Writer/Director: Yash Chopra
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Bollywood have made comedies that have raised the bar as high as Akshay Kumar. Ever since his recognition in the 1990’s, Kumar has become a beloved icon in Bollywood. Whether it’s mischievous con-artists, destructive lovers or historical figures, Kumar has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Kumar’s strength as a comedian has always been his capabilities to evoke laughter. He is one of those special actors that has always had a talent playing comedic characters with a sharp sense of humour. Even when he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Kumar has always left a strong impression. Through his abilities to portray comedic characters that prove compelling, Kumar has established legacy that’s lasting. Throughout his illustrious career, Kumar has made several unforgettable movies that are absolutely worth talking about without any single doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Kumar and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “Dil to Pagal Hai” definitely stands out as his most entertaining movie. Released in 1997, Yash Chopra’s movie offered a powerful portrait of romantic relationships. Packed with bold musical numbers, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s a brilliant Bollywood romantic drama. At the centre of it all is an astonishing performance by Akshay Kumar, who embodies a man in a doomed romantic relationship. Ultimately, what makes “Dil To Pagal Hai” a Bollywood classic is its appeal. Unlike most Bollywood films from the 1990’s that are outdated, it has aged beautifully. A Bollywood classic, there are many reasons why “Dil To Pagal Hai” is a film that is worth watching.
“Dil to Pagal Hai” tells the story of a dancer that falls in love in a romance with a price to pay. Shah Rukh Khan plays Rahul, a director of a dance troupe that’s cool. Rahul regards Nisha (Karisma Kapoor) to be a best friend rather than a love interest. However, Rahul’s life dramatically changes when he falls in love with another girl that caused disaster. Pooja (Madhuri Dixit) is a charming dancer that agrees to join Rahul’s dance troupe for participation. As all odds become stacked against his favour, Rahul is forced to wonder whether it’s really possible to find love in a career as a dancer. Torn between his love of two women, Rahul discovers harsh realities of the dance profession.
Yash Chopra has always been fascinated with themes of love. A legendary filmmaker in India, Chopra created engaging movies about lovers facing a dilemma. With “Dil to Pagal Hai”, however, Chopra made his first ever dancer drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture romantic bonds of dancers but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Chopra captures a dancer forming romantic relationships that endure adversity. Emulating Emile Ardolino’s “Dirty Dancing”, Chopra uses montages to convey bonds between lovers that admire dancing. For instance, montages elevate the dance competition scene. During this memorable scene, Rahul engages in a dance with lovers in a competition. Using stunning montages. Chopra created a romance that’s engaging. Montages are tricky techniques. As Karan Johar’s “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham” did prove clearly, montages elevate Bollywood movies about dysfunctional families. That being said, it works immensely in this film. Using engaging visuals, Chopra captures tensions that romantic dancers are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Dil to Pagal Hai” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best Bollywood movies you will ever watch. Chopra expertly uses dance choreography to craft music sequences that are engaging. For instance, dance choreography elevates the opening musical sequence. During this unforgettable scene, Rahul participates in a dance competition with Nisha showcasing his love for the profession. Through strong dance choreography, Chopra manufactures music sequences that are truly compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It provides the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that dancers in competition bear. Through bold production, Chopra demonstrates struggles of dancers in a competition.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Dil to Pagal Hai” is a romantic film which is engaging. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture lovers in romantic relationships. Evoking “Kabhi Kabhie”, Chopra effectively uses monologues to capture dancers that are in doomed relationships that experience adversity. For instance, monologues elevate the confession scene. During this heartfelt scene, Rahul expresses his love for Nisha by a dramatic monologue. Through captivating monologues, Chopra creates a portrait of a dancer that audiences can easily relate to. Dramatic monologues are tricky techniques to use in films. As Farah Khan’s “Om Shanti Om” suggested, monologues elevate Indian movies about reincarnation. Nevertheless, it works tremendously. Through a captivating screenplay, Chopra captures dancers which love to play.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Akshay Kumar delivers one of his greatest performances as Ajay. Kumar achieved appreciation for playing comical heroes in Bollywood comedies. With “Dil to Pagal Hai”, however, he took on his most romantic role. It isn’t easy to portray a young man seeking romantic relationships that cause tragedy but he succeeds immensely. This is the star unlike you have ever seen him before: bold, heartfelt and hilarious in his most charming role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentments faced by a man seeking romantic relations. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actors in India.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Kumar, the supporting cast is also terrific and worthy of recognition. Shah Rukh Khan is spectacular, bringing charisma to a bold dancer torn between his love for two women he has grown to treasure. Karisma Kapoor is captivating, bringing an air of intensity to a competitive dancer that faces a frightening dilemma. Lastly, Madhuri Dixit is worthy of appreciation. As a lovesick woman, she is unforgettable.
Finally, “Dil to Pagal Hai” would earn the appreciation of everyone for celebrating romantic relationships today. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles bold themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including ambition, mental health and grief which would resonate amongst everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of dance to appreciate it. Therefore, “Dil to Pagal Hai” is one of those rare Bollywood movies everyone will adore.
Fans of Akshay Kumar will absolutely love “Dil to Pagal Hai” and so would audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting Bollywood romantic drama, it celebrates an actor with charisma.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood film about bold dancers that are romantic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an iconic actor that has built a strong legacy through his abilities to play charismatic characters in timeless movies that have never lost ability to captivate the public.
5/5 stars
