I saw RDBDJ twice. The second time was because I had to choose between Ghajini and RDBDJ as I had some relatives. RDBDJ was an easy choice over Ghajini. Would love to see a light, romantic movie rather than a 1980’s action type retrograde movie like Ghajini
I went to RDBDJ the first time even after reading negative reviews. I was confident that Chopra formula, which has worked so well in the past, will take some more time to die down. Aditya and Karan have made billions selling Punjabi culture, foot tapping songs, amazing locations, chiffon clad heroines and connection with either God, or Country or the Heart.
This time too, Aditya Chopra narrates a superb story. It is fun from the moment it starts and keeps us glued to the screens. Although, Shahrukh looks ugly, not the getup but overall his face looks old. I think the primary cause of this could be stress, too many cigarettes, steroids which he must have taken for creating his 6 packs etc. Whatever may be the case, he is likable. He does a phenomenal job to get into the character and maintains that bearing through the movie. Anoushka Sharma is also a very good find. She has a good personality, acts well, most importantly has the ability to deliver dialogues in clear hindi and handles a complex character with ease.
About the portrayal of 2 roles/personalities criticism, my take is that the two characters looks very different and it would have been tough to recognize. You also need to discount it a little considering the director’s point of view. Second, I believe anyone who has seen the movie Mask(English) would have also seen the way Jim Carrey changes and does every wild thing possible after wearing the mask. Somewhere, in our own personal lives too, we tend to compromise, not do many things due to several fears/compulsions and when we get an opportunity, we tend to ease out and be ourselves. This facet exists in all of us and has been highlighted beautifully.
The best part of the movie and one of the strongest contenders for the Best Supporting Actor role this year is VInay Pathak for his potrayal of Shahrukh’s friend Bobby. A nut with very limited IQ but great skills at hair/makeup transforms Shahrukh completely. You are left with wanting to see/hear him more.
This movie will definetly appeal to all but there is a word of caution for the Chopra’s. First, Punjabi culture is not the only culture in India. By constantly dishing out the same old things again and again and using "Soniya", "Mahiya", "Dildara" etc, it is becoming too much cliche now. In that sense I would rate Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ashutosh Gowarikar far far higher as they atleast tackle different issues and also cultures. Look at Sanjay, he has potrayed Gujarati, Goan, Bengali, Muslim culture with ease and equal effectives. This is what India is all about. Aditya needs to do his next in a completely different setting, trying to narrate the same story but in a separate culture, that will test him and I am confident it will succeed.
RDBDJ is an excellent movie. It is a must watch for all people who likes stories told with utmost honesty and form the heart. Aditya Chopra is a very talented director and needs to do more for all of us to believe that he is truly the best amongst the rest.
Even “Rab” wants Aditya to shed his inhibitions and handle a love story in a atypical setting….that will be his true test.