Movie Review

Story: Rancho, Raju and Farhan enter the elite engineering college, only to
learn lessons of life that cannot be taught through books and classrooms.
Principal Viru Sahastrabuddhe is no help at all.

3 Idiots is the perfect end to an exciting year for India: the year when the
aam aadmi voted in progress, liberalism, secularism and turned his back to
corruption, communalism, regionalism. The three idiots, Rancchoddas
Shyamaldas Chanchad (Aamir Khan), Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi) and
Farhan Qureshi (R Madhavan), are perfect archetypes of the new age Indian
who is essentially a non-conformist, questioning outmoded givens, choosing to
live life on his own terms and chartering new roads that consciously skirt the
rat race. Of course, they begin on the beaten track – due to societal/parental
pressure – but refuse to become cogs in the wheel. Naturally, they end up as
the Frostian hero (Robert Frost’s Road Not Taken) who made all the difference
to his life, and the world, by taking the road less travelled by.

The story is about two friends Farhan (Madhavan) and Raju (Sharman)
who on getting a clue on the whereabouts of their college friend, Rancho
(Aamir), start a quest to find him. Rancho in his college days was an
exceptional, but curious kid, who questions the way education has been
taught. His two best friends Farhan and Raju follow his ideals half-heartedly,
only to come under the bad books of the dean Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman
Irani). To everyone’s amazement, amidst his crankiness and naughty college
mischief, Rancho always comes first in his exams. His exemplary friendship,
love and naughtiness make him a hero amongst his friends and also to the
daughter of Viru Sahastrabudhhe, Pia (Kareena Kapoor). Rancho helps his
friends to achieve what they dream of, but disappears mysteriously after
getting his degree. Why does Rancho run away? What’s behind the mystery?
Will Pia get Rancho? Will the two idiots find the third?

The film begins with the entry of our threesome in the city’s elite
engineering college. It takes the first tryst with the mandatory ragging sessions
which enunciate who the leader of the gang is going to be: new entrant Baba
Rancchoddas, as his friends fondly call him. Rancho not only leads his friends
through the maze of India’s competitive, high-pressure, rote-heavy, illogical
and almost cruel education system, he tutors them on several life mantras too.
Like, running after excellence, not success; questioning not blindly accepting
givens; inventing and experimenting in lieu of copying and cramming; and
essentially following your heart’s calling if you truly want to make a difference.

So, you have the threesome embroiled, time and again, in a confrontation
with authority, as represented through the domineering figure of Viru
Sahastrabuddhe (Boman Irani), the unsmiling Principal who venerates the
cuckoo because the bird’s life begins with murder. Kill the competition,
because there is only one place at the top, believes the Princi. Poor, mistaken
Princi! Doesn’t he know that competition is effete, model students like Chatur
(Omi) end up as duhs in real life and non-conformists (Rancho and Rocket
Singh Inc), who care tuppence about being on top, could end up as eventual
winners. More importantly, they could be high not only in IQ (intelligence
quotient) but in EQ (emotional quotient) too, never losing their humaneness
and social networking skills.

The high point of the film is the fact that director Rajkumar Hirani says
so much, and more, without losing his sense of humour and the sheer
lightness of being. The film is a laugh riot, despite being high on fundas.
Certain sequences almost have you rolling in the aisle, like the ragging
sequence, Omi’s chamatkar/balatkar speech, the threesome’s wedding crasher
sequence, their mournful meal with Raju’s mournful mum and Rancho’s
sundry demos to prove how Kareena has chosen the wrong guy for herself. Add
to this, the strong emotional core of the film that makes gentle tugs, now and
then, at your guts, and you have an almost perfect score. Hirani carries
forward his simplistic `humanism alone works’ philosophy of the Lage Raho
Munnabhai series in 3 Idiots too, making it a warm and vivacious signature
tune to 2009. The second half of the film does falter in parts, specially the child
birth sequence, but it doesn’t take long for the film to jump back on track.

Every single person behind the camera has enjoyed what they have done
and that shows clearly in the final product. Whether it is the DOP
C.K.Muraleedharan, or the music director Shantanu Moitra, or the editor
Ranjeet Bahadur or Dialogue writer Abhijit Joshi (the last two sharing their
credits with the director), all have done a spectacular job.
 It’s been quite a while since we saw the entire theatre clapping, laughing
aloud and whistling with you. It’s a complete theatre going experience. 3 Idiots
is easily going to be the number one movie for quite a while at the box-office
and can very well be the number one movie of the year. Hirani manages to give
an excellent entertainer with a subtle message one more time.

Amongst the performances, Aamir Khan is stupendous as the rule-

breaker Rancho. But the rest of the cast doesn’t remain in the shadows. Both
Sharman and Madhavan manage to carve their independent characters as
lovable rebels too. Even Kareena shines out, despite the minuscule length of
her role. A special mention for Boman Irani who is impeccable as `Virus’, the
vile Principal and newcomer Omi who perfectly slips into the stereotype of the
best, albeit bakwas student. Shantanu Moitra’s music score, which may have
sounded pheeka in the audio version, comes alive on screen with lyricist
Swanand Kirkire giving India its clarion call for 2010: Aal Izz Well. Rush for it.
A. What is the main point of the critique?

The main point of the critique for the film ‘The Three Idiots’ is all about
how wonderful and fascinating the movie to watch because it portrays different
scenarios that can be helpful and can be an eye-opener to individuals such as
parents, teachers and especially students. It shows how life has its ups and
downs. That it gives us the chance to realize that life is really difficult but if you
enjoy it and got the opportunity to look on the brighter side of it, you can see
how wonderful this life would be. It shows the idea about how the education
system in schools sometimes brings the pressure to people to do something
that cannot be reached by their levels or capabilities. Also, it focuses to the
point that grades or academic performance is what the society prioritizes than
the opportunities that come up on their way. It is like that no matter what their
goals are, they all struggle with a tremendous amount of stress and pressure.
But somehow the movie shows that having a strong support network to fall
back on when times get tough at school or in real life is critical to staying
upbeat and maintaining a big picture perspective. Friends can be the best
people to relieve their stress, but they can also be the reason behind the stress.
It shows that people should choose a friend that will be positive and supportive
when the going gets tough. Having a good group of friends at can help us to
maintain a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. Overall, it is a movie with a message
without losing its sense of humor, it is a movie about friendship and love, a
movie about flawed education system, and a movie about unhealthy
competition.
B. Which part of the review do you agree on? Why?

I agree on the part which talks about how rancho becomes the hero of
everyone. Because in the movie it shows that even though he is like the easy go
lucky type of person he still manage to bring joy and enlightenment to the
people around him. The part which says that Rancho do not only lead his
friends through the maze of India’s competitive, high-pressure, rote-heavy,
illogical and almost cruel education system, but also he tutors them on several
life mantras too is what I agreed the most. He is the main character of the
movie who is the irrepressible free-thinker and unique on his own way type of
guy who can change someone’s perspective about life. He always goes
overboard to the idea that we should follow our dreams and heart. Rancho is
also an optimistic and passionate kind of person. And his different philosophy
is one of the driving forces of the movie which can be seen in a lot of occasions
where the outcome seems to be no other than bad. Overall, I agree on the part
that tells how amazing the Great Ranchoddas is in every aspect.
 Explain why the film is philosophical

Film is increasingly used to introduce and discuss key topics and problems
in philosophy, whilst some films raise important philosophical questions of
their own. I believe that through this philosophical film, it can teach us things
that we can able to apply in real life. That these kinds of film like ‘3 Idiots’ can
share a story that we can able to practice sympathy and tolerance through
imaginatively engaging with characters. It is also a source of moral education.
Like what Dr Laura D’Olimpio said that if contemporary films depict diverse
narratives instead of constructing a homogenous picture of social reality, then
audiences are encouraged to think critically. If viewers are thinking critically,
this alleviates fears of a passive mass unthinkingly consuming the hidden
messages portrayed in mass art. After critically assessing the aesthetic, ethical,
economic and political judgements in film, viewers may be able to translate this
skill into a greater awareness of the messages that constantly surround them
in everyday life.

This film entitled ‘The Three Idiots” is philosophical because it shows

different ideas that can be relevant to our everyday life. It talks about passions,
purposes and dreams. First, it teaches us that we should not run behind the
success and we should achieve excellence first, because the success will
automatically come looking for us. Because if people strive for success, it won’t
last long but if you seek for excellence, everything will go on your way. Second,
it teaches us that every individual has unique characteristics of satisfying their
urges and it differs from individual to individual. We should select our career
which is highly compatible with our happiness and passion. The career, which
is compatible with our passion, will act as a source of pleasure or joy and thus,
we start to allocate unlimited time in performing it and get ranked as the best
performers. Third, it teaches us to think positively or like what Rancho always
tell ‘Aal izz well’. A person who thinks positively are more likely have the ability
to plan ahead and think of actions they would like to take or activities they’d
like to participate in the future. Also a positive person anticipates happiness,
health and success, and believes he or she can overcome any obstacle and
difficulty while negative emotions and thinking can really affect us: because it
can narrow our focus and scope of work. Fourth, it leaves us a message that
we should ignore others. Ignore the things that people may think or say
negatively to us. That we should not let anybody steal our moment to shine.
Like It doesn't matter what our circumstances are at the present moment. We
should think positively and move on to the past, expect only favorable results
and situations because circumstances will change accordingly. And last, it
teaches us the idea that we should do whatever we love. It somehow shows that
we should know how to listen to our heart, to not be afraid to dream and
pursue that dream, to focus on today and not scared of the future, to have
courage to hold on what we believe in, to tell what we want to our parents in a
good, polite way, without yelling or threatening them.
 Basic Information

A. Plot

The film begins with the entry of three students named Raju, Farhan and
Rancho who share a room in a hostel at the Imperial College of Engineering,
one of the best colleges in India. Then they face mandatory ragging session in
hosted by senior student handle the situation very smartly.

Rancho always believes in his heart and likes to study experimentally. He

always tells his friends not to learn by memory, to learn by heart and
experimentally. On the other hand, Chatur always keeps himself busy with
study from book. So, his class performance is better than Rancho. Chatur
studies only for better grade and better future but Rancho studies to earn
knowledge and give something to people.

The dean of Imperial College of Engineering Professor Virus always tries

to put pressure to his students and tells them to study hard for better grade
and build up their career. From this view, Chatur becomes the favorite student
of Virus. Virus tells Rancho’s friends to keep distance from rancho but his
attempts become fail to do this. Virus labels Rancho and his friends as ‘idiots’.

Rancho proposes to Virus’ daughter named Pia. They go to Virus house

and make fun. Virus see Raju and call him to the offce in the next day. The
next day, Virus threatens to expel Raju unless he squeals on Rancho. Raju
cant handle this situation and jumps from the third floor of the building.
Rancho and Farhan try their best to recover Raju. Raju takes an unexpected
approach for an interview for a corporate job and farhan decides to pursue his
love of photography.

When Raju confirmed his job, Virus decided to make the final exam as
hard as possible so that Raju is unable to graduate. Pia can’t take it easy, so
she steals Virus’ office key and give that to Rancho. Virus get this matter and
expel Rancho with his friends. Meanwhile, Pia’s elder sister who is pregnant
goes into labor. A heavy rain storm cuts all power and traffic. Then she
instructs Rancho to deliver the baby in the college common room via VIOP.
When the baby born, it doesn’t make any sound of cry. Then Rancho
resuscitates the baby. After that, Virus realizes his mistake and gives the
‘Astronaut Pen’, the symbol of excellence to Rancho. He also allowed them to
take the final exam.

There story is framed as intermittent flashbacks from the present day,

ten years after Chatur promised to become more successful than Rancho. But
Rancho make a distance with his friends after final exam where he becomes
the student of year. Ten years later, Farhan and Raju with Chatur find their
friend Rancho as a scientist where his real name is Phunsukh Wangdu.
Actually, Chatur’s business company is under contarct with the scientist
Wangdu. Then, Chatur realized his fault and accepted his defeat that Rancho
will be the best.
B. Themes

The movie represents a real story of our society. The main theme of the
movie is “Learn anything by heart to achieve highest level of the goal”. It
emphasizes the idea that success is just a by-product of the pursuit of
excellence through continuing improvement and that success should not be
chased because it happens automatically in life geared towards excellence. But
then, it also tells us that people must not be afraid to fail and must not be
terrified of going out of their comfort zones and pushing their boundaries to the
limits to achieve our ultimate goal and dreams in life.

Also, it focuses on our ordinary education system. That it shows that the
education methodology does not allow one to learn but rather in mugging up
the subject in order to be successful or get good marks. It is more of a kind of
training then education. For this reason, inventions, new thoughts and
creativity has no relation or no use with regards to have good grades because
the curriculum does not require such thing. They just follow a certain
procedures or steps to attain and share knowledge and keep on disregarding
the process of understanding. In this movie, Chatur is the symbolism of a type
of student who memorize everything to gain a good grade while Rancho is the
symbolism of a type of student who seeks new information and knowledge by
heart and understanding and absorbing things.
C. Characters

 Rancho
He completed his graduation from Imperial College of Engineering
and make distance from his friends. Have his own unique way to show
how intelligent and brilliant he was to be successful and content in life.
He fought against the wrong system of teaching and was often punished
for this. But finally he achieved the highest level of success and became a
scientist.

 Farhan
He is one of the ‘idiots’, a friend of Rancho. He always get low
grades and have a poor performance in Imperial College Of Engineering
because he is not into engineering. He is from a classic middle family
wherein his father wants him to pursue this track. But because of the
moments being with the great Rancho, he realized that he must follow
his heart and passion- as a wildlife photographer.

 Raju
He is one of the ‘idiots’ and a friend of Rancho. He came from a
poor family and wanted to be an engineer to improve their condition. He
is a guy who is into using charms and amulets because he believed that
through those things he can able to achieve his dreams. He also gets low
 grade and have poor school performance. But due to Rancho’s incredible
charm, he finally see the brighter side of his life and achieve his goal as
being part of a corporate company.

 Dr. Virus
He was the Director of the Imperial College of Engineering. He was
strict and rude in his character. He was highly competitive too in giving a
lot of expectations and demands to each student. He put huge pressure
to achieve better to his student to get better career

 Chatur
He was known as the ‘Silencer’ because every time he reviews his
lesson, he farts silently. He is the type of guy of is keeping himself busy
studying and memorizing a whole book to have a better grade. He was
the ideal student of Dr. Virus

 Pia
She is youngest daughter of Virus who fall in love with Rancho’s
awesomeness. She is mad at first with Rancho because he and his friend
gatecrash to her sister’s wedding and meddle with his fiancé and father.
But later on, she sees the real Rancho and falls in love with him. She is a
nurse.