unicorns-james-krishna-floyd-sally-el-hosaini-1236049267/ [8] https://www.filmreviewdaily.com/new-reviews/unicorns [9] https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1008416-unicorns [10] https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64683418/ [11] https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/unicorns_2023 [12] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21451014/ [13] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LGBTQ-related_films_of_2023 [14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AMNrX82xys [15] https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/thelma-the-unicorn-2024/ [16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2w8Y0RZEP4 [17] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/unicorns-ben-hardy-sally-el-hosaini-review-1235583707/ [18] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21451014/news/ [19] https://sorryneverheardofit.wordpress.com/2024/07/06/unicorns/

[jedaos]

one of the sexiest things an action film can do is have restraint. and that's something that bollywood will never understand. like take animal for example i'm not even talking about the violence or misogyny or the plot (all of which i think more than enough people who are smarter than me have critiqued) but from a technical aspect it's just. bad. lots of talk about lord bobby's aura, one of the film's only saving graces, but not enough people have called out how well this movie undermines bobby's performance. it's so funny i could cry. that famous wedding scene is mostly alright but the jarring atmospheric twist of bobby stabbing a man in the neck is ruined by the cheap cuts. we never get to sit there and truly absorb this character. any tension that scene built is ruined when he jumps on his wife in a way that is so crass and heavy-handed. and i don't even mean this in a prudish way like "oh how dare you portray coercion/domestic violence" but in like a. this is bad cinematography way. not once in that sequence do i actually feel the discomfort the women standing around that room watching him jump on his wife feel. not once does the camera force you to feel the weight of his actions. the fight choreography looks lazy and bad sound effects and cheap, choppy cuts don't help. the music is blasting with in-your-face lyrics because you, the audience, are too dumb to identify the theme this film has been hitting you over the head with for the past 3 hours. like this movie feels like a parody of every good and artistic thing the action genre has ever given us. the end credit scene where ranbir's just hacking a body is just. lol. lmao, even, because when you overdose a film with gore and violence without giving it even the SMALLEST amount of weight or consequence what you get is a scene that reads like ranbir having a funny little toddler tantrum than me taking him seriously as a Scary Intimidating Antagonist.

this film was made by someone who watched i saw the devil (a film that people actually appreciate while also acknowledging its treatment of women) and went ah yes this works *because* it's gory. if i just put fucked up shit on camera with no actual analysis to how the fucked up shit is presented—and why it is stylistically important to present it so—the audience will eat it up. and unfortunately, they did!

[artiegenius]

The Aesthetics and Appreciation of Indian Parallel Cinema

Indian Parallel Cinema, often referred to as the New Wave or Art Cinema, emerged as a distinct movement in Indian filmmaking during the late 1940s and 1950s. Unlike mainstream Bollywood, which is characterized by its song-and-dance routines, melodrama, and formulaic narratives, Parallel Cinema aims to portray realistic stories with a focus on social and political issues. It draws heavily on the traditions of Italian Neorealism, French New Wave, and Japanese Cinema.

Historical Context

The origins of Indian Parallel Cinema can be traced back to the works of pioneering filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, and Mrinal Sen. Satyajit Ray's "Pather Panchali" (1955) is often credited with setting the tone for this movement. The film's emphasis on realism, its nuanced portrayal of rural Bengal, and its departure from the escapist fare of Bollywood, marked a significant shift in Indian cinema.

Aesthetics of Indian Parallel Cinema

Realism

At the heart of Parallel Cinema is a commitment to realism. This is reflected in various aspects:

Narrative Style: The narratives are often straightforward and slow-paced, allowing the audience to engage deeply with the characters and their environments.

Character Development: Characters are complex and multi-dimensional, often grappling with socio-economic issues, personal dilemmas, and moral conflicts.

Setting: Films are frequently shot on location, capturing the authentic atmosphere of rural villages, urban slums, or middle-class households.

Visual Style

Parallel Cinema employs a distinctive visual style that enhances its realistic portrayal:

Natural Lighting: Filmmakers often use natural light to achieve a more organic and less polished look.

Minimalistic Art Direction: Sets and costumes are kept simple and true to the setting of the story.

*Cinematography: There is an emphasis on long takes, handheld camera work, and static shots, which contribute to the immersive experience.

Themes

The themes explored in Parallel Cinema are typically more serious and socially relevant compared to mainstream films:

Social Inequality: Many films address issues of poverty, caste discrimination, and gender inequality.

Political Issues: Films often critique governmental policies and societal structures.

Human Relationships: The complexities of human emotions and relationships are a central focus.

Key Films and Directors

Satyajit Ray

Pather Panchali (1955): A poignant depiction of a poor family's struggle in rural Bengal.

Charulata (1964): A sensitive portrayal of a lonely housewife and her emotional journey.

Ritwik Ghatak

Meghe Dhaka Tara (1960): A powerful narrative about the partition of Bengal and its impact on a refugee family.

Subarnarekha (1962): Addresses the issues of displacement and survival post-Partition.

Mrinal Sen

Bhuvan Shome (1969): A satire on the Indian bureaucracy, marking the arrival of the New Wave.

Ek Din Achanak (1989): Explores the mystery and turmoil following a man's sudden disappearance.

Shyam Benegal

Ankur (1974): Highlights the class struggle in rural India.

Nishant (1975): A grim tale of feudal oppression and the fight for justice.

Appreciation of Indian Parallel Cinema

Critical Acclaim

Parallel Cinema has garnered significant critical acclaim both nationally and internationally. It has been recognized at major film festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, helping to elevate Indian cinema on the global stage.

Influence

The movement has influenced a generation of filmmakers who continue to draw inspiration from its aesthetics and thematic concerns. Directors like Mani Kaul, Kumar Shahani, and more recently, Anurag Kashyap and Dibakar Banerjee, owe a debt to the legacy of Parallel Cinema.

Cultural Impact

Parallel Cinema has played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on social and political issues in India. It has provided a platform for marginalized voices and brought attention to the struggles of everyday life.

Conclusion

Indian Parallel Cinema remains a vital and influential part of the country's cinematic landscape. Its commitment to realism, its exploration of pertinent social issues, and its unique aesthetic continue to inspire filmmakers and captivate audiences. As we look towards the future, the legacy of Parallel Cinema will undoubtedly endure, reminding us of the power of film to reflect and shape society.The Aesthetics and Appreciation of Indian Parallel Cinema

[imagitory]

With Disney's Wish, one thing I think that might have mildly improved the film might have been to change or rather narrow in on the aesthetics for it. The film wanted to go for a "Mediterranean" vibe , but I feel there is another Mediterranean historical area that might have fitted better for a story about the power of dreams and wishes- a place that was once known as "The City of the World's Desire"- Constantinople. While it might not help the movie, it may have helped its identity a bit more.

It does feel like the culture of the Mediterranean/Spain-esque setting for Rosas was really not taken advantage of, either in the look of the film or in its music. It's a critique I likewise have for Raya and the Last Dragon and (to a lesser extent) Brave, that the film really didn't have to be set where it was, since the story wasn't tied to any traditional folklore, environments, history, or even cultural values from the region it was set in. And considering that we've seen Disney embrace the culture of a region in their films' stories well in the past with projects like Lilo and Stitch, Coco, Encanto, and even Moana, that does seem like a real missed opportunity.

I would frankly love to see a Disney animated film set in Constantinople/Istanbul, though! There's so much beauty in Turkey and the rest of the Middle-East, both in its stories and its architecture, and I'd love to see some real representation for those cultures in Disney's animated work, especially including cast and crew from the culture they choose to depict. Even India I feel has been tragically passed over by Disney -- the closest the company's really gotten was the Disney/Pixar short Sanjay's Super Team (which was awesome) and half-assing some Bollywood influences in their live-action Aladdin remake that's still supposedly set in Arabia (which, I'm sorry, is kind of pathetic). And then yeah, it'd be cool to really feature Spain as a location for a Disney film too.

[marimayscarlett]

If you’re still answering the movie asks… numbers 36 and 39 ☺️

36. which movie star would you want to meet?

If I had to answer this in an honest way, I'd say "none!", because due to being the hopeless fangirl that I am, encounters like these would be embarrassing and uncomfortable for all parties involved 🤠

But if I had to choose, I of course would show my best and most calm side and would love to meet these two (I know, again two, but I just don't want to choose):

Shah Rukh Khan, since he's the childhood/teen crush and hero for me. I inhaled his Bollywood movies back then and still am so attatched to him in a nostalgic way 🤗 Would most likely just want to tell him how much joy his movies brought me, how much the music of this movies shaped me and how much he was a part of my growing up process.

And of course, no surprises here, the fine gentleman that is Hugo Weaving 🤲🏼 He also was a big part of my teen years since he was part of my favourite movie, and later now became such a hyperfixation :') Would probably love to talk with him about his work on australian movies and theatre pieces as well as just... would beg him to read audiobooks because I need his voice in my life more.

39. in your opinion what is the most underrated movie?

(Maybe not underrated but just not known enough/not talked about enough anymore):

Going absolutely full blown German mode here and say every movie made by the German movie director Rainer Werner Fassbinder. He was known for his provocative and often controversial films that explored themes of alienation, sexuality, and social critique, and really shaped the New German cinema movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Fassbinder's works often depicted the struggles of people (oftentimes marginalized groups) in post-war Germany; very heavy and sad movies without being overly dramatic.

I recommend especially 'Ali: Fear eats the soul' ('Angst essen Seele auf'; so. SO. good), 'Martha' and 'The marriage of Maria Braun' ('Die Ehe der Maria Braun').

[desicinemasart778]

The Impact of desi cinema on Global Pop Culture 🌟🎬

Desi cinema has long been a significant cultural force, but in recent years, its influence on global pop culture has reached new heights. From Bollywood blockbusters to regional film successes, desi cinema is shaping trends, inspiring fashion, and fostering cross-cultural exchanges.

Bollywood's Global Appeal 🌏💃

Bollywood, India's Hindi-language film industry of desicinema, has always had a vast following. However, its reach has expanded exponentially with the advent of digital streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Films like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" have become cult classics, watched by audiences from New York to Nairobi. These films' catchy music, dramatic storylines, and vibrant visuals have become synonymous with Indian pop culture.

Fashion and Dance Trends 💃👗

The influence of desi cinema extends beyond the screen into fashion and dance. Iconic outfits worn by Bollywood stars often set trends, with fans emulating their styles. Additionally, Bollywood dance routines have become popular worldwide, with dance classes and flash mobs inspired by these choreographies appearing in various countries. The fusion of traditional Indian attire with modern fashion elements has also led to a unique global fashion trend.

Music and Soundtracks 🎶🎧

Music plays a pivotal role in desi cinema, with soundtracks often becoming hits even before the film's release. Songs from films like "Tanu Weds Manu" and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" have topped international music charts. The incorporation of Indian instruments and melodies into global music genres has led to a fusion that appeals to a diverse audience, further cementing desi cinema's influence on global music trends.

Collaborations and Cross-Cultural Projects 🤝🎬

The growing recognition of desi cinema has led to collaborations between Indian filmmakers and international artists. Projects like "The Lunchbox," which featured Indian and Western talent, have showcased the potential for cross-cultural storytelling. These collaborations not only enrich the cinematic experience but also promote cultural understanding and exchange.

Social Media and Fan Communities 📱🌐

Social media platforms have played a crucial role in amplifying desi cinema's global presence. Fans from different parts of the world share their love for Indian films, creating online communities that discuss, critique, and celebrate desi cinema. Hashtags like #BollywoodForever and #DesiCinema have millions of posts, highlighting the widespread appreciation for Indian films.

Conclusion: A Global Cultural Phenomenon 🌟🎥

Desi cinemas impact on global pop culture is undeniable. Its ability to blend traditional narratives with contemporary themes, coupled with its vibrant music and fashion, has made it a significant cultural export. As it continues to evolve and collaborate with global industries, desi cinema is set to remain a powerful force in shaping global pop culture for years to come.

[lokeshbhandarimovies233]

Welcome to Lokesh Bhandari Review, your ultimate entertainment hub for insightful reviews! Dive into in-depth Web Series Reviews that spotlight the latest streaming hits, explore our curated OTT Movie Reviews for must-watch films, and enjoy expert Movie Reviews of recent blockbusters. Uncover hidden gems with our Under-Rated Reviews**, discover fresh content in Other OTTs, and relish nostalgic insights with our Retro Reviews of classic films. Stay informed and entertain

[technorad]

The fourth idiot

The first time I watched this masterpiece, I was in high school, wide-eyed and impressionable, completely unaware of how deeply this Bollywood gem would resonate with me. It was my father who recommended this film to me, which was a hilariously entertaining comedy, a heartfelt drama, and a sharp critique of the education system, all rolled into one. But more than that, the movie itself is a mirror—a mirror that reflects the anxieties, dreams, and struggles of every student who has ever questioned their place in the world.

As the story unfolded, I was drawn into the lives of three students whose personalities and experiences felt incredibly relatable. The film skillfully blends humor with serious critique, offering insight into how a student manages to survive in college. But what really stood out to me was how each character represented a different facet of the student experience. It was as though the movie held up a mirror to every student who has ever felt pressured to fit into a mold or feared that their dreams might never come true. Through the struggles and triumphs of the characters, 3 Idiots made me reflect on my own journey, as well as the journeys of so many other students around me.

What makes 3 Idiots so impactful is how it gives voice to different experiences and perspectives within the educational system. Each character, though facing similar challenges, approaches them in their own way, revealing how diverse the student experience can be. As I watched, I realized that we don’t all walk the same path—some of us push against the system, others try to fit in, and some are simply trying to survive. It’s through these three very different characters that the film shows the complexities of being a student, each one offering something new to consider. With that, let’s explore how Rancho, Farhan, and Raju represent three very distinct perspectives on education, life, and success.

Raju Rastogi, he was as poor as a church mouse, his life a constant struggle against the weight of circumstances he had no control over. His home was a reflection of his hardships—an unstable roof, water leaking down from cracks, a symbol of the fragility of the life he was desperately trying to build. His family, burdened with suffering, was a constant reminder of the stakes he had to face. His father, paralyzed and unable to work, left him with the responsibility of providing for the family. His mother, frail and sick, required constant care, while his sister, unmarried and uncertain of her future, added another layer of worry to an already difficult existence.

The first time we see Raju in a flashback, he is a silhouette of desperation. Farhan enters the dorm room and sees him with his hands clasped together and his eyes fixed ahead. His lips move in constant prayer, murmuring mantras with the fervor of a man bargaining with the universe. The walls around him tell the story of a soul seeking divine intervention—posters of gods paper over cracks in the plaster, tiny idols perch on makeshift altars, and strings of faded prayer beads dangle from rusted nails. Every inch of his space is a plea, a silent scream for mercy from forces beyond his control. He does not simply pray, he negotiates. If he fasts on Tuesdays, perhaps his mother's cough will ease. If he touches his father's feet before exams, maybe the answers will come to him. If he lights enough incense, just maybe, the universe will spare him from another humiliation.

For Raju, religion is not faith. It is insurance, a last-ditch effort to shield himself from a world that has shown him nothing but cruelty. While his classmates cram formulas into their notebooks, he memorizes mantras. While they debate problem sets in the library, his fingers work over rosary beads, counting each one as if the click of wood could ward off disaster. His superstitions are not quirks. They are survival tactics. Silver rings adorn his fingers—a Ganesh for wisdom, an iron band for strength, a red thread to deflect the evil eye. Each one is a whispered prayer. Let me pass. Let me survive. Let me not drown.

Yet for all his devotion, the gods remain silent. His grades linger in mediocrity. His voice wavers when he speaks, not from uncertainty but from the exhaustion of a man who has spent his life waiting for a miracle that never arrives. Even his posture confesses defeat—shoulders hunched forward as if carrying an invisible weight, his spine bending under the pressure of being the last hope for a family teetering on the edge.

But the tragedy and beauty of Raju is this. His prayers are not just for himself. They are for his father, who now cannot lift a spoon to his own lips. For his mother, who sold her wedding jewelry to pay his tuition. For his sister, whose future hinges on his success. Every whispered plea is a promise—I will not let you down. I cannot afford to.

When we first see him, Raju is not just a student. He is a man struggling in the deep end, holding onto faith as if it were his only lifeline because no one ever taught him how to swim.

Despite all of this, Raju dared to dream of a better life—a dream the movie shows him ultimately achieving through tremendous personal growth. After surviving his suicide attempt, we witness Raju's remarkable transformation during his job interview scene, where he boldly tells the interviewer,

"Sir, I'll take the job, but I won't lick boots. These broken legs taught me to stand on my own."

This powerful moment marks his shift from fearful desperation to hard-won self-respect. The film's closing montage confirms his success, showing Raju as a well-dressed corporate executive while still wearing his signature religious rings, a subtle nod to how he progressed without abandoning his roots. His journey was made possible through Rancho's crucial interventions, from carrying him to the hospital after his fall to helping reconstruct his resume to focus on skills rather than grades. While the movie doesn't show explicit scenes of his family's improved circumstances, Raju's professional success implies he could finally provide proper medical care for his parents, secure his sister's future, and repair their dilapidated home. Raju's arc delivers one of the film's most poignant messages: real change begins when we find the courage to value ourselves, not just when our external circumstances improve. His story remains the most emotionally resonant transformation in 3 Idiots, proving that even the most burdened among us can rewrite their futures.

Farhan Qureshi, his life had been mapped out long before he even knew who he was. Born into a middle-class family, Farhan was destined to become an engineer, not by choice, but by the firm decision of his father. His father, Mr. Qureshi, believed that engineering was the safest and most respectable profession, one that would guarantee a secure and stable future for his only son. Farhan never had the chance to argue. It was like from the moment he opened his eyes to the world, the path was drawn — school, college, engineering, a good job, and a settled life.

At first, Farhan never questioned this plan. He obeyed, he studied, and he tried his best to meet the expectations placed on him. Yet deep inside, Farhan harbored a dream he dared not speak aloud. His heart beat not for machines or circuits, but for the wilderness. Photography, especially wildlife photography, captured his imagination like nothing else ever could. In secret, he nurtured this love, flipping through magazines, watching nature documentaries, and dreaming of a life spent behind the lens. But dreams had no place in the tightly controlled world his father had built for him. Dreams, to his father, were a luxury their family could not afford.

At Imperial College of Engineering, Farhan struggled silently. He was not a failure by academic standards, but he was not exceptional either. His mind was never truly invested in engineering, and it showed. He sat through lectures on machines and dynamics, but his mind wandered to the jungles, to animals in their natural habitat, to capturing moments no classroom could ever teach him about. Every day in college was a quiet battle between obligation and desire.

It was in this setting that Farhan met Rancho and Raju, two friends who would change the course of his life. Rancho, especially, became a guiding light. Rancho questioned everything Farhan had accepted without thought. He laughed in the face of mindless pressure and pushed Farhan to ask himself what he truly wanted from life. For the first time, Farhan saw that it was not wrong to dream. It was not wrong to want a life different from the one others had written for him.

Even though Rancho encouraged him, Farhan’s fear remained strong. The thought of confronting his father, the man who had worked so hard to provide for him, filled him with guilt and dread. It was not just about choosing a career. It was about rejecting everything his father believed was best for him. And so Farhan stayed silent, living two lives — the obedient engineering student by day, and the secret dreamer by night.

Farhan’s passion for photography was not a passing fancy. His skills were real, shaped by years of quiet practice and deep love for the craft. He kept a collection of photographs, each frame a piece of the world he longed to be part of. But he never showed them to anyone, too afraid of being dismissed or ridiculed. In a world where success was measured by grades and salaries, his love for photography felt like a weakness he had to hide.

It is only later in the film, during a tense moment in the hospital after Raju’s accident, that Farhan gathers the courage to confront his father. Shaken by the possibility of losing a friend, and realizing the fragility of life, Farhan finally speaks. In a trembling voice filled with emotion, he tells his father that he does not want to be an engineer. He wants to be a photographer. The words, once locked inside him for so long, come pouring out in a rush of desperation and honesty.

His father, at first, reacts with anger and disbelief. He cannot understand how Farhan could throw away a stable future for a "hobby." But when Farhan stands firm, when he tells his father that for once he wants to live his own life, Mr. Qureshi slowly, painfully, lets go of his rigid plans. It is a small but monumental victory. Farhan’s father’s reluctant blessing is a turning point not just in Farhan’s life, but in their relationship. It is a moment of understanding, built not on anger, but on love.

After gaining his father’s permission, Farhan writes a heartfelt letter to his idol, a famous wildlife photographer. His work is recognized, and he is offered a position as an assistant photographer. This opportunity, small as it might seem to others, is the world to Farhan. It is the first real step toward a life of purpose and joy.

Throughout the movie, Farhan remains the voice of reflection and memory. He looks back at their college days with a mixture of fondness and regret, recognizing how much he and his friends grew during that time. His perspective gives the story a layer of warmth and sadness, a reminder that youth is fleeting, and the choices we make during those years shape the rest of our lives.

In the final moments of the film, we see a new Farhan. He is no longer the timid boy afraid to speak his mind. He is a man who dared to change the story written for him. Farhan becomes a successful wildlife photographer, traveling the world and capturing the beauty of nature through his lens. His smile is wider, his voice stronger. The boy who once sat silently in class, dreaming of another life, finally lives the dream he once thought was impossible.

Farhan’s story is not dramatic or filled with grand gestures. It is a quiet revolution, the kind that happens inside a person’s heart. It is about finding the courage to admit what you really want, even when the world expects something else from you. His transformation is not just about career choice. It is about reclaiming his life, about choosing happiness over fear, passion over obligation.

Among the three friends, Farhan's journey is perhaps the most relatable for college students—even for me. I understand all too well the experience of not getting into your first-choice or preferred course, as that's exactly what happened to me in college. Like Farhan, many people find themselves torn between duty and desire, between love and expectation. His story proves it's never too late to choose yourself, to honor the dreams that define who you truly are. Farhan's journey serves as a gentle but powerful reminder that success isn't measured solely by money or status. True success means living a life that feels authentic to your heart.

Farhan Qureshi’s journey in 3 Idiots is simple, sincere, and powerful. It teaches us that even in a world full of expectations, the bravest thing you can do is listen to your own voice.

Ranchoddas Shamaldas Chanchad, he was not like anyone else at Imperial College of Engineering. From the very first day, it was clear that he was different. While other students buried themselves in heavy books and chased high grades with fear in their hearts, Rancho moved through life with a smile and a spirit that could not be broken. He asked questions that no one else dared to ask. He wanted to understand, not just memorize. In a world where success was measured by ranks and percentages, Rancho believed that true learning came from curiosity, creativity, and passion.

Most students at ICE lived in fear of the system. They obeyed the strict rules set by Virus, the college director, because they thought that was the only way to survive. Rancho, however, did not believe in living life out of fear. He challenged traditions that made no sense. He questioned teachers when the lessons were mechanical. He encouraged his classmates to think beyond textbooks. While others recited definitions to get good marks, Rancho tried to understand how things actually worked. It made him unpopular with the faculty, but it also made him unforgettable.

Despite the constant scoldings and punishments, Rancho never lost his kindness. He treated everyone equally, whether they were students, staff, or strangers. His friendship with Farhan and Raju was proof of his deep loyalty and compassion. Rancho was the first person to see the hidden dreams and fears inside his friends. He saw that Farhan loved photography but was too scared to admit it. He saw that Raju lived under the crushing weight of expectations and fear. Rancho did not just notice these things. He helped them find the courage to change.

Rancho’s way of living was simple yet powerful. He always said, "Pursue excellence, and success will follow." He believed that if you loved what you did and worked hard at it, the rewards would come naturally. This was a lesson that changed Farhan’s and Raju’s lives forever. It was not easy. Both of them struggled against years of fear and pressure. But Rancho stood by them with patience, laughter, and unwavering belief.

While Rancho’s life at college seemed lighthearted and full of jokes, there was a hidden sadness behind his cheerful face. What no one knew at first was that he was living under a false name. The real Ranchoddas Shamaldas Chanchad was a rich man’s son who cared only about racing and luxury. The Rancho everyone knew and loved was actually the son of the gardener who worked for the Chanchad family. Because of his incredible intelligence, the real Ranchoddas’ father allowed him to study in his son’s place. In return, he asked for nothing. Not fame, not fortune. He studied because he loved learning, not because he needed a degree.

This truth about Rancho’s identity comes much later in the story, but it explains so much about him. Unlike others, Rancho had no hunger for medals or titles. He had no desperate need to impress. His only wish was to learn and to invent. His passion was pure, untouched by the pressures that weighed down the other students. Rancho’s freedom of spirit came from the fact that he had nothing to prove to anyone. He studied because it made him happy, and that happiness lit up everything he did.

One of the most touching moments in Rancho’s story is his bond with Pia, Virus’ daughter. Pia is strong-willed but trapped in the same world of expectations and pressure. Rancho treats her with respect, humor, and honesty. Their love is quiet and natural, growing from friendship and understanding. Rancho teaches Pia, just like he teaches everyone around him, to listen to her own heart.

Rancho’s greatest test comes when Raju faces an impossible situation. After being forced to choose between betraying a friend or losing his future, Raju chooses honor and tries to end his life. It is Rancho’s love and determination that helps bring Raju back. In the hospital, Rancho and Farhan stay by Raju’s side, refusing to give up hope. Rancho’s belief in his friend’s strength never wavers, and it is that unwavering support that pulls Raju through.

Even after college, Rancho’s influence remains strong. Farhan and Raju remember him not just as a brilliant student but as the person who taught them how to live. Years later, they set out on a journey to find him, longing to thank him for the way he changed their lives. Their search leads them back to the truth about Rancho’s real identity. When they finally find him, he is living a simple life in Ladakh under his real name, Phunsukh Wangdu.

Phunsukh Wangdu is a scientist and inventor, creating technologies to help ordinary people. He works with children, encouraging them to think freely and to love learning. He has hundreds of patents, but he has not changed a bit. He is still the same Rancho who believes in excellence over success, who believes that learning should be joyful, not fearful. His life is not one of luxury, but it is rich with meaning and purpose.

In the end, Rancho’s story is not about being the smartest student or getting the highest salary. It is about staying true to yourself in a world that constantly tries to change you. It is about living with kindness, chasing passion, and lifting others up along the way. Rancho’s success is measured not in awards but in the lives he touched.

For Farhan, Rancho was the push that helped him become a wildlife photographer. For Raju, he was the support that helped him overcome fear and stand tall. For Pia, he was the partner who believed in her worth beyond the traditions forced on her. And for every person who crossed paths with him, Rancho was a reminder that life is not a race to the finish line. It is a journey meant to be lived with love, laughter, and courage.

Rancho’s character and story in 3 Idiots is a celebration of the human spirit. It teaches us that true success is not measured by trophies or paychecks. It is measured by the happiness you find, the dreams you dare to chase, and the kindness you show to others. Rancho lived this truth every day, and through him, so did everyone who loved him.

Raju, Farhan, and Rancho—three idiots, three different characters.

But the real question is,

Whose character would you want to be? Why?

As I rewatch the movie now, years later, I realize something profound, a revelation that strikes deeper than before.

I am the fourth idiot.

Not in the sense of foolishness, but as another lost soul trying to find my way through the chaos of expectations, failures, and self-discovery. The three protagonists, Raju, Farhan, and Rancho, each embody a different part of the student experience. In each of them, I see fragments of myself.

When I think about which character from 3 Idiots mirrors my reality the most, Raju Rastogi comes to mind almost immediately. His story feels so close to mine that sometimes it feels like parts of his struggle are scenes taken directly from my own life. Raju’s life was never easy. He came from a background of hardship, where every step forward required enormous effort, and the burden of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders. I see myself clearly in him because, like Raju, I grew up with financial struggles and family issues that shaped how I see the world and my place in it.

Raju’s family situation was full of tension and sadness. His father was paralyzed and unable to work, his mother was sick and frail, and his sister's future depended entirely on him getting a stable job. Every decision he made was under the weight of knowing that it was not just about him—it was about the survival of his entire family. I share that same kind of burden. Growing up, my parents had conflicts throughout my life, and the household was often filled with tension and uncertainty. There was no stable foundation that allowed me to feel fully supported or free. Financially, we were never in a place of comfort either. We were not rich enough to afford prestigious or expensive schools, and sometimes it felt like even basic needs were a struggle.

When it came to education, it was a fight from the very beginning. I had to find my own ways to enroll in my current university. No one paved the way for me. There were no safety nets if I failed. Every scholarship, every application, every piece of paperwork—I had to figure it out on my own. Like Raju, I knew that the stakes were high. If I failed, it would not just be a personal setback; it would be a setback for my whole family. That pressure can be overwhelming, and it shapes the way you view success. Success stops being about dreams or passions; it becomes purely about survival.

Raju’s deep reliance on religion and superstition also resonates with me. It is not just about believing in a higher power. It is about clinging to something when you feel you have no control over your circumstances. Raju fasted, prayed, and clung to rituals because it was his way of trying to gain some control over a life that constantly threatened to collapse around him. I have often found myself in similar moments—moments where logic and hard work did not seem enough, and where I turned to faith, hope, or sheer wishing for things to work out.

Moreover, Raju’s fear and anxiety about the future reflect my own. He was terrified of failing, not just for himself but for the people who depended on him. I know that feeling all too well. Every exam, every semester, every grade feels like a life-or-death situation. It is not simply about personal pride; it is about feeling like you are the last line of defense for your family's well-being.

Another part of Raju that mirrors my experience is his deep sense of guilt whenever he feels he is not doing enough. In the movie, we see Raju constantly doubting himself, constantly wondering if he is good enough, if he is worthy of the opportunities he fought so hard to get. I wrestle with those same feelings. Even when I achieve something, a small part of me questions whether it is enough, whether I have done justice to the sacrifices made by my family.

The emotional toll of carrying these burdens is something I understand deeply. Like Raju, I have felt moments of desperation, moments where giving up seemed easier than fighting another day. His suicide attempt, while extreme, symbolizes the crushing pressure many students like us face. Sometimes the future feels so overwhelming, and the fear of failure so paralyzing, that it becomes hard to see any hope ahead. Thankfully, I have never gone to that extreme, but I understand the depth of pain that can push someone to that edge.

Despite all his struggles, what I admire most about Raju—and what I try to hold onto in myself—is his resilience. He did not have the luxury of being the smartest or the most talented. He succeeded because he kept going, even when every part of him wanted to stop. When he finally stands up for himself during his job interview, refusing to compromise his integrity, it is one of the most powerful moments of the film. That moment is not just about getting a job; it is about reclaiming his self-worth.

I aspire to find that same strength within myself. I want to believe that even though I come from less privileged circumstances, and even though my journey is harder, I can still succeed with my head held high. Like Raju, I am trying to build a future where I do not have to compromise who I am just to survive. I want to reach a point where my success is not just measured by my grades or my career but by the fact that I stayed true to myself even when it was hard.

In many ways, Raju represents hope. He shows that even the most burdened, even those starting with the least, can carve out a place for themselves in the world through resilience, courage, and faith—not blind faith in rituals, but faith in themselves. As I continue my own journey, I hold onto that lesson tightly. I am still a work in progress, but Raju’s story reminds me that it is okay to struggle, it is okay to stumble, and it is okay to move forward at my own pace, as long as I keep moving.

While Raju’s life and struggles echo the hardships I face, Farhan Qureshi’s story speaks to another deep part of me—the part that questions if I am on the right path at all. Farhan was someone who went along with what was expected of him. His heart wanted to chase something else entirely, but he found himself trapped in the course his parents decided for him. Watching Farhan struggle with this inner conflict reminds me of my own journey. I too ended up in a course that was not my first choice, and for a long time, I wondered if I was simply living someone else’s dream instead of my own.

Farhan’s passion was photography. It was clear from the way he talked about it, from the way his face lit up at the mere mention of it, that it was what he was born to do. Yet, because of the pressure from his father and the weight of expectations, he pursued engineering—a course that promised stability, prestige, and financial security. I know that feeling too well. There was a time when I took an exam in university, and I got enrolled in a program that I did not feel connected to and was not my first choice. It was not my dream; it was not even my second choice, but at the time, it seemed like the only logical decision. It was what people around me said was "practical" and "safe," and I, too, wanted to make my family proud.

But as the months went by, just like Farhan, I started feeling empty. I kept asking myself,

"Is this what I am meant to do for the rest of my life?"

Every assignment, every lecture, every exam felt heavier because my heart was not in it. There were days when I would stare blankly at my notes, wondering why I felt so disconnected while everyone else seemed so sure of themselves. That confusion, that gnawing sense of being out of place, is something I saw reflected so clearly in Farhan’s eyes.

Farhan’s courage to finally confront his father and pursue his passion is something I admire deeply. It takes incredible bravery to go against the expectations set upon you, especially when those expectations come from people you love and respect. In my own journey, I was lucky to find an opportunity to shift to my desired program, but even then, doubts continued to haunt me. Am I making the right decision? What if I fail? What if I disappoint everyone? These questions swirled endlessly in my mind, just as they did in Farhan’s.

Farhan also represents the struggle between passion and practicality. Society often tells us to prioritize the practical, to chase degrees and careers that guarantee financial security over personal fulfillment. But what Farhan teaches us is that true success is not about living up to other people’s standards. True success is waking up every day excited about what you do, feeling alive and passionate about the life you are building for yourself. That lesson hits close to home for me because even today, there are moments when I wonder if the practical choices I have made are worth the cost of abandoning some of my own dreams.

Moreover, Farhan's relationship with his friends, especially Rancho, taught him how important it is to have people who push you towards your true self. Rancho constantly encouraged Farhan to chase his passion, reminding him that life is not meant to be lived in regret. I am grateful that in my own life, there have been a few people—friends, mentors, even strangers—who have encouraged me to listen to my heart. Without those people, I might have stayed stuck in a life that was never really mine to live.

Another thing that makes me relate to Farhan is his quiet nature. Among the trio, he was the least confrontational, the most hesitant. He was not bold like Rancho or desperate like Raju. He was someone who kept a lot of his battles inside. I relate to that deeply. Most of my struggles are internal. I do not always express them outwardly, but they are always there, simmering under the surface. It is hard to fight battles that no one else sees, and it is even harder to explain to people why you feel so lost when, on the outside, it looks like you are doing just fine.

When Farhan finally mustered the courage to talk to his father, it was one of the most emotional scenes in the movie for me. His voice trembled, his heart was pounding, but he spoke his truth. He acknowledged his love and respect for his father, but he also asked for the freedom to live his own life. That moment taught me that it is possible to honor where you come from without sacrificing where you want to go. You do not have to be disrespectful to be firm about your dreams. You do not have to abandon your roots to grow in the direction you choose.

I often think about what my life would look like if I had stayed on the path that was expected of me. Would I have been successful? Maybe. Would I have been happy? Probably not. Farhan’s journey reminds me that happiness is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Living a life that feels authentic and meaningful is not selfish—it is what gives our lives true value.

Lastly, Farhan’s story is a reminder that it is never too late to change direction. Even if you have already spent years walking a path that does not feel right, you can still turn around and find your own way. The fear of being "too late" often paralyzes people, but Farhan shows that the only real mistake is staying in a life that is not truly yours.

I am still figuring things out, just like Farhan. I still have doubts, and there are days when the future feels overwhelming. But seeing how Farhan found the courage to choose himself, to pursue his passion despite everything, gives me hope that I can do the same. His story is a reminder that we all deserve to live a life that feels real and joyful, even if it means taking risks, even if it means disappointing some people along the way.

In Farhan, I see the version of myself that is learning to be brave—not just brave enough to dream, but brave enough to fight for those dreams. And that, I think, is one of the hardest and most beautiful lessons life can teach us.

As I think about trying to relate to all of the characters in the movie based on my life experiences, all I can say is that each of them resonates with a different part of my life. But when it comes to answering the real question of whom I would want to become, I realize there is only one answer, it is Rancho.

Rancho is the person I wish I could become. He is the ideal. He is the genius I admire from afar while I feel like the idiot struggling just to keep up. While Raju reflects my circumstances and Farhan mirrors my confusion, Rancho represents who I aspire to be. He is the vision of the student, the learner, and the human being that I hope I could someday resemble, even if right now it feels so far away.

What makes Rancho so different is not just his intelligence but his attitude towards life. He's like a lazy genius, someone who does not study just for grades but for understanding. He approaches learning with curiosity and passion, not fear and pressure. He does not memorize books; he questions them. He does not follow the herd; he creates his own path. Watching him navigate the rigid world of the Imperial College of Engineering with humor, creativity, and calmness, I saw everything that I lack but desperately want to have.

The truth is, I am not Rancho. Not even close. I am not the type of person who can top the class effortlessly like he does. I am not the one who always has the right answer, who always stays calm under pressure, who knows how to make even the most complicated problems seem simple. If Rancho is a rocket flying freely into the sky, I often feel like a broken kite being battered by the wind, trying to stay afloat.

Rancho embodies a confidence that I have always envied. He moves through life with a certainty that whatever happens, things will be okay. "All is well," he says, not because he believes everything is perfect, but because he knows worrying will not help. Meanwhile, I tend to get easily overwhelmed and sensitive. I let failures consume me. I let doubts paralyze me. I find it hard to move forward when things go wrong. In Rancho, I see the strength to smile even in the face of uncertainty, a strength I desperately wish I had.

More than just being a genius, Rancho is also a genuinely good person. He is kind. He helps others without expecting anything in return. He stands up against unfairness, whether it is a brutal education system or a friend’s personal fear. He is not interested in fame or money or titles. His life is about learning, helping, loving, and living fully. That simplicity, that honesty, that purity of heart—it’s something rare and beautiful, and it is something I hope to find within myself someday.

Rancho's genius is effortless, but what I admire even more is his freedom. He is free from the chains that bind most of us—fear of failure, obsession with grades, hunger for approval. I am not free like that. Most of my decisions have been shaped by fear. Fear of disappointing my family. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of being left behind. I chase grades, validation, and security, even when my heart wants something else. Rancho reminds me that the greatest success is not about being better than others; it’s about being better than who you were yesterday. It is about following your passion with courage and trust.

I also see in Rancho a kind of joy that I rarely experience. He laughs easily. He makes jokes in the middle of serious moments. He plays pranks on his strict professors. Even when he is being scolded, he finds a way to smile. Meanwhile, I often carry a heavy weight on my shoulders. The stress of expectations, the fear of the future, the burden of not feeling "enough"—it drags me down. Rancho reminds me that life is not meant to be taken so seriously all the time. That there is power in laughter, even during tough times. That humor can be a shield and a sword.

But at the same time, I know Rancho is not perfect. He hides his real identity to escape the pressures placed on him. He runs away from his past. In many ways, even he is vulnerable. And maybe that is why I admire him even more—because even in his vulnerability, he chose to live bravely. He chose to build a life on his own terms. I wish I had that kind of bravery, that kind of belief in myself.

In the end, Rancho is the answer to the question. He is the person I want to be. He is the dream, the goal, the hope. I am the fourth idiot, standing in the middle of confusion and fear, while he is the genius I look up to—the beacon guiding me towards a better version of myself.

Even though I am not a lazy genius like Rancho, even though I am not naturally gifted or endlessly confident, even though I stumble and fall much more often than I would like, there is a small piece of Rancho inside me. It is the piece that believes in learning for the sake of learning. It is the piece that dreams of being free. It is the piece that refuses to give up completely, even when things get hard.

I may not be Rancho, but maybe, just maybe, if I keep moving forward, keep learning, and keep believing, I can find a little more of him in myself every day.

And that is why, out of the three, it is Rancho whose character I would choose.

Not because I am already like him.

But because he is everything I hope I can become.

[thepallikoodam01]

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