Most of the Bollywood movies are not made for the logically thinking people or for those who look for logic in the movies they watch. People go for enjoyment ranging from 2 to 3 hours while watching the movie irrespective of whatever being shown on the screen contains any logic or not. Such movies, when well made and presented in a good manner, become successful also. One such movie is Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai(1998) which was a blockbuster when released. Reason? Despite showing a totally illogical story on the screen the movie, due to its good direction and music appeal, went on to become one of the all time commercially successful movies of Bollywood. A 26 years old youth named as Karan Johar made his directorial debut with this movie.
The story starts(in flash back) with college life enjoyment and romance. The hero is Rahul(Shah Rukh Khan) who despite being in his thirties, does not look bad as a college student. There is a love triangle involving himself, Anjali(Kajol) and Tina(Rani Mukherjee). Anjali is his best friend but her sentiments for him go one step further and she starts loving him. But the problem is that Rahul falls in love with Tina who despite sensing Anjalis love for him, also falls in love with him. Now Anjali has to remove herself from the middle of these two and pave the path for their union. That also happens.
Nine years pass. During this period, Tina passes away(due to some illness) after giving birth to a baby girl. Before her death, she had written 8 letters for her daughter(Baby Sana Saeed) which Rahul had to give one by one on each birthday of the baby. In the eighth letter, Tina tells her daughter about the love of Anjali for Rahul and requests her to bring Anjali back in her fathers life. The remaining part of the story goes in the efforts of the girl and her grandma(Farida Jalal) to locate Anjali and bring her back in Rahuls life despite the fact that Anjali is engaged to Aman(Salmaan Khan).
The movie after the initial reels, has a completely predictable story. And this predictable story is thoroughly illogical too. Director Karan Johar who is also the writer of the story, sends logic for a toss in the beginning itself. Tina had written eight letters in one go only(before her demise) and asked her husband to give one each on every birthday of her daughter. Did she not know that her daughter will take some years in learning how to read? And how did she expect her eight years old daughter to understand romantic male-female relationship so that she could rush to unite Anjali with her father? And how did she know that Anjali wouldnt marry during this nine years period? The climax also does not stand to logic.
But while watching the movie(in theatre), I forgot to ponder over all these things and simply enjoyed it. Why? Because its enjoyable. The melodious songs are the icing on the cake(of college life friendship and romance plus the mature age romance post nine years). The romance of Rahul and Tina as well as the one sided feelings of Anjali seem real. Nine years on, the feelings of Rahul for Anjali(now not as a friend but as a beau) also seem real. Then there are songs and dances plus a bearable comedy of Johnny Lever. The film does not bore even for a minute. It fully entertains for three hours. And thats what Indian moviegoers go for.
In(not only in Karan Johars movies but also in most of the Bollywood movies) Indian movies, romance is the most important thing that takes place in colleges and study is the only thing that doesnt take place at all. So why to look for the students studying or preparing for the exams? Lets enjoy their teasing, talking, singing, playing games and romancing. Thats what the maker of this movie expects his audience to do. And that only should be done if we have to enjoy this movie which is enjoyable to the hilt. From the very first scene to the very last scene, the movie keeps the spectator glued to the screen provided he does not trouble his brains.
Jatin-Lalits music is a very big highlight of this movie. All the songs are melodious(and meaningful too). The songs have been picturized also very well. Thus they are not only good to ears but also good to eyes. The movie is a lavish one and a lot of scenes are eye-soothing courtesy the beautiful locations and the brilliant cinematography. Dialogues(written by Karan Johar himself) are also good. All the technical aspects are up to the mark and according to the repute of the production house(Dharma Productions).
Performance wise talking, all the lead actors alongwith the supporting cast and the child artistes have done well. Shah Rukh Khan appears quite charming when paired with both Kajol and Rani Mukherjee. Child artist Sana Saeed plus Farida Jalal as the heros mother have also been successful in winning heart of the audience.
Summing up, its a movie which entertains as well as charms with its romantic appeal. It has a repeat value, i.e., it can be seen many times. The only thing to remember is that you have to avoid using your brains while watching it.
Copyrights reserved