Writer/Director: Aditya Chopra
Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Amrish Puri
‘A Captivating Classic’
Few actors in Bollywood created a legacy as powerful as Amrish Puri. Following his stardom during the 1980’s, Puri turned into one of the best actors in the Indian film industry. Whether it’s strict fathers, evil villains or strong heroes, Puri portrayed several characters throughout his illustrious career. However, in 2004 Puri’s career was cut tragically short when he died from Cancer. Puri’s devastating death was a huge shock for the Indian film industry. It was devastating to lose an actor that had built a legacy which was lasting. In the wake of his heartbreaking death, Puri left behind a lasting legacy. Considered to be an iconic legend in India, Puri has stood the test of time as an icon of Indian Cinema. Following his tragic death, Puri left behind a lasting legacy by making movies that are enduring. Throughout his long-lasting career, Puri created several memorable movies which are absolutely without any doubt worth seeing.
I’m a huge fan of Puri and admire all the films he made throughout his career. However, my personal favourite film is “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge”. Ever since its release in 1995, Shah Rukh Khan’s movie has stood the test of time as an iconic classic. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and amazing acting, it’s one of the best Bollywood films ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Amrish Puri, who embodies a strict father forbidding a daughter from getting married. Ultimately, the film delivers a powerful message about marriage that would definitely resonate with everyone. Despite its focus upon an Indian couple falling in love, the film tackles universal themes that everyone would be able to relate to. A mesmerizing Indian masterpiece about romance, there are many reasons why “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge” is a movie that is worth watching.
“Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge” tells a story of an Indian couple that falls in love with a price to pay. Kajol depicts Simran, a young woman that seeks to find love. Simran is the young daughter of Chaudhary Baldev Singh (Amrish Puri), an irritable man that has bold values. Singh’s strict adherence toward rule prevent his daughter from finding love in her life. However, Simran’s life forever changes when she falls in love with Raj (Shah Rukh Khan). A mischievous boy that finds joy with breaking rules, Raj motivates Simran to look at the world from a positive point-of-view. It doesn’t take long before the pair fall madly in love. Simran plans to elope with Raj but her parent’s expectations soon threaten to destroy her dream forever. Singh’s extreme expectations for his daughter conflict with Raj’s mischievous behaviour. As the pair of lovers face a dilemma, they question if it’s possible to any longer pursue a romantic relationship in India.
Aditya Chopra is a newcomer toward stories of romance. Before he had directed “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge”, Chopra had seldom made a movie in the romance genre before. It was Chopra’s first attempt to capture the lives of lovers that are torn apart by barriers but he succeeded immensely. Through bold cinematography, Chopra captures the bond between a pair of star-crossed lovers which search for prosperity. Visually, the movie is a stunning feast for the eyes. Chopra’s choice to shoot the film in locations across Europe pays off immensely. Chopra effectively uses European locations to capture strong bonds among two lovers embarking on vacations. For instance, the locations of Europe elevate the Tujhe Dekha Toh musical scene. During this engaging scene, Raj and Simran bond together through spending s time in Europe. Through using authentic European locales, Chopra creates a realistic romance between a couple which audiences can easily relate to. European locations are complicated to use in Bollywood movies. Most Indian films are shot in Indian locales. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Chopra captures the strong bonds between a pair of lovers that are torn apart by tragic situations which are challenging.
Another aspect of “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge” worth discussing is production-design. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Chopra deftly stages memorable musical sequences that showcase powerful bonds between lovers. In Bollywood, most movies are driven with meaningless musical sequences. Musical sequences are often nothing more than a distraction from story. Thankfully, however, “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge” avoids the pitfalls. Chopra expertly uses choreography to craft music sequences that are engaging. For instance, the musical sequences elevate the “Mehndi Laga Key Rakhna” song. During this scene, Raj and Simran bond together by dancing at a wedding. Through the musical sequences, Chopra creates powerful bonds between lovers which audiences can easily identify with. Moreover, the musical score is fantastic. Jatin-Lalit’s music is essential to the success of the movie. The music gives the film a romantic atmosphere capturing a painful burden which lovers bear. Through commemorated production design, Chopra captures strong bonds between lovers that shine.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge” is a classic Bollywood film which is compelling. The film is well-written, and expertly uses symbolism that captures the barriers which tear a pair of lovers apart. Chopra’s best strength as a screenwriter is abilities to capture the bonds among lovers through the use of symbolism. Throughout the movie, the train becomes a powerful symbol of the bond between a pair of lovers. The train becomes a place where Raj and Simran bond together by beginning a relationship. For instance, the symbolism of the train elevates the train scene. During this memorable scene, Raj and Simran meet for the first time on a train where they begin their romantic relationship. It’s hard to not appreciate the strong symbolism of the train which showcases the strong bond of lovers. Symbolism is a complex technique to use in Bollywood movies. As Ashutosh Gowariker’s “Swades” suggested, symbolism is suited to Bollywood movies about homelands. Aamir Khan’s “Taare Zameen Par” demonstrated that symbolism is suited for movies about disabilities. Nevertheless, it works expertly in this movie. Through a strong screenplay, Chopra captures lovers that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Amrish Puri delivers one of his best career performances as Chaudhry Baldev Singh. Puri achieved appreciation for portraying villainous men in classic Bollywood. With “Dilwale Dulhania Ley Jayenge”, however, Puri took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray an authoritative father that seeks to care for a broken family but Puri succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: bold, intense and menacing in his most charming role. With riveting expressions, Puri conveys the angst, bravery and resentments faced by a father seeking to care for children that face tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most iconic actors working in India today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Puri, the supporting cast is also superb. Shah Rukh Khan is spectacular, capturing charisma of a young man that falls in love with a newly wed woman that faces a huge dilemma. Kajol is captivating, pouring both her heart and soul into a woman whose life spirals out of control. Lastly, Anupam Kher is amazing. As Raj’s father, he brings hilarious comical relief.
Finally, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” is a film that will blow everyone away through its depiction of romance in India today. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles themes everyone would be able to relate to. The film discusses universal themes such as identity, romance and social class that resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be from India to appreciate the movie. It delivers a universal message that would strike a chord with everyone that has fallen in love with a crush at an early age. Therefore, “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” is one of those rare Bollywood movies everyone would adore.
Fans of Amrish Puri will definitely appreciate “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” and so will movie-goers seeking heartwarming entertainment. A fantastic Indian masterpiece, it celebrates a terrific actress that has built a legacy in Bollywood that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking Bollywood film about star-crossed lovers coming from differing social backgrounds forming romantic relationships that are long-lasting, it’s a riveting reminder of an Indian actor that has established an enduring legacy gaining a big fan following through his abilities to portray fascinating characters that are compelling in engaging movies that are definitely without any doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
