Writer/Director: Aditya Chopra
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Vinay Pathak
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood are as beloved as Shah Rukh Khan. Ever since his rise toward recognition in the 1990’s, Khan has become one of the greatest actors in the Indian film industry. Whether it is star-crossed lovers, gangsters or doomed superheroes, Khan has proven he can portray many characters. Arguably, Khan’s finest strength as an actor has always been his charisma. He has often been of those rare actors with the abilities to use his charisma to attract audiences to the theatres. Through his abilities to play characters which prove to be compelling, Khan has created a legacy that’s lasting. Known as the Badshah of Bollywood, Khan has stood the test of time as a great icon in Indian Cinema. Despite reaching the ages of retirement, Khan hasn’t lost his passions for making engaging entertainment. An icon in India, Khan has become a bold actor whose movies commonly attract audiences to the Cinema. Throughout his long-lasting career, Khan has appeared in several unforgettable movies which are definitely without a doubt worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Khan and adore the films he has made in his career. However, “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” stands out as his most underrated work. Released in 2008, Aditya Chopra’s movie offered a powerful portrait of heavenly marriages. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood films ever made. At the centre of it all is a terrific performance by Shah Rukh Khan, who plays an aging professor seeking love. Ultimately, what makes “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” a true Bollywood classic is strong appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles powerful themes everyone would relate to. A riveting Bollywood romantic drama, there are many strong reasons why “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” is worth watching.
“Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” tells the story of an aging Indian man which falls in love with a young woman causing adversity. Shah Rukh Khan portrays Surinder Sahi, an elderly man that lives a life that’s lonely. Surinder yearns to find love in his life that seems to be a far-fetched possibility. However, Surinder’s life forever changes when he falls in love with a young dancer. Taani (Anushka Sharma) is a talented female dancer that has a talent for engaging in dancing competitions. Due to a big age difference, Surinder makes a choice to dress up as a youthful man to win over a heart of a young woman. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Surinder soon is forced to wonder whether he will ever find a lover.
Aditya Chopra is fascinated with the themes of love. A fantastic Indian filmmaker, Chopra has often made engaging movies about the lives of lovers facing disaster. His iconic film “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” provided an engrossing portrait of lovers striving to take soon to be brides away. With “Rab De Bana Di Jodi”, however, Chopra directed his first ever dancing movie. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of lovers in joyous dance competitions but he pulled it off effectively. Using bold cinematography, Chopra captures an aging man on journey to find his identity. Emulating Yash Chopra’s “Lamhe”, Chopra effectively uses montages to capture bonds between lovers with a big age difference. For instance, the montages elevate the dance scene. During this intense scene, Surinder engages in a dance with his newfound lover in competitions. Using bold montages, Chopra creates a portrait of love that’s engaging. Montages are tricky to use in movies. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” suggested, montages often enhance dysfunctional family dramas. That being said, it works immensely. Using strong visuals, Chopra captures lovers pursuing a passion of dancing.
Another admirable aspect of “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies you will ever see. Chopra expertly cross-cutting to create musical sequences which prove to be engrossing. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the Haule Haule song. During this unforgettable scene, Surinder engages in a song and dance number demonstrating his passion for love. Using strong cross-cutting, Chopra creates a romance that’s engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the film tense atmosphere capturing the burden that aging lovers bear. Through strong production, Chopra captures lovers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” is a Bollywood film that’s engaging. The film is extremely well-written, and expertly uses silence to convey hardship lovers experience. Evoking Farhan Akhtar’s “Dil Chahta Hai”, Chopra effectively uses silence to capture lovers which face a price to pay. For instance, silence enhances the secret scene. During this intense scene, Taani discovers the true identity of Surinder in state of silence. Through silence, Chopra crafts a portrait of romance that audiences can relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most films. As Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Swades” suggested, silence often elevates films about Indian homeland. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through a phenomenal screenplay, Chopra captures lovers facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Shah Rukh Khan delivers one of his greatest performances as Surinder. Khan achieved appreciation for playing romantic heroes in classic Bollywood films. With “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi”, however, Khan took upon his most complex role. It isn’t simple to play an aging professor falling in love with a young woman causing adversities but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him in a past: intense, charming and emotional in his most mature role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resentment of a bachelor facing tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the finest actors in India today.
While the film is a showcase for Shah Rukh Khan, the supporting cast is also excellent. Anushka Sharma is spectacular, bringing charisma to a woman that falls in love with an older man causing trauma. Vijay Pathak is powerful, bringing charm to a hairdresser that assists Surinder in finding love. Lastly, M.K. Raina merits appreciation. As Taani’s father, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing marriages that face adversity. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses bold subjects including ambition, mental health and trauma which would resonate amongst everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with Indian cultures to enjoy it. Therefore, “Rab De Bana De Jodi” is one of those rare Bollywood movies about romance everyone would adore.
Fans of Shah Rukh Khan will enjoy “Rab Ne Bana De Jodi” and so will audiences which seek meaningful entertainment. A riveting Bollywood romantic drama, it honours an actor with charisma.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood film about lovers with a huge age difference, it’s a powerful reminder of a world-famous star with strong presence that has made memorable movies throughout his career which have earned a huge audience.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 